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Costa Rica vs Japan

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | Costa Rica | Japan
Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Japan

Japan

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.

Japan is one of the world's most comprehensively regulated crypto markets. The Payment Services Act and Financial Instruments and Exchange Act govern crypto exchanges and tokens. Japan classifies crypto as "crypto-assets" and taxes gains as miscellaneous income at rates up to 55%, though reforms to lower this rate are under active discussion.

Tax Type Unclear
Tax Type Income
Tax Rate N/A
Tax Rate 15-55%
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator BCCR (Banco Central de Costa Rica), SUGEF
Regulator FSA (Financial Services Agency), JVCEA
Stablecoin Rules No stablecoin-specific regulation
Stablecoin Rules 2022 stablecoin law requires issuers to be licensed banks, trust companies, or fund transfer agents
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
  • Crypto exchanges must register with the FSA under the Payment Services Act
  • Crypto gains taxed as miscellaneous income at up to 55% (national + local tax)
  • Japan's self-regulatory body JVCEA sets industry standards for exchanges
  • 2022 stablecoin legislation (revised Payment Services Act) regulates stablecoin issuance
  • Government considering tax reform to apply a flat 20% separate taxation on crypto gains
Sources
Sources