Belgium vs Central African Republic
Crypto regulation comparison
Belgium
Central African Republic
Cryptocurrency is legal in Belgium and regulated under the EU's MiCA framework. Tax treatment depends on whether gains are considered normal management of private assets (tax-free), speculative (33% misc income), or professional income (progressive rates). The FSMA has banned distribution of crypto derivatives to consumers.
The Central African Republic briefly adopted Bitcoin as legal tender in 2022 under the 'Sango' project, but this was struck down by the Constitutional Court. Crypto remains legal but the legal tender status was reversed.
Key Points
- Tax treatment depends on classification: normal portfolio management (0%), speculation (33%), or professional (up to 50%)
- FSMA banned advertising of crypto derivatives and certain crypto products to consumers in 2022
- VASPs must register with FSMA and comply with AML/KYC requirements
- MiCA regulation fully applicable from December 2024
- Belgium has a relatively active crypto community and blockchain ecosystem
Key Points
- Bitcoin was briefly adopted as legal tender in 2022 via the Sango Act
- Constitutional Court struck down the legal tender provision
- Crypto trading and holding remain legal
- BEAC opposed the Bitcoin legal tender move
- Sango crypto hub project launched but has faced significant challenges