Legalities of Bitcoin

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Governments from most nations have had their say on the legality of bitcoin (cryptocurrencies) in their states.
Bitcoin users should be aware of the status of bitcoin in their countries, and also up to date with any changes made.

The status of bitcoin is not always a straightforward option of it being legal or illegal. Countries have different levels of regulation on the circulation and use of bitcoin in their nation;

- Legal and unregulated : This countries has declared bitcoin legal in its states, with no form of regulation;
France
Chile
Brazil
Denmark
Hong Kong
Malaysia
Poland
Switzerland
Italy
Denmark
Turkey
Japan
Ireland
Venezuela
Hungary
Malaysia
Mexico
Ukraine.
Most of this countries advise its citizens on the risk involved in trading, selling and circulation of bitcoin, and advises against it without putting any restrictions.
In Switzerland, bitcoin is wholly accepted and its growth is encouraged by the government.
Portugal has made no announcements and has not acknowledged or restricted bitcoin. It is this far being circulated.
In South Africa, bitcoin is accepted but can not be used as a form of payment.
In Russia, bitcoin was declared 'legal' in 2016, but there is a level of restrictions, and it cannot be used as a form of payment. And bitcoin accounts can be blocked if discovered.

- Legal and subject to taxation: Bitcoin is legal in these countries but different forms of VAT are paid to the government for purchases made.
Isreal
Austria
Germany
Finland
Norway.


- Legal and regulated (also subject to taxation) : This countries have set up bodies to regulate the use of bitcoin in their states, and any establishment utilizing bitcoin has to register under the sector.
United States of America
Canada.
In USA the regulatory body is the https://www.fincen.gov
Thailand
Vietnam (in Vietnam it is legal to trade or hold bitcoin, but illegal to use it as a payment tool
In Philippines, cryptocurrency is also legal but regulated. This is an official publication on the status of VC, virtual currency http://www.bsp.gov.ph/publications/media.asp?id=4575

- Illegal and banned: The sales, purchase and circulation of bitcoin is explicitly banned in this states. And it is a crime to be involved in bitcoin, merchants, traders or investors.
This countries include;
China
Egyot
Morocco
Iran
Taiwan
Nepal
Indonesia
Pakistan
Columbia
Bolivia
Algeria
India (India is trying to curb the circulation of bitcoin, but are interested in the blockchain technology and it's other applications)
Saudi Arabia
Bangladesh.

Any information not available here can be found in https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legality_of_bitcoin_by_country_or_territory.

The status of bitcoin in these countries is constantly changing so always stay updated on your governments' stance on bitcoin.