Belgium vs Dominican Republic
Crypto regulation comparison
Belgium
Dominican 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 Dominican Republic has no specific cryptocurrency legislation. The central bank (BCRD) issued statements in 2017 and 2021 warning that crypto is not legal tender and prohibiting regulated financial institutions from dealing in digital assets under Monetary Law No. 183-02. Individual use is not criminalized but operates in a restricted gray area.
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
- BCRD prohibits regulated financial institutions from dealing in crypto
- Crypto is not recognized as legal tender
- No licensing framework for crypto exchanges
- Crypto gains treated as taxable income when converted to Dominican pesos