Costa Rica vs Lithuania
Crypto regulation comparison
Costa Rica
Lithuania
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 and regulated in Lithuania. The Bank of Lithuania oversees VASPs under AML regulations and has been an early mover in crypto regulation within the EU. Lithuania attracted a large number of VASP registrations due to initially favorable conditions, though it tightened requirements significantly in 2022-2023. The MiCA framework now applies.
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
15%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
BCCR (Banco Central de Costa Rica), SUGEF
Regulator
Bank of Lithuania (Lietuvos Bankas)
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
- VASPs must register with the Bank of Lithuania under AML/CFT law
- Capital gains from crypto taxed at 15% personal income tax rate
- Lithuania became a major EU hub for crypto companies; over 500 VASPs registered by 2022
- Tightened VASP requirements in 2022-2023, including local substance and capital requirements
- MiCA transition underway from December 2024