Coinbase Restricted Countries

Coinbase is restricted in any jurisdiction subject to U.S. Treasury and other governing bodies' sanctions programs, including high-risk regions under OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) sanctions.

Restricted countries by region:

• Middle East: Syria, North Korea, Iran, Cuba, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Eastern Europe: Crimea, Russia
• South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh
• Southeast Asia: Philippines
• Africa: South Africa
• Latin America: Colombia

Coinbase does not provide an official list of prohibited countries, and despite attempts to contact customer support for clarification, we did not receive additional information. The list provided above is based on user feedback, official announcements, and regional websites.

What Countries Does Coinbase Support?

Coinbase supports customers in 100+ countries, ensuring access to its crypto services through a strong compliance framework. Certain features are only available in select regions. For example, the Coinbase Card is only in the UK and works as a Visa debit card for crypto-to-fiat transactions.

While Coinbase operates globally, its largest user base comes from the United States (68.62%), followed by the United Kingdom (4.65%), Canada (2.95%), Germany (2.66%), and Brazil (2.27%), according to Similarweb data.

Coinbase and MiCA Compliance

Coinbase is among the first exchanges to achieve full MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) compliance in the European Union, ensuring that its operations align with new regulatory standards.

As of December 13, 2024, Coinbase has delisted USDT, PAX, PYUSD, GUSD, GYEN, and DAI for certain services, as these stablecoins do not meet MiCA requirements. Wallet access remains available, but users can no longer use these assets for specific platform features.

Additionally, USDC and EURC, both issued by Circle, are the first stablecoins to receive full MiCA approval and Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licenses in Europe. Coinbase, an early investor in Circle, has long supported USDC as a regulated alternative to other stablecoins.

Coinbase Perpetual Futures and Staking Availability

Coinbase offers perpetual futures trading and staking, but availability depends on local regulations. Below is a breakdown of supported regions for each feature.

Coinbase Perpetual Futures Supported Countries

Coinbase Advanced customers in eligible non-U.S. jurisdictions can trade perpetual futures on Coinbase International Exchange, regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA). Supported contracts include BTC, ETH, LTC, and XRP, all settled in USDC, with leverage up to 10x.

Perpetual futures are not available to retail customers in the UK. Access requires passing Coinbase’s eligibility assessment, and availability may vary by region. Users should check their accounts to confirm eligibility.

Coinbase Staking Availability

Coinbase staking is available in most regions but has restrictions in certain U.S. states. Some states, like California and New Jersey, prohibit new staking but allow existing stakers to continue earning rewards.

Outside the U.S., staking remains widely accessible, with eligibility depending on local laws. Users can check their account for staking availability and asset-specific staking terms, including minimum balances, wait times, and unstaking periods.

Coinbase Licenses

Coinbase is licensed and regulated in 45 U.S. jurisdictions and several international regions, ensuring compliance with financial and digital asset regulations.

Notable Licenses and Regulatory Approvals:

• ‍New York: Holds a BitLicense and a Money Transmitter License, regulated by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS).
• ‍Texas: Licensed by the Texas Department of Banking as a Money Transmitter (License 3121), with state regulatory oversight.
• ‍California: Operates under regulatory oversight from the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
• ‍Florida: Licensed as a Money Transmitter by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation (License FT230000152), ensuring compliance with state laws.
• ‍Bermuda: Coinbase International Exchange is regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) for perpetual futures trading.
• ‍United Kingdom: Registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for crypto asset activities, though crypto-derivatives are restricted for retail clients.

Coinbase undergoes regular audits and financial disclosures, including publicly available financial statements. As a publicly traded company, it is subject to SEC reporting requirements, ensuring greater transparency in operations and regulatory compliance.

Does Coinbase Require KYC?

Yes. Coinbase mandates Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) laws. Users must verify their identity to access services like trading, staking, and transfers.

To verify identity, Coinbase may request:

• ‍Personal details: Full name, date of birth, address, and in some regions, the last four digits of your SSN.
• ‍Government-issued ID: A passport, driver’s license, or national ID card.
• ‍Proof of address: A utility bill or bank statement, depending on jurisdiction.
• ‍Usage information: Questions about how you plan to use Coinbase products.

Coinbase encrypts user data and adheres to strict privacy laws to ensure secure handling of personal information. Users may need to update their KYC details periodically or provide additional verification based on risk assessments.

About Coinbase

Coinbase, founded in 2012 in the United States, is a major cryptocurrency exchange that allows buying, selling, and storing digital assets. It became the first publicly traded crypto exchange in April 2021, listing on NASDAQ under the ticker COIN.

The company is in an ongoing legal dispute with the SEC, which alleges Coinbase operates as an unregistered securities exchange. In January 2025, a U.S. court granted Coinbase an appeal, pausing the case and allowing it to challenge the SEC’s interpretation of crypto regulations.

Coinbase is actively expanding into new markets while adapting to local regulations. After ceasing operations in India over a year ago, the company is now working to re-enter the market by engaging with regulators and securing necessary approvals.

Final Thoughts

Coinbase operates in over 100 countries but remains restricted in regions under U.S. sanctions, including Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Perpetual futures and staking availability vary by jurisdiction due to local regulations, and KYC verification is required for full platform access.

The exchange continues expanding globally while adapting to regulatory changes, including full MiCA compliance in the European Union and ongoing efforts to re-establish operations in India.