In Ukraine, owning cryptocurrency and buying or selling it through exchanges is legal. However, crypto is not legal tender: you cannot use it to pay for goods and services. The market is in the middle of full legalization — a framework law has been passed but is not yet in force, while the dedicated bill is built on the European MiCA regulation.
Ukraine's law "On Virtual Assets" No. 2074-IX of 17 February 2022 has been passed but has not entered into force — it will only take effect once amendments to the Tax Code are adopted. On 3 September 2025, the Verkhovna Rada passed bill No. 10225-d in its first reading, introducing taxation and regulation of the virtual asset market.
Are crypto exchanges legal in Ukraine?
Yes. Buying, selling and holding cryptocurrency is legal, and there is no ban on transactions involving virtual assets. That said, there is no separate operating licensing regime for crypto exchanges (VASPs) yet — it will appear once the "On Virtual Assets" law and the related Tax Code amendments take effect.
What is legal right now:
- buying, selling and holding cryptocurrency;
- trading through Ukrainian and foreign exchanges;
- earning income from transactions (with an obligation to declare it).
What is not allowed: paying for goods and services with cryptocurrency — virtual assets are not recognized as a means of payment in Ukraine.
Until the market is fully up and running, Ukrainians trade through global platforms and domestic exchanges. When choosing one, focus not on promises of a "license" — which don't exist in Ukraine yet — but on reputation, security and hryvnia support.
Who regulates cryptocurrency in Ukraine?
Regulators divide up their areas of responsibility. The NSSMC (National Securities and Stock Market Commission) is the primary regulator of the virtual asset market: it sets policy, will issue authorizations to providers, and is aligning the rules with the European MiCA regulation. The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) is responsible for virtual assets tied to the value of a currency and for electronic money tokens (EMTs).
The NSSMC is finalizing the dedicated bill No. 10225-d together with the NBU, the relevant Rada committee and the Ministry of Digital Transformation. It is based on MiCA but adapted to Ukrainian realities — without some of the stricter conditions that apply in the EU.
Ukraine aims to be one of the first countries in Europe to bring MiCA rules into national law. Until then, exchanges hold no Ukrainian licenses — and the absence of one does not, in itself, make a platform illegal.
Cryptocurrency taxes in Ukraine
The tax rules are set out in bill No. 10225-d and will take effect together with the virtual assets law. The Tax Code amendments are expected to come into force on 1 January 2026.
Rates under the bill:
- for assets acquired before the law takes effect — a reduced rate of 5% + a 5% military levy if sold during 2026;
- after that — a general rate of 18% + a 5% military levy on income from transactions.
Single-tax payers are barred from transactions involving virtual assets, and providers of such services will not be able to operate under the simplified tax system.
Service providers (exchanges and money changers) serving Ukrainian residents will have to register with the tax authorities within 60 days of starting operations; those who worked with Ukrainians before 31 December 2025 will have until 1 July 2026.
How to choose a crypto exchange in Ukraine
While there are no licenses, the selection criteria are transparency, security and convenience for the Ukrainian user — not marketing promises.
What to look for:
- hryvnia (UAH) support, deposits and withdrawals via Ukrainian cards and P2P;
- KYC verification and transparent terms — this will become mandatory once the market launches;
- the platform's track record and reputation, with no history of withdrawal problems;
- protection: two-factor authentication, an insurance fund, cold storage.
Ukrainian platforms (WhiteBIT, Kuna, QMall) are convenient thanks to local support and hryvnia handling. Global exchanges offer a wider choice of pairs and liquidity. You can check reputation and reviews in the ranking below.
Martial law, the hryvnia and P2P
Under martial law, the NBU's currency restrictions apply and affect deposits and withdrawals. A significant share of transactions goes through P2P and exchanges' hryvnia gateways. Cryptocurrency remains a legal asset, but it does not replace the hryvnia as a means of payment within the country.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to own cryptocurrency in Ukraine?
Yes. Owning, buying and selling cryptocurrency is legal. There is no ban; the market is in the process of full legalization.
Do you have to pay tax on crypto?
Once the law takes effect — yes. Bill No. 10225-d provides for a reduced rate of 5% + a 5% military levy on sales in 2026, and 18% + 5% thereafter. Check the exact rules at the time you file your declaration.
Can you pay for goods with crypto?
No. Virtual assets are not recognized as a means of payment in Ukraine — paying for goods and services with cryptocurrency is not allowed.
Do Ukrainian exchanges have a license?
There is no operating VASP licensing regime in Ukraine yet — it will appear once the "On Virtual Assets" law goes live. The lack of a Ukrainian license does not mean a platform is illegal.
Which exchange is best for Ukrainians?
It depends on your needs: for the hryvnia and local deposits/withdrawals, Ukrainian platforms (WhiteBIT, Kuna, QMall) are more convenient; for a wide choice of assets, the large global exchanges. Compare the ranking and reviews in the table above.
