Turkmenistan Takes Major Policy Turn: Cryptocurrency Mining and Trading Now Legal

In a landmark policy shift, Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has issued a legislative decree formally recognizing cryptocurrency mining and trading activities. The move represents a significant evolution in the Central Asian nation’s stance on digital assets, bringing virtual currencies into the country’s civil law structure while establishing a formal regulatory framework.

Under the new framework, the central bank will oversee a licensing regime for cryptocurrency exchanges, creating a supervised ecosystem for digital asset trading. This represents the first time Turkmenistan has formally integrated virtual assets into its legal system, signaling a willingness to engage with the broader crypto economy.

However, important limitations accompany this regulatory opening. Despite legalizing mining and trading, Turkmenistan explicitly restricts the use of cryptocurrencies as payment methods, legal tender, or securities. This distinction suggests the government views crypto primarily as an economic activity and investment vehicle rather than as an alternative monetary system.

The policy development gains context when considering Turkmenistan’s economic structure. As a nation whose prosperity heavily depends on natural gas exports, this pivot toward recognizing crypto mining and trading could diversify economic opportunities and attract blockchain-related investment. The move also reflects broader global trends as nations weigh digital asset regulation.

One caveat remains: Turkmenistan maintains strict oversight of internet infrastructure and digital communications. This centralized control could shape how the crypto ecosystem develops within its borders, potentially limiting the borderless nature that typically characterizes cryptocurrency networks.

For the global crypto community, Turkmenistan’s decision underscores how emerging markets are gradually integrating digital assets into formal legal frameworks—even as they maintain protective barriers around their digital infrastructure.