Cryptocurrency Laws in Egypt: Complete 2026 Guide

Is Cryptocurrency Legal in Egypt?

Egypt prohibits cryptocurrency trading and use under current law. The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has consistently warned that crypto trading is prohibited. The CBE's position is reinforced by a fatwa issued by Egypt's Grand Mufti in 2018 declaring cryptocurrency haram (forbidden under Islamic law). Personal possession is not explicitly criminalised but operating exchanges or facilitating crypto transactions can attract criminal penalties.

Egypt's 2020 banking law (Law No. 194 of 2020) explicitly prohibits issuing, trading, promoting, or operating platforms for cryptocurrencies without a licence from the Central Bank — which has not been granted. The Egyptian Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) handles securities-related supervision; the Anti-Money Laundering Unit pursues crypto-related criminal activity.

Regulatory Framework

Egyptian law currently requires a CBE licence to operate any crypto-related business activity. No such licence has been issued as of 2026. Penalties for unlicensed crypto activity include heavy fines (up to EGP 10 million) and imprisonment. Religious authorities continue to view crypto unfavourably.

Crypto Exchanges in Egypt

No CBE-licensed crypto exchange operates in Egypt. Egyptian users who access offshore platforms do so outside the legal framework and assume significant legal risk. Banking integration with crypto exchanges is not available.

Egypt Crypto Regulatory Timeline

Crypto Taxes in Egypt — Summary

Given the prohibition, no formal crypto tax framework exists. Any crypto-related income, if disclosed, would be taxed as ordinary income at progressive rates (up to 27.5%). Personal possession of crypto is not in itself a tax event but the underlying activity may attract legal consequences beyond tax.

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