Is Monero legal in Egypt?
Crypto is banned without central bank approval, so there is no lawful local market; private holding is a grey area.
| Owning XMR | Unclear |
|---|---|
| Local exchanges | Not allowed |
| National rule | Crypto banned or heavily restricted |
| Regulator | Central Bank of Egypt |
| Last reviewed | 25 October 2026 |
The legal situation in Egypt
Egypt's Central Bank Law No. 194 of 2020 prohibits issuing, trading or promoting cryptocurrencies, or operating platforms for them, without CBE approval. We found no evidence of any such approval, so there is no known lawful local venue for XMR. No specific law bans private ownership, but the position is unclear.
Key facts
- 2018: Egypt's Grand Mufti issued a non-binding religious opinion declaring Bitcoin trading haram.
- 2020: Article 206 of Central Bank Law No. 194/2020 prohibits issuing, trading or promoting cryptocurrencies, or operating platforms for them, without prior CBE approval.
What this means for you
Crypto trading is banned or heavily restricted here, and that includes Monero. Do not try to get around the law; penalties can be serious. Check back here: rules change.
Sources
cointelegraph.com, eg.andersen.com.
Sources are listed by publisher so you can look them up yourself; we do not link out.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Check the regulator's own website before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Is Monero legal in Egypt?
Crypto is banned without central bank approval, so there is no lawful local market; private holding is a grey area.
Can I buy Monero on a local exchange in Egypt?
No. Crypto exchanges or privacy coins are not allowed.