Ljubljana Crowned Global Crypto Capital—Beats 150 Cities for Digital Asset Dominance

Slovenia’s unassuming capital just outmaneuvered financial hubs like Singapore and Dubai in Multipolitan’s 2025 crypto-friendliness rankings. Ljubljana’s 400+ crypto-accepting merchants, zero capital gains tax on long-term holdings, and Bitcoin-themed public art installations sealed the deal.

The city’s ’Crypto Valley’ district now rivals Zug’s—complete with blockchain co-working spaces and a mayor who gets paid in Bitcoin. Meanwhile, Wall Street banks are still charging $50 fees to wire $10,000 between accounts.

Local crypto ATMs outnumber traditional ones 3:1. Try finding that in Manhattan.

Multipolitan Ranks Cities’ Crypto-Friendliness Using Tax, Licensing, and Infrastructure Metrics

Multipolitan noted that its assessment included metrics like licensing frameworks, capital gains tax rates, GDP per capita, housing affordability, and internet speeds.

The presence of crypto ATMs and widespread retail adoption also played a key role in determining rankings, reflecting how deeply embedded cryptocurrency culture is within each city.

Singapore and Abu Dhabi followed closely, ranking fourth and fifth respectively, thanks to their favorable tax regimes and proactive crypto regulations designed to attract blockchain businesses.

The United States made a modest appearance on the list, with Madison, Wisconsin, being the only American city featured. Madison shared 11th place alongside Riga, Doha, and Riyadh.

Slovenia also led Multipolitan’s Crypto Wealth Concentration Index, with the average Slovenian crypto holder reportedly owning around $240,500 in digital assets.

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This figure placed Slovenia well ahead of Cyprus, which ranked second with average holdings of $175,000, and Hong Kong in third at $97,500. The U.S. ranked 17th, with average holdings of just $23,300.

Ljubljana’s crypto leadership is bolstered by its active blockchain community, including organizations like Blockchain Alliance Europe and innovative firms such as Blocksquare, which recently partnered with Vera Capital to tokenize $1 billion worth of U.S. real estate.

Operating under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, Slovenia offers a structured yet welcoming environment for crypto businesses, further cementing Ljubljana’s status as a global crypto hub.

Slovenia Proposes 25% Crypto Tax

Last week, Slovenia’s Ministry of Finance introduced a draft law proposing a 25% tax on personal gains from cryptocurrency sales, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, if approved.

The tax targets conversions of crypto to fiat or spending on goods and services, while crypto-to-crypto swaps and wallet transfers remain exempt. Investors will be required to report gains annually.

Finance Minister Klemen Boštjančič justified the move as a push for fairness, aligning crypto taxation with traditional investments. While the government expects to generate €2.5 million to €25 million annually, the proposal marks a significant shift in Slovenia’s stance toward crypto.

Key Takeaways

• Ljubljana has been named the world’s most crypto-friendly city, topping Multipolitan’s 2025 Crypto-Friendly Cities Index.
• Slovenia leads in crypto wealth concentration, with average holdings surpassing $240,000 per investor.
• Despite its crypto leadership, Slovenia has proposed a 25% tax on crypto gains, signaling a shift in regulatory approach.