Turkmenistan Approves Law Legalizing Crypto Mining and Trading from 2026

Highlights:

• Turkmenistan will allow crypto mining and trading under clear rules starting in 2026.
• Exchanges must get licenses and follow strict identity checks and advertising controls nationwide.
• The country joins regional neighbors, creating clearer crypto systems with stronger monitoring and safety rules.

Turkmenistan has passed a new law allowing crypto mining and digital coin trading starting January 1, 2026. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed it after long internal discussions, Business Turkmenistan reported on November 28. The law explains how virtual coins can be created, stored, and traded. It also says digital coins cannot be used to make payments. All activities must follow Turkmenistan’s civil laws.

This step places Turkmenistan alongside other Central Asian countries, establishing regulated crypto markets. The law guides companies on how to enter the market and specifies the rules they must follow. It aims to bring order to a sector that previously lacked a clear national policy.

Turkmenistan has passed a new law legalizing and regulating digital assets, introducing licensing for crypto exchanges and mining companies. The framework will be effective on Jan 1, 2026 and aims to attract investment and support economic diversification, according to government…

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) November 28, 2025

Officials said that both entrepreneurs and registered companies can mine cryptocurrencies if they follow the new rules. These rules include equipment registration, wallet checks, and meeting strict technical and fire-safety standards. The law also places a full ban on hidden mining or using unauthorized hardware for power.

Licensing Rules for Exchanges Begin in 2026

Crypto exchanges operating in Turkmenistan must obtain a license from the national monetary authority. They can open client wallets only after completing full identity verification in line with anti-money-laundering regulations. All other virtual-asset service providers in the country must follow the same requirements.

Authorities will strictly regulate advertising in this sector. Every ad must include a warning about possible financial losses and cannot feature minors. Officials will prohibit promotions that promise quick or guaranteed profits. Marketing materials must clearly state that the government does not back digital coins and takes no responsibility for their value.

The law also adds strict naming rules. Crypto exchanges, issuers, and miners cannot use words like “Turkmenistan,” “Turkmen,” “Turkmeni,” “state,” or “national” in their brand names. This is meant to avoid any confusion that a project is supported by the government.

Regional Progress and Turkmenistan’s Detailed Crypto Framework

Several Central Asian countries have already taken steps toward clearer crypto rules. Kazakhstan passed a law in early November allowing the circulation of decentralized coins and relaxing earlier limits on mining. In the same month, Kyrgyzstan allowed banks to open escrow accounts for crypto deals and launched a gold-backed token linked to the U.S. dollar called USDKG.

According to Bloomberg, Kazakhstan is establishing a national cryptocurrency reserve fund worth between $500 million and $1 billion, partly using assets seized or repatriated from abroad. The fund will invest in ETFs and crypto-related companies, avoiding direct crypto exposure,…

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) November 7, 2025

Turkmenistan’s new law is similar to Russia’s system, which officially recognized crypto mining last year. However, Russia has faced low miner registration numbers even after setting up its process through the Federal Tax Service. In comparison, Turkmenistan’s plan appears more detailed from the beginning.

All mining applicants in Turkmenistan will send electronic forms to the Central Bank of Turkmenistan. After approval, they will receive a certificate with no expiry date, allowing them to operate long-term. This certification, along with equipment registration and local safety rules, forms the main part of the government’s monitoring system.