Central African Republic vs Lithuania
Crypto regulation comparison
Central African Republic
Lithuania
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.
Cryptocurrency is legal and regulated in Lithuania. The Bank of Lithuania oversees VASPs under AML regulations and has been an early mover in crypto regulation within the EU. Lithuania attracted a large number of VASP registrations due to initially favorable conditions, though it tightened requirements significantly in 2022-2023. The MiCA framework now applies.
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
Key Points
- VASPs must register with the Bank of Lithuania under AML/CFT law
- Capital gains from crypto taxed at 15% personal income tax rate
- Lithuania became a major EU hub for crypto companies; over 500 VASPs registered by 2022
- Tightened VASP requirements in 2022-2023, including local substance and capital requirements
- MiCA transition underway from December 2024