Turkmenistan Legalizes Crypto Mining in Rare Economic Shift
Turkmenistan legalized crypto mining and exchanges effective January 1, 2026, under a new law signed by President Serdar Berdimuhamedow.Summary
Turkmenistan has legalized cryptocurrency mining and exchanges starting January 1, 2026, marking a rare and significant policy change for the tightly controlled Central Asian nation. President Serdar Berdimuhamedow signed the law, which brings virtual assets under civil law and establishes a licensing regime overseen by the central bank. This move opens a narrow door for crypto activity in an historically isolated economy, though the feasibility of mining is questioned given the government's strict internet controls. Officials frame this as an economic modernization effort to attract capital and monetize excess energy capacity, rather than a liberalization, ensuring the state retains full control through licensing and payment restrictions. Crypto remains prohibited for use as payment.
(Source：BeInCrypto)