Hong Kong is the second-most friendly city to cryptocurrencies in the world, according to a new report by migration platform Multipolitan, which highlights the market as a hub for attracting industry wealth, talent and innovation.
The city ranked just behind Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia, in the Crypto Friendly Cities Index, released on Thursday as part of Multipolitan’s Crypto Report 2025. The index evaluates cities based on factors such as regulation, tax regimes, digital infrastructure and wealth. Ljubljana, home to the non-profit Blockchain Alliance Europe, has widely embraced the new digital assets, with hundreds of retail venues accepting crypto payments.
Following Hong Kong in the ranking were Zurich, Singapore and Abu Dhabi.
Slovenia also leads in a ranking of crypto wealth concentration, with the average owner holding US$240,500 in virtual assets, followed by Cyprus at US$175,000 and Hong Kong at US$97,500, according to Multipolitan data.
So-called crypto whales – those holding large amounts of such assets – are increasingly seeking alternative residences and second citizenships in tax-neutral jurisdictions. The United Arab Emirates has proven especially attractive. Dubai has drawn many wealthy industry figures with its Golden Visa scheme, which enables individuals to obtain residency for 10 years with an investment of 2 million dirhams (US$544,500), according to the report.
“We’re moving from birthrights to choices – where individuals pick the jurisdictions, currencies and communities that serve them best,” Nirbhay Handa, co-founder and CEO of Multipolitan, said in a statement. “Tokenised assets, decentralised residencies and on-chain governance are indisputably the new operating system for civilisation.”
