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Switzerland vs Costa Rica

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | Switzerland | Costa Rica
Switzerland

Switzerland

Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Legal
No Regulation

Switzerland is one of the world's most crypto-friendly jurisdictions. The Canton of Zug is known as 'Crypto Valley' and hosts the Ethereum Foundation and hundreds of blockchain companies. FINMA provides clear regulatory guidance, and the DLT Act (2021) created a legal framework for tokenized securities and crypto exchanges. Individual investors pay no capital gains tax on crypto, though it is included in the cantonal wealth tax base. Professional traders may be subject to income tax.

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 Wealth
Tax Type Unclear
Tax Rate 0% capital gains (individuals); wealth tax varies by canton
Tax Rate N/A
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator FINMA (Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority)
Regulator BCCR (Banco Central de Costa Rica), SUGEF
Stablecoin Rules Regulated under FINMA framework; fiat-pegged stablecoin issuers must hold a banking or fintech licence (reserves treated as public deposits), or a payment system licence under FMIA if structured as financial market infrastructure
Stablecoin Rules No stablecoin-specific regulation
Key Points
  • No capital gains tax on crypto for individual investors (private wealth management)
  • Crypto included in cantonal wealth tax base (rates vary by canton, typically 0.1-1%)
  • Professional/frequent traders may be classified as self-employed and taxed on income
  • FINMA regulates crypto under existing financial market laws and the 2021 DLT Act
  • DLT Act (2021) introduced DLT trading facility license and legal framework for tokenized assets
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
Sources
Sources