Armenia vs El Salvador
Crypto regulation comparison
Armenia
El Salvador
Armenia adopted a comprehensive Law on Crypto Assets in May 2025, effective July 2025, modeled on the EU's MiCA. The Central Bank of Armenia licenses crypto service providers. Non-entrepreneur crypto gains are tax-free (0%); ECOS Free Economic Zone offers incentives for blockchain startups. Licensing enforcement begins January 2026.
El Salvador made history in September 2021 by becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender through the Bitcoin Law. However, under a January 2025 IMF agreement (Decreto 199), El Salvador amended the law to make Bitcoin acceptance by businesses voluntary rather than mandatory, and repealed several articles. There is no capital gains tax on Bitcoin. The CNAD regulates digital assets.
Key Points
- Law on Crypto Assets adopted May 2025, effective July 2025
- Central Bank of Armenia licenses all crypto service providers
- 0% capital gains tax for non-entrepreneur crypto transactions
- Framework modeled on EU MiCA regulation
- Licensing enforcement begins January 31, 2026
Key Points
- First country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in September 2021 via the Bitcoin Law
- Government developed the Chivo wallet for citizens, offering $30 USD in BTC incentive
- January 2025 Decreto 199 made merchant Bitcoin acceptance voluntary (IMF condition)
- No capital gains tax on Bitcoin transactions for individuals
- Government has been accumulating Bitcoin reserves and launched Bitcoin-backed bonds
