Crypto Exchanges Accepting Iranian Users - 2025 Guide

Crypto Exchanges Accepting Iranian Citizens are a lifeline for more than 11 million people in Iran who can’t rely on traditional banks because of international sanctions. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a cheap way to buy Bitcoin or an experienced trader hunting low‑fee futures, you need to know which platforms still serve Iranian residents, what the current risks are, and how to stay on the right side of the law.

Domestic Landscape: Why Nobitex Still Matters

Nobitex dominates Iran’s internal market, handling over 87 % of all crypto volume as of 2025. The exchange claims more than 11 million registered users and offers popular pairs like BTC/IRR and USDT/IRR. However, it’s not without controversy. In June 2025 a massive hack drained roughly $90 million across several coins, exposing how tightly the platform is linked to Iran’s cross‑border sanctions‑evasion networks. The breach also triggered a wave of scrutiny from blockchain‑intel firms that tied Nobitex wallets to IRGC‑aligned funds.

Even after the hack, Iranian traders still flock to Nobitex because it provides a Persian‑language interface, instant IRR deposits, and no KYC fuss for small accounts. The recent taxation law (see the section below) now means every trade triggers a capital‑gains tax, but enforcement remains lax for domestic activity.

Top International Exchanges Open to Iranian Residents (2025)

Several overseas platforms still accept sign‑ups from Iran, although they each impose varying KYC checks and fee structures. Below is a snapshot of the five highest‑rated exchanges according to the September 2025 evaluation.

Another popular ranking from CexFinder puts KuCoin at the top, citing easy fiat on‑ramps, a user‑friendly UI, and a robust staking program. While KuCoin isn’t in the top‑five of the first list, it consistently scores above 4 / 5 in user surveys and may be a good fallback if any of the higher‑rated platforms block Iranian IPs.

How to Choose the Right Exchange

• Regulatory exposure: Platforms that aggressively screen for sanctioned jurisdictions may freeze or close accounts without warning. Look for exchanges that clearly state they accept Iranian residents.
• Fees and minimums: If you’re just starting, a zero‑deposit exchange like Bitsgap saves you upfront cash. Pro traders often accept the $30 minimum on MEXC for its low maker fee.
• Security track record: Check if the exchange survived major hacks (e.g., MEXC had a breach in 2023 but fully reimbursed users). Avoid platforms with recent security incidents.
• Supported assets: If you need stablecoins, verify that USDT, DAI, or USDC are available. After the July 2025 Tether freeze, many Iranians switched to DAI on Polygon.
• KYC burden: Some exchanges only require email verification, while others demand passports and proof of residence. Choose based on how comfortable you are sharing personal data.

Practical Steps for Iranian Users

1. Pick an exchange from the table above that meets your fee and asset needs.
2. Register using a VPN if the platform blocks Iranian IP ranges. Create a strong, unique password and enable 2FA (Google Authenticator is preferred over SMS).
3. Complete the KYC process. For most platforms this means uploading a passport copy and a selfie. Some sites ask for proof of address - a recent utility bill works.
4. Deposit funds. If the exchange accepts fiat, you can use a third‑party payment processor that works with Iranian banks. Otherwise, start with a crypto deposit from Nobitex or a peer‑to‑peer transfer.
5. Convert USDT to DAI on Polygon if you want to avoid future Tether freezes. Most exchanges now list DAI/USDT pairs with negligible slippage.
6. Set withdrawal limits and whitelist your personal wallet addresses. This prevents unauthorized transfers if your account is compromised.

Remember: even if the exchange permits Iranian users, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) can still seize assets tied to sanctioned individuals. Keep trade sizes modest until you’re sure the platform’s compliance team isn’t flagging your activity.

Recent Regulatory & Security Developments (2025)

July 2025 saw Tether freeze 42 wallets linked to Iranian addresses, many of which routed through Nobitex. The freeze represented the biggest USDT lock‑down targeting a single country. In response, a wave of traders migrated to DAI on the Polygon network because it offers fast, cheap confirmations and is less likely to be targeted by fiat‑stablecoin issuers.

In August 2025 Iran enacted its first “Law on Taxation of Speculation and Profiteering.” The law treats crypto gains like gold or forex, imposing a 15 % capital‑gains tax on profits above a certain threshold. The tax is collected through a self‑reporting system, but enforcement remains in its infancy. International exchanges that provide tax‑reporting tools (e.g., KuCoin’s “Tax Report” feature) can simplify compliance for users.

Security‑wise, the $90 million Nobitex hack underscored how a single breach can disrupt the whole domestic ecosystem. Experts now advise Iranian traders to keep the bulk of their assets in hardware wallets (e.g., Ledger Nano X) and only maintain a small amount on exchanges for active trading.

Risks and Best Practices

• Sanctions risk: Even if an exchange currently accepts Iranian users, future OFAC updates could force it to close Iranian accounts without notice.
• Exchange solvency: Smaller platforms may lack the reserves to cover a hack. Always check the exchange’s insurance coverage or proof of reserves.
• Stablecoin volatility: USDT can be frozen; DAI, while collateralized, can still experience de‑peg events in extreme market stress.
• Data privacy: Using a VPN masks your IP, but the exchange will still collect personal documents. Store copies securely and consider using a privacy‑focused email service.
• Regulatory compliance: Keep records of every trade (date, amount, fee) for tax reporting. Tools like CoinTracker or Koinly support Iranian tax rules.

Quick Checklist for Iranian Crypto Traders

• Choose a reputable international exchange (MEXC, Bitsgap, XT.com, LATOKEN, CoinEx, KuCoin).
• Enable 2FA and use a hardware wallet for long‑term storage.
• Prefer DAI on Polygon for stablecoin needs after the Tether freeze.
• Maintain clear trade logs for the new crypto tax law.
• Stay updated on OFAC sanctions lists - platforms can change policy overnight.