Turkmenistan Crypto Law 2026 – What Foreign Founders Need to Know
- Azim Shamuhammedov
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Turkmenistan has passed a virtual assets law legalizing crypto trading and mining from 2026. We explain licensing, restrictions and how foreign founders can enter the market.
In November 2025, Turkmenistan approved a sweeping Law on Virtual Assets that will legalize and strictly regulate cryptocurrency trading and mining from 1 January 2026. For a country with the world’s fourth-largest gas reserves and very low electricity costs, this is a huge signal to miners, exchanges and Web3 founders – but the framework is also highly controlled and licence-driven. In this guide, we unpack what the new law actually allows, key restrictions, and how foreign projects can position themselves early, leveraging Consultrio’s local team and on-the-ground office in Turkmenistan.
Snapshot – What the Virtual Asset Law Does
Legalises crypto mining and trading/exchanges under a dedicated “Law on Virtual Assets".
Comes into force 1 January 2026, giving businesses a preparation window.
Defines virtual assets as objects of civil rights, but not legal tender and not a substitute for the national currency.
Aims to attract investment and support economic diversification + digitalisation beyond gas exports
What’s Now Allowed under Turkmenistan Crypto Law 2026 – In Principle
Crypto mining
Individuals and legal entities can mine crypto, if they register electronically with the Central Bank and obtain a certificate.
Mining farms must register their equipment, wallets and location, and meet technical + fire safety standards with Fire Safety Government organization and Ministry of Healthcare in Turkmenistan.
Trading & exchanges
Operation of crypto exchanges and custodial platforms is legal with a Central Bank licence.
Platforms must comply with KYC/AML rules and generally store client assets in cold storage.
Key Restrictions & Compliance Traps
No legal tender – crypto cannot be used for payments inside Turkmenistan, only as a digital asset.
Anonymous wallets and transactions are banned; full identification is required.
Covert / hidden mining is explicitly prohibited, with registration for miners and pools mandatory.
Traditional credit institutions are barred from offering crypto services, separating banking from digital assets.
Strict advertising and naming rules – mandatory risk warnings, no promises of easy profit, and crypto firms cannot use words like “Turkmenistan”, “state”, “national” in branding
5. Why Turkmenistan Is Interesting for Miners & Infrastructure
Massive gas reserves and one of the lower power costs in the world make Turkmenistan naturally attractive for energy-intensive mining.
Government is clearly positioning this as an FDI + digitalisation play, not a retail trading free-for-all.
Regional context: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have all moved towards regulated mining and digital assets, so Turkmenistan doesn’t want to be left behind.
Licensing & Registration – What We Expect in Practice
Regulator: Central Bank of Turkmenistan + a local dedicated state commission for virtual assets which can be liaised through the local corporate service providers such Consultrio.
Corporate entity: this is where the process can be scrutinized as it requires a local entity with a local resident director
The regulatory framework is still under the development and it will take time until the clear process roadmap will be in place to follow.
The process to register a local entity and get licensed and start the operations might take more than 6 months.
How Foreign Founders Should Prepare in 2026
Decide whether you want pure hosting / mining, exchange operations, or a hybrid model.
Build a clean international structure (holdco, SPV, treasury) that can plug into a Turkmen entity when licensing terms are final.
Start drafting AML/CFT policies, tech documentation and risk frameworks that will satisfy a conservative regulator.
Consider partnering with a local office that understands language, bureaucracy and political context.
Consultrio combines digital asset licensing expertise with a local team and office in Turkmenistan, allowing us to translate the new law into practical roadmaps for miners, exchanges and infrastructure players who want to enter early without mis-stepping.
How Consultrio Can Help to obtain a crypto license in Turkmenistan
Early-stage feasibility and structuring memo for your project under the new law
Design of group structure (offshore + Turkmen entity) suitable for licensing
Preparation of licence or registration strategy once implementing rules are released
On-the-ground coordination with authorities, banks, utilities and hosting partners
Consultrio is a local service provider with Web3 expertise and in possession of necessary resources and relationships to ensure the smooth process in obtaining a crypto license in Turkmenistan.
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