Belgium vs Costa Rica
Crypto regulation comparison
Belgium
Costa Rica
Legal
No Regulation
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.
Costa Rica has no specific cryptocurrency legislation. The Central Bank has stated crypto is not legal tender and not backed by the government, but has not prohibited its use. Some businesses accept Bitcoin, and there is a growing crypto community, particularly in tech-focused areas.
Tax Type
Varies
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Rate
0-33%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
FSMA (Financial Services and Markets Authority)
Regulator
BCCR (Banco Central de Costa Rica), SUGEF
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under EU MiCA framework
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin-specific regulation
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
- No specific cryptocurrency legislation exists
- BCCR does not recognize crypto as legal tender but has not banned it
- Crypto businesses operate in a legal gray area without formal licensing
- A Bitcoin and crypto community has emerged, especially around tech hubs
- Tax obligations on crypto gains are unclear due to lack of specific guidance