Summary: Coinbase is a leading global cryptocurrency exchange operating in over 100 countries, though it restricts access in regions under U.S. sanctions like Russia, Iran, and the UAE. While complying with international regulations like Europe's MiCA, the platform continues navigating legal disputes with the SEC and evolving regulatory landscapes in key markets like India.
With over 66 million monthly users across 100+ countries, Coinbase offers region-specific features such as staking and trading, all tailored to local compliance frameworks.
Restricted Countries on Coinbase
Coinbase restricts services in jurisdictions under U.S. Treasury sanctions, including:
- Middle East: Syria, North Korea, Iran, Cuba, UAE
- Eastern Europe: Crimea (Russia)
- South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh
- Southeast Asia: Philippines
- Africa: South Africa
- Latin America: Colombia
No official prohibited list exists, but the above is compiled from user reports, announcements, and regional site checks.
👉 See Coinbase's compliance updates for real-time changes.
Countries Supported by Coinbase
Coinbase serves clients in 100+ countries, with features varying by location. For example:
- The Coinbase Card (a Visa debit card for crypto-to-fiat spending) is currently UK-only.
- Top user bases: USA (68.62%), UK (4.65%), Canada (2.95%), Germany (2.66%), Brazil (2.27%).
Coinbase and MiCA Compliance
Coinbase is among the first EU exchanges fully compliant with MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation). Key changes:
- Delistings (Dec 2024): USDT, PAX, PYUSD, GUSD, GYEN, and DAI were removed from certain services due to MiCA requirements. Wallet access remains.
- Approved stablecoins: USDC and EURC (by Circle) hold full MiCA approval.
Permanent Futures & Staking Availability
| Feature | Availability |
|-------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Permanent Futures | Non-U.S. jurisdictions (BMA-regulated); excludes UK retail clients. |
| Staking | Most regions, but restricted in U.S. states like CA/NJ for new users. |
👉 Check eligibility for staking based on your location.
Coinbase Licenses and Regulations
Coinbase holds licenses in 45 U.S. states and internationally, including:
- NYDFS BitLicense (New York)
- FCA Registration (UK)
- BMA Oversight (Bermuda) for futures trading
Full audits and SEC filings ensure transparency.
KYC Requirements
Coinbase mandates identity verification (KYC) for:
- Personal details (name, DOB, address)
- Government ID (passport, driver’s license)
- Proof of address (utility bills)
Encrypted data handling aligns with global privacy laws.
About Coinbase
Founded in 2012 and NASDAQ-listed (COIN), Coinbase faces ongoing SEC litigation but continues expanding. Recent efforts include re-entering India post-regulatory approvals.
FAQs
1. Can I use Coinbase in Iran or Russia?
No. These are OFAC-sanctioned regions.
2. Which stablecoins are MiCA-compliant on Coinbase?
USDC and EURC. Others like USDT were delisted in 2024.
3. Is staking available worldwide?
Mostly, but U.S. restrictions apply in certain states.
4. Does Coinbase require ID verification?
Yes. KYC is mandatory for trading and staking.
Final Thoughts
Coinbase balances global reach with strict compliance, adapting to regulations like MiCA while resolving legal challenges. Its phased feature rollout ensures regional adherence.
By Jed, founder of Datawallet and digital asset analyst since 2015.