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Belgium vs El Salvador

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | Belgium | El Salvador
Belgium

Belgium

El Salvador

El Salvador

Legal
Legal

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.

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199), El Salvador amended the law to make Bitcoin acceptance by businesses voluntary rather than mandatory, and repealed several articles.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.

Tax Type Varies
Tax Type No tax
Tax Rate 0-33%
Tax Rate 0%
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator FSMA (Financial Services and Markets Authority)
Regulator BCR (Banco Central de Reserva), CNAD (Comisión Nacional de Activos Digitales)
Stablecoin Rules Regulated under EU MiCA framework
Stablecoin Rules USD is the primary currency; Bitcoin-specific legislation in place
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
  • 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
Sources
Sources