ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, January 1.
Turkmenistan’s law on virtual assets, legalizing cryptocurrency
mining and the operation of crypto exchanges, has officially
entered into force starting January 1, 2026,
Trend reports.


The law establishes a comprehensive legal framework governing
the creation, issuance, storage, and circulation of virtual assets
within the country. It explicitly clarifies that while
cryptocurrencies are not recognized as legal tender or currency,
they may nonetheless be treated as civil law objects.


Under this legislation, cryptocurrency mining is permitted for
both individual entrepreneurs and legal entities. All miners are
mandated to undergo electronic registration with the Central Bank
of Turkmenistan, which issues registration certificates that remain
valid indefinitely. The registration process requires proof of
ownership of mining equipment, possession of an active
cryptocurrency wallet, and adherence to technical and fire safety
regulations. The use of third-party computing resources for covert
mining is strictly prohibited.


Additionally, the law regulates the operations of cryptocurrency
exchanges and virtual asset service providers, requiring them to
operate under licenses issued by the Central Bank. The
establishment of crypto wallets for clients is allowed only upon
the completion of full identification procedures, in compliance
with anti-money laundering regulations.







The law introduces strict restrictions on the use of
state-related terminology and symbols in the crypto industry.
Miners, virtual asset issuers, and service providers are prohibited
from using words such as “Turkmen,” “Turkmenistani,” or “national”
in their names or symbols, in any language or form, including
abbreviated versions.


In addition, the document sets stringent requirements for
cryptocurrency advertising, which must include clear risk warnings,
information on the possibility of a total loss of funds, and a
statement that virtual assets are not backed by the state.
Advertising involving minors or presenting cryptocurrency
operations as an easy way to get rich is prohibited. The law also
states that the government bears no responsibility for the
depreciation or loss of virtual assets.