Cryptocurrency Laws in Turkey: Complete 2026 Guide
⚠️ RestrictedIs Cryptocurrency Legal in Turkey?
Turkey has one of the highest crypto adoption rates globally — a consequence of years of high inflation and currency volatility that have driven Turks toward Bitcoin and stablecoins as a store of value. Trading and holding cryptocurrency are legal, but the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT) prohibited use of cryptocurrency for payments in April 2021. The Capital Markets Board (CMB) and the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) handle other regulatory aspects.
In June 2024 Turkey enacted Law No. 7518, the first comprehensive crypto-asset law in the country, establishing licensing requirements for crypto service providers. The Turkish Capital Markets Board became the principal regulator. The framework introduces capital, operational, AML, and consumer-protection requirements.
Regulatory Framework
Under Law No. 7518 (June 2024), crypto-asset service providers must be authorised by the CMB. Existing exchanges had a transition period to file applications. The framework covers exchange, custody, listing, marketing, and certain advisory activities. Stablecoin-specific rules and detailed conduct requirements are being developed via secondary regulation.
Crypto Exchanges in Turkey
Domestic exchanges include BTCTurk, Paribu, Bitexen, and Binance TR. Global platforms accessible to Turkish users (with varying degrees of compliance) include Binance, Bybit, OKX, and KuCoin. Following Law No. 7518 the previously informal market is being progressively brought into the CMB licensing perimeter.
Turkey Crypto Regulatory Timeline
CBRT prohibits crypto-as-payment effective April 2021.
AML/KYC requirements extended to crypto exchanges.
Law No. 7518 enacted — comprehensive crypto licensing regime.
CMB secondary regulations rolled out; existing exchanges file authorisation applications.
Stablecoin rules and detailed conduct requirements finalised.
Crypto Taxes in Turkey — Summary
Turkey does not currently impose a specific crypto-asset tax. Personal crypto gains are not subject to a dedicated tax under current law. However, the Ministry of Finance has periodically discussed introducing crypto taxation; consultations have continued through 2024–25. The general income tax law applies to commercial-scale crypto activity at progressive rates up to 40%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is crypto banned in Turkey?
No. Trading and holding are legal. Using crypto as a means of payment is prohibited under the CBRT 2021 regulation, but personal investment activity is permitted.
Is Binance legal in Turkey?
Yes — Binance TR operates as a Turkish-licensed entity. Turkish users can access most Binance products.
Will Turkey tax crypto?
No dedicated crypto tax exists as of May 2026. The Ministry of Finance has periodically discussed introducing one but no enactment has occurred. Consult a Turkish tax adviser as the position may change.
Sources & References
- Capital Markets Board of Turkey
- Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey
- Law No. 7518 — Crypto-asset law (June 2024)