Is crypto legal in Algeria?

No, crypto is not legal in Algeria. The country banned virtual currencies in 2018 and in July 2025 turned that ban into a criminal offence with prison terms. As of October 2026, Algeria has one of the most complete crypto bans in the world, covering ownership, trading and mining.

Is bitcoin legal in Algeria?

No. Article 117 of the Finance Law for 2018 (Law No. 17-11), in force from January 1, 2018, prohibits the purchase, sale, use and possession of virtual currencies. This is why a 2021 Library of Congress survey, reported by Decrypt, listed Algeria among nine countries with an absolute crypto ban, alongside Nepal and Qatar. Simply holding bitcoin or the stablecoin tether (USDT) is treated as an offence, according to Algerian outlet Algerie360.

What does the Algeria crypto law of 2025 say?

Law 25-10 was published in Official Journal No. 48 on July 24, 2025. It amends Law 05-01 of 2005 on preventing money laundering and terrorist financing by adding a section on virtual assets.

A new Article 6 bis bans:

• issuing virtual assets of any kind
• buying, selling or holding them
• using them as a means of payment or investment
• promoting or advertising them
• creating or running exchange platforms or linked electronic wallets

Under a new Article 31 bis, breaking these rules can bring two months to one year in prison, a fine of 200,000 to 1,000,000 Algerian dinars, or both. Zigram notes that penalties can be much higher when offences involve organised crime, money laundering or terrorist financing. The government cited risks such as volatility, fraud, illicit finance and tax evasion.

Is crypto mining legal in Algeria?

No. French crypto outlet Cryptoast quoted the law as extending the ban to activities linked to crypto mining, and said off-grid mining that had grown in the south was a target. This matches the is crypto mining legal guide, which notes that countries with total bans effectively ban mining too.

Why did Algeria tighten its crypto ban?

Officials framed the law as an anti-money laundering measure. Cryptoast reported that Algeria was on the Financial Action Task Force grey list at the time, and that the government hoped the ban would help it leave the list. The same report noted that authorities were also concerned about people using VPNs to reach foreign exchanges such as Binance. Neighbouring Morocco is instead drafting a licensing law, covered in is crypto legal in Morocco. For a global overview, see is cryptocurrency legal.

Laws differ by country and change often. Check local regulators or a qualified professional for your own situation.