Costa Rica vs Kyrgyzstan
Crypto regulation comparison
Costa Rica
Kyrgyzstan
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.
Kyrgyzstan adopted the Law on Virtual Assets in 2022 requiring licensing for exchanges, mining, and VASPs. Over 120 licensed VASPs operate. Crypto turnover exceeded traditional securities market in 2024.
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Type
Income
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
10%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
BCCR (Banco Central de Costa Rica), SUGEF
Regulator
State Financial Supervision Authority
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin-specific regulation
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under Virtual Assets Law
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
- Law on Virtual Assets adopted in 2022 with licensing framework
- Over 120 licensed VASPs active by late 2024
- Three license types: trading operator, currency exchanger, mining operator
- Crypto sector contributed 800M KGS in taxes in 2024
- Virtual assets not recognized as legal tender but circulate under special regime