Chile vs El Salvador
Crypto regulation comparison
Chile
El Salvador
Legal
Legal
Chile passed a Fintech Law (Ley 21,521) in January 2023, establishing a regulatory framework for crypto service providers. The CMF is developing implementing regulations for virtual asset platforms. Crypto gains are taxed under general income tax rules.
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199), El Salvador amended the law to make Bitcoin acceptance by businesses voluntary rather than mandatory, and repealed several articles.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
Capital gains
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Rate
0-40%
Tax Rate
0%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
CMF (Comisión para el Mercado Financiero)
Regulator
BCR (Banco Central de Reserva), CNAD (Comisión Nacional de Activos Digitales)
Stablecoin Rules
To be addressed under the Fintech Law implementing regulations
Stablecoin Rules
USD is the primary currency; Bitcoin-specific legislation in place
Key Points
- Fintech Law (Ley 21,521) passed in January 2023 covers crypto service providers
- CMF designated as regulator for crypto platforms under the new law
- Crypto exchanges must register and comply with AML/KYC requirements
- Capital gains on crypto taxed under general income tax at progressive rates up to 40%
- Chile has an active crypto market with exchanges like Buda.com operating since 2015
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