Turkmenistan has officially allowed cryptocurrency mining and crypto exchanges from January 1, 2026. This is an important change in the country’s crypto policy. The government introduced this new law to attract foreign investment and reduce its dependence on natural gas exports.
However, crypto will not be completely open to everyone. The government has clearly said that all crypto activities will be strictly controlled. Only approved and licensed businesses will be allowed to operate under government supervision.
New Crypto Law Comes Into Effect
On November 28, 2025, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved a new law called the Law on Virtual Assets. This law officially started from January 2026.
This is the first time Turkmenistan has created clear legal rules for crypto mining and crypto exchanges.
According to the law, only licensed companies and approved business owners are allowed to mine cryptocurrencies or run crypto exchanges. Anyone who wants to work in crypto must register with the government and get permission first.
Without official approval, crypto mining or exchange activity is not allowed.
Strict Government Oversight
The crypto sector in Turkmenistan will be closely controlled by the government. Several important state authorities will supervise all crypto activities, including:
- The Central Bank of Turkmenistan
- The Cabinet of Ministers
- The Ministry of Finance and Economy
These authorities will regularly check whether crypto companies are following the rules, such as licensing, tax payments, and operational guidelines.
If any company breaks the law, the government can:
- Impose fines
- Suspend the company’s license
- Completely shut down its operations
This ensures that crypto activities remain legal, transparent, and under strict control.
Crypto Mining Allowed Under Tight Rules
Crypto mining is legal in Turkmenistan, but only for companies and individuals who have official government approval. Anyone who mines crypto without a license is breaking the law and may face penalties.
Because the country has strict control over the internet and digital activities, the government is expected to closely monitor mining operations.
Before starting, mining companies must follow government rules, prove their financial strength, meet technical requirements, and regularly report their activities to regulators.
Regulated Crypto Exchanges
Crypto exchanges are allowed to work legally in Turkmenistan, but they must follow strict government rules.
Licensed crypto exchanges must:
- Follow anti-money laundering (AML) laws to stop illegal money use
- Pay all required taxes to the government
- Keep most customer funds in cold wallets for better security
- Share trading details with government regulators when required
If an exchange breaks any rules or is involved in illegal activities, the government has the authority to suspend or cancel its license.
What Crypto Can and Cannot Be Used For
The new law clearly says that cryptocurrencies are not legal money in Turkmenistan. This means crypto cannot be used for daily shopping, paying salaries, or making government and official payments.
Instead, cryptocurrencies are treated as digital property. People and businesses are allowed to own, hold, and trade crypto, but only under government-approved rules and regulations.
Impact on Crypto Adoption in Turkmenistan
Neighboring countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan already have clear crypto rules. Turkmenistan is moving more carefully. Instead of banning crypto, the government is allowing it under strict control and step by step adoption.
Right now, crypto use in the country is still limited. However, this new law is an important first step. It shows that Turkmenistan is slowly opening up to digital assets while keeping strong government supervision.
