Bitget exits Japan, will close open positions Dec. 31

Crypto exchange Bitget announced it will stop providing services to residents of Japan and has stopped accepting new registrations. Account restrictions for existing Japan-based users take effect Nov. 1, and any positions that remain open at the end of Dec. 31 will be forcibly closed by the platform.

Users who believe they were incorrectly classified as residents of Japan must complete “Level 2” identity verification, which includes address confirmation, by Nov. 1. Accounts that do not complete the verification by that date will be treated as belonging to residents of Japan and will be subject to the same restrictions and position closures.

Bitget will email affected accounts with instructions on the verification process and how to manage assets ahead of the deadlines. The announcement did not include detailed timelines for transfers or withdrawals beyond the Nov. 1 verification cutoff and the Dec. 31 closure date.

Japanese regulators have issued multiple warnings to the platform. The Financial Services Agency issued warnings in March 2023 and November 2024 for allegedly offering services to residents of Japan without registration. In June 2025 the Kanto Local Finance Bureau warned BTG Technology Holdings Limited, identified as providing services under the Bitget name, for soliciting online over-the-counter derivatives transactions without registration.

The announcement follows recent legislative changes to bring digital-asset services under Japan’s financial rules. Bitget did not state whether it intends to seek local registration or permanently exit the Japanese market.

Affected users should monitor communications from the exchange and complete verification if they believe they are not residents of Japan. Platform notices will outline steps to verify residency and options for handling open positions and account balances before the end-of-year deadline.