Ljubljana Named the World’s Top Crypto-Friendly City

This might come as a surprise, considering a city in the Balkans has beaten out tech giants like Zurich and Hong Kong. However, a report by the South China Morning Post has stated that Ljubljana’s rise is likely the result of years spent building a strong digital economy rooted in decentralized finance and blockchain technology.

Although Slovenia’s capital is known for its hundreds of crypto-accepting businesses, this isn’t what sets Ljubljana apart from other crypto-friendly cities like Zurich, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore. Based on the report, cities were evaluated on tax policies, wealth concentration, regulation, and digital infrastructure.

Besides this, the city is also credited for its sense of normalcy around digital assets. For example, using crypto to pay for a coffee or a hotel stay feels no different than tapping a debit card.

For anyone managing serious amounts of digital assets in crypto-friendly cities like Ljubljana, finding a reliable and secure wallet for decentralized finance has become just as important as having a good bank. Well-designed wallets offer full self-custody, layered security measures, and crypto insurance, which helps reinforce that confidence and keep the decentralized economy moving safely.

Beyond its retail scene, Slovenia is quietly making waves in wealth statistics, too. The average Slovenian crypto holder now manages around $240,500 in digital assets. Countries like Cyprus and Hong Kong fall behind with holdings averaging $175,000 for Cyprus and $97,500 for Hong Kong. These figures aren’t just numbers; they represent a wider culture that sees digital currencies not as risky bets, but as integral parts of daily life and future planning.

Nirbhay Handa, CEO of Multipolitan, captured the spirit of the moment when he explained that people are increasingly choosing where to live based on freedoms and financial opportunities, rather than the place they happened to be born. Ljubljana seems to be benefiting from this shift, becoming a magnet for those who want a digital-forward lifestyle without giving up community or quality of life.

Other places are catching on, of course. The United Arab Emirates, for instance, continues to draw crypto investors with perks like Dubai’s decade-long Golden Visa, granted in return for a significant investment of $544,000. Although a hefty sum, it has gained significant attention from cryptocurrency investors.

This is one place Ljubljana hasn’t invested much thought into. The reason? Ljubljana’s strength seems to lie not in flashy incentives, but in how seamlessly crypto has woven itself into the fabric of everyday life.

With clear regulations, a vast network of businesses, a growing digital-savvy population, and a healthy decentralized economy, Ljubljana isn’t just riding a trend. It’s building something sustainable.

And while doing so, Slovenia is maintaining its dominance in the cryptocurrency space and reinforcing its reputation as a forward-thinking city that’s continuously embracing digital transformation. Its example could end up shaping how other cities think about integrating decentralized finance in the years ahead. Nonetheless, it’s clear that Slovenia will remain a key player in the future of decentralized finance.