Is crypto legal in Armenia?

Crypto is legal in Armenia as of October 2026. Owning and trading it is allowed, and since July 2025 the country has had a full law on crypto-assets that brings exchanges and other service providers under the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA). The law also makes clear that crypto is an investment asset, not a way to pay.

What is Armenia's crypto regulation?

The government approved a draft Law on Crypto-Assets in February 2025. At the time, a CBA deputy chairman told ARKA that the bill was based on the EU's MiCA regulation and was meant to keep crypto from becoming a means of payment. Parliament adopted it, and it took effect on July 4, 2025, according to the law firms Andersen and MB Legal. For background on the EU model, see what is MiCA.

The law covers how assets are classified, public offerings, ten types of crypto-asset services, rules for providers and market manipulation. Andersen notes that crypto-assets cannot be used as a means of payment, with an exception for e-money tokens.

Is crypto allowed in Armenia for individuals?

Yes. MB Legal says individuals can buy, sell and hold crypto, though it is not legal tender. What has changed is how deals are done. Amendments to the Law on Cashless Transactions, in force from January 1, 2026, require crypto transactions to go through cashless methods such as bank cards or e-wallets, Crowe reported.

There is a transition. In December 2025 parliament allowed cash deals of up to 300,000 drams, but only through a crypto-asset service provider, PanArmenian reported. Providers must identify customers and keep records of every transaction, whatever the size, so the CBA can check compliance.

How are crypto companies licensed in Armenia?

Providers of the listed services need a CBA licence. The CBA's Regulation 7/01, adopted on December 30, 2025, sets out how firms register and apply for one or more of ten services, including running a trading platform, custody, exchange and transfers. Licences are issued electronically and published by the CBA.

Banks, investment firms and payment organisations can use a lighter permission route for some services. Minimum capital starts at 10 million drams for advice and rises to 200 million drams for issuing asset-referenced tokens, Andersen says.

Firms that were already operating before July 4, 2025 must obtain a CBA licence by January 31, 2027, CivilNet reported. Operating without a licence can bring penalties, including possible criminal liability. Some local crypto firms have complained that the cash limits leave them at a disadvantage.

For how licensing works elsewhere, compare crypto regulation around the world and crypto anti-money laundering rules.

Rules differ by country and change often. Check the regulator or a qualified professional for your own situation.