Slovenia’s Ljubljana ranked world’s most crypto-friendly city, ahead of Hong Kong and Singapore

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, has been ranked the world’s most crypto-friendly city in Multipolitan’s 2025 Crypto Cities Index.According to the report, Ljubljana edged out heavyweight contenders like Hong Kong, Zurich, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi to take the top spot.While these cities have long been seen as leaders in digital finance, Ljubljana’s blend of strong crypto infrastructure, progressive regulations, and real-world adoption helped it pull ahead in the rankingsMultipolitan’s analysis factored in a range of elements, including tax regimes and licensing frameworks, to internet speeds, capital gains taxes, and even the adoption of crypto ATMs.One key reason Ljubljana pulled ahead of global contenders was its deeply rooted cryptocurrency culture. The city boasts over 150 crypto ATMs and a high density of retail locations that accept digital assets, an unusually high level of real-world adoption for its size, giving it an edge over cities where digital assets are confined to trading platforms or niche financial services.Beyond adoption, Ljubljana also benefits from a cohesive local ecosystem. It’s home to the Blockchain Alliance Europe, a regional advocacy group, and platforms like Blocksquare, which recently partnered with Vera Capital to tokenize $1 billion worth of U.S. real estate.Hong Kong came in second, bolstered by its regulatory clarity and growing virtual asset licensing framework. Since 2022, the city has rolled out new compliance requirements for crypto firms and licensed ten trading platforms.Despite high regulatory costs, the city continues to attract crypto talent, with events like Consensus expanding into the region and industry figures such as CZ and Vitalik Buterin making the rounds.Zurich tied with Hong Kong for second place. Known for its smart city credentials and economic stability, it scored high on infrastructure and wealth indicators. Singapore and Abu Dhabi rounded out the top five, both benefiting from tax-friendly policies and targeted efforts to attract crypto businesses.The report also included a separate Crypto Wealth Concentration Index, where Slovenia topped the chart again. The average Slovenian crypto holder reportedly owns around $240,500 in digital assets, well above Cyprus at $175,000 and Hong Kong at $97,500. In contrast, U.S. residents averaged just over $23,000, placing them in 17th position.In related news, Slovenia is looking to introduce a 25% tax on personal crypto profits into effect in 2026. Under the proposed law, profits made from converting crypto into fiat or using it for purchases will be taxed, though crypto-to-crypto trades and transfers within the same wallet owner would remain exempt.Authorities say the tax could generate up to €25 million annually, but critics argue it might discourage innovation and push crypto talent elsewhere.