What is Kuwait's FATF status?

Kuwait is classified by FATF as: grey_list.

Are VASPs licensed in Kuwait?

Yes — licensing is required for VASPs.

What is the AML/KYC regime in Kuwait?

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

Kuwait

Kuwait has no specific cryptocurrency regulation.

Overview

Status	Restricted
Risk Score	55/100 (High Risk)
Region	middle east
Currency	KWD

Tax Information

Capital Gains (Personal)	0% - no personal income tax
Capital Gains (Corporate)	15% CIT applies to foreign entities; Zakat for local companies
VAT on Crypto	No
Staking Tax	No personal tax
Airdrop Tax	No personal tax

No crypto-specific tax guidance available.

Licensing & Registration

Required	Yes
Regulator	CBK / CMA Kuwait
Framework	No dedicated crypto licensing framework; CBK ban on crypto payments
Ease	very_complex
Cost (USD)	N/A - no licensing pathway available

Enforcement Activity

Level: Moderate

No detailed enforcement information available

AML / KYC

KYC Required	Yes
Travel Rule	Yes
FATF Member	No
FATF Status	grey_list
FATF Body	MENAFATF
Suspicious-Activity Reporting	No

DeFi, Stablecoins & NFTs

Status: Restricted

Stablecoins

Status: Restricted

NFTs

Status: unregulated

Mining

Legal	No
Electricity Cost	$0.027/kWh
Renewable Energy	1%
Infrastructure	fair

Mining is restricted due to regulatory environment and low renewable energy penetration. Electricity costs are low but infrastructure is moderate.

Geopolitical Risk

Stability	moderate
Sanctions	No
Corruption Index	42/100
Banking Access	restricted

Risk Factors

regulatory uncertainty
capital controls
regional geopolitical tensions

Kuwait has moderate political stability with some regulatory uncertainty around crypto. It is not under international sanctions but banking access for crypto firms is restricted.