Is bitcoin legal?

In virtually every jurisdiction around the world, bitcoin is legal to own and use. 

While cryptocurrency regulations in various countries are evolving, most governments have explicitly or implicitly determined that cryptocurrencies like bitcoin are legal. 

Some businesses or activities built around bitcoin, such as buying and selling bitcoin for profit, require MSB licenses (which stands for "Money Services Business" in the United States) or similar certifications that also apply to trading traditional currencies or property for profit. MSB laws are just one example of laws that have been carried over from the traditional financial regulation system to apply to cryptocurrency.