Canada vs Costa Rica
Crypto regulation comparison
Canada
Costa Rica
Legal
No Regulation
Canada has a well-developed regulatory framework for cryptocurrency. Crypto trading platforms must register with provincial securities regulators through the CSA, and all crypto businesses must register as money services businesses (MSBs) with FINTRAC. Canada approved spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2021, ahead of most other countries.
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
Capital gains
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Rate
0-26.76%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
CSA, FINTRAC, OSC, AMF
Regulator
BCCR (Banco Central de Costa Rica), SUGEF
Stablecoin Rules
CSA guidance requires stablecoins to maintain adequate reserves; value-referenced crypto assets regulated
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin-specific regulation
Key Points
- Crypto trading platforms must register with CSA provincial regulators
- All crypto dealers must register as MSBs with FINTRAC for AML/KYC compliance
- 50% of capital gains are taxable; business income from crypto is fully taxable
- Canada approved spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs in 2021, the first major country to do so
- CSA issued Staff Notice 21-327 on obligations for crypto trading platforms
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