Is Monero legal in India?
Legal to own, but FIU-registered exchanges may no longer handle XMR.
| Owning XMR | Legal |
|---|---|
| Local exchanges | Not allowed |
| National rule | Exchanges barred from privacy coins |
| Regulator | Financial Intelligence Unit - India (FIU-IND); Income Tax Department |
| Last reviewed | 25 October 2026 |
The legal situation in India
Crypto is legal but heavily taxed in India. In January 2026 FIU-IND tightened AML guidelines and reportedly told registered platforms to stop transactions in anonymity-enhancing tokens such as XMR, ZEC and DASH. Local platforms and Kraken (for Indian clients) then delisted privacy coins. The measures target platforms; no ban on private holding was reported.
Key facts
- 2026-01-08: FIU-IND substantially revised its AML/CFT guidelines for crypto platforms, outright prohibiting transactions involving mixers or tumblers.
- 2026-01-22: Reports said FIU-IND told exchanges to stop deposits and withdrawals of anonymity-enhancing tokens such as XMR, ZEC and DASH.
- 2026-01-30: Mudrex delisted ZEC, DASH and PIVX, citing FIU-IND guidance that platforms must delist privacy tokens.
- 2026-04-10: Kraken halted XMR, DASH and ZEC deposits and trading for India residents; withdrawals ended 15 May (notice undated; 2026 per its 30 May 2026 update and listing among 2026 notices).
- Tax: A flat 30% tax applies to gains, plus 1% TDS per transaction; losses cannot be offset.
What this means for you
Owning Monero in your own wallet is legal, but regulated exchanges here do not list it or are being pushed to drop it. If you hold XMR on an exchange, read what to do when an exchange delists Monero and move it to a wallet you control. Only use buying routes that are legal where you live; see how to buy Monero.
Sources
bitcoin.tax, mondaq.com, mudrex.com, support.kraken.com, visionias.in.
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 India?
Legal to own, but FIU-registered exchanges may no longer handle XMR.
Can I buy Monero on a local exchange in India?
No. Crypto exchanges or privacy coins are not allowed.