Costa Rica vs Liechtenstein
Crypto regulation comparison
Costa Rica
Liechtenstein
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.
Liechtenstein's Blockchain Act (TVTG) effective since 2020 is among the world's most comprehensive crypto frameworks. The FMA supervises registered TT service providers. Adapted for EU MiCAR in 2025.
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Type
Income
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
1-8%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
BCCR (Banco Central de Costa Rica), SUGEF
Regulator
Financial Market Authority (FMA)
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin-specific regulation
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under TVTG and MiCAR
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
- Blockchain Act (TVTG) adopted unanimously in 2019, effective Jan 2020
- Token Container Model enables tokenization of any asset or right
- FMA registers and supervises all TT service providers
- EEA MiCAR Implementation Act entered into force Feb 2025
- First country with comprehensive blockchain-specific legislation