Costa Rica vs Ireland
Crypto regulation comparison
Costa Rica
Ireland
No Regulation
Legal
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.
Cryptocurrency is legal in Ireland and subject to a 33% capital gains tax, one of the higher rates in the EU. The Central Bank of Ireland supervises VASPs under AML regulations, and Ireland follows the EU's MiCA framework. Ireland's status as a European tech hub has attracted crypto businesses.
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
33%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
BCCR (Banco Central de Costa Rica), SUGEF
Regulator
Central Bank of Ireland, Revenue Commissioners
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin-specific regulation
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under EU MiCA framework
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
Key Points
- 33% capital gains tax on crypto profits (CGT), with an annual exemption of €1,270
- Income from crypto mining, staking, or airdrops may be treated as income tax
- Central Bank of Ireland registers VASPs under the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering) Act
- MiCA framework applicable from December 2024
- Ireland hosts European headquarters of several major crypto firms