Qatar
QatarTokens yes, crypto no: Qatar licenses tokenisation of real assets in the QFC but still bars cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.
Key Regulatory Progress
Every law, rule and official guide on crypto in Qatar: 7 apply today, and the rest show what's coming and how regulators read the rules. Each is explained in plain words and linked to the official original.
Last checked against the originals on 5 Oct 2026.
Core framework
The primary statutes that define crypto assets and who may deal in them.
- In forceApplies today
Digital Asset Regulations 2024
Gives legal effect to tokens and smart contracts in the QFC and requires a QFCA licence for validation, token generation, custody, token exchange and transfer services. Article 9 defines cryptocurrencies and stablecoins as excluded tokens.
Read the original - GuidanceNot binding law
Qatar Financial Centre issues Digital Assets Framework
Announces the joint QFCA and QFCRA framework, in force from 1 September 2024, and lists the amended QFCRA rulebooks. It describes the framework as a goal of the Third Financial Sector Strategic Plan.
Read the original - GuidanceNot binding law
Third Financial Sector Strategic Plan: Executive Summary
The national financial sector strategy, which commits to regulatory frameworks for digital assets and decentralised finance and to introducing tokenisation and blockchain solutions.
Read the original
Exchanges & custody
Licensing, conduct and custody rules for trading platforms and service providers.
- In forceApplies today
TOKN 2.1.2: Prohibiting activity in relation to certain tokens
No activity may be carried on in or from the QFC in tokens that represent no property right or serve as a substitute for currency, which rules out crypto trading venues.
Read the original - In forceApplies today
ALERT: QFC Regulatory Authority affirms that Virtual Asset Services may not be conducted in or from the QFC
Bars QFC firms from exchanging, transferring or safekeeping virtual assets, or dealing in them, until further notice. Digital forms of regulated securities are not covered.
Read the original - GuidanceNot binding law
QFC Digital Assets Framework 2024: Token Service Provider Guidelines
Technology and security expectations for licensed token service providers, covering governance, information security, change management, testing and audits.
Read the original
Stablecoins & payments
Issuance, reserve and redemption rules for fiat-referenced tokens and payment tokens.
- GuidanceNot binding law
QFCRA clarifies that cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and certain other virtual assets are Excluded Tokens under the new Digital Assets Framework
Confirms that tokens used as a substitute for currency, including cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and CBDCs, cannot be issued or serviced under the framework and that the 2019 restrictions still apply.
Read the original
Tokenisation & securities
Security tokens, RWA, funds and ETFs.
- In forceApplies today
Investment Token Rules 2024 (TOKN)
Treats tokens representing securities, derivatives or Islamic financial contracts as the underlying investment, and makes operating an investment token exchange and clearing token trades regulated activities.
Read the original - ConsultationDraft out for comment
Draft Law Regulating Real Estate Tokenisation and the Trading of Real Estate Tokens, with its draft Executive Regulations
مشروع قانون بتنظيم ترميز العقارات وتداول الرموز العقارية ومشروع لائحته التنفيذية
Onshore draft law, approved by the Cabinet on 26 August 2026, defining real estate tokens and holders' rights and linking token trading to the Real Estate Registry, prepared with the QCB and the Qatar Financial Markets Authority. Open for comment on Sharek until 13 September 2026 (Arabic); not yet law.
Read the original - GuidanceNot binding law
QFC Digital Assets Framework 2024: User Guide
Step-by-step guide to setting up as a token service provider in the QFC, covering the framework, licensing and authorisation, the application process and fees.
Read the original - GuidanceNot binding law
Digital Assets Lab
The QFC's innovation hub for tokenisation and DLT firms, which points applicants to the Digital Assets Regulations, TSP Guidelines and licence process.
Read the original - SupersededReplaced
Consultation on Proposed Digital Assets Regulatory Rules Framework
Phase one proposals for a tokenisation regime, including draft Investment Token Rules and Digital Asset Regulations, open for comment until 2 January 2024.
Read the original
AML & travel rule
Anti-money-laundering obligations and the FATF travel rule.
- In forceApplies today
Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism Rules 2019 (AML/CFTR)
The QFC's AML/CFT rulebook, amended in the September 2024 digital assets package to cover investment token business. The current version (No. 6) has applied since 1 May 2026.
Read the original
Tax
How gains, income and transactions are taxed.
- In forceApplies today
Law No. (24) of 2018 Promulgating the Income Tax Law
Qatar's income tax law: a 10% rate on taxable business income and no tax on salaries. It contains no crypto-specific provisions.
Read the original
Investor protection
Market abuse, disclosure, advertising and retail safeguards.
- In forceApplies today
Customer and Investor Protection Rules 2019 (CIPR)
Conduct and disclosure rules for QFC firms dealing with customers, amended in the September 2024 package to cover investment tokens. The current version (No. 6) has applied since 1 May 2026.
Read the original
CBDC & tokenised money
Central-bank digital currency and tokenised deposit programmes.
- GuidanceNot binding law
Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
Explains the QCB wholesale CBDC programme: a DLT platform for selected banks, starting with digital government bonds, with a first phase in 2024 and no retail participation for now.
Read the original
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