United Arab Emirates vs Paraguay
Crypto regulation comparison
United Arab Emirates
Paraguay
The UAE has become a global crypto hub with multiple regulatory frameworks. Dubai's VARA (Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority), established in 2022, is the world's first dedicated crypto regulator and licenses exchanges, brokers, and other VASPs. Abu Dhabi's ADGM regulates crypto through the FSRA. The federal SCA also oversees crypto at the national level. The UAE has no personal income or capital gains tax. Major global exchanges (Binance, Bybit, OKX, Crypto.com) have obtained UAE licenses.
Paraguay has no specific comprehensive crypto law. President Abdo vetoed a crypto regulation bill in 2022. The BCP does not recognize crypto as legal tender. VASPs must register with SEPRELAD for AML compliance since 2020. Paraguay is a significant crypto mining hub due to cheap hydroelectric power from the Itaipu Dam, though bills to restrict mining due to energy theft have been debated.
Key Points
- VARA (Dubai) — world's first standalone virtual asset regulator; comprehensive licensing framework
- ADGM/FSRA (Abu Dhabi) — separate regulatory framework for digital assets in the financial free zone
- No personal income tax or capital gains tax in the UAE
- 9% corporate tax (from 2023) may apply to crypto businesses but not individual investors
- Major exchanges licensed: Binance, Bybit, OKX, Crypto.com, BitOasis
Key Points
- No comprehensive crypto law enacted; 2022 bill was vetoed by President Abdo
- Major crypto mining hub thanks to cheap hydroelectric power (Itaipu Dam)
- VASPs must register with SEPRELAD (anti-money laundering secretariat)
- Income from crypto activities subject to 8-10% tax rates
- ANDE (national electricity authority) regulates power consumption for mining operations