Costa Rica vs Paraguay
Crypto regulation comparison
Costa Rica
Paraguay
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.
Paraguay has no specific comprehensive crypto law. President Abdo vetoed a crypto regulation bill in 2022. The BCP does not recognize crypto as legal tender. VASPs must register with SEPRELAD for AML compliance since 2020. Paraguay is a significant crypto mining hub due to cheap hydroelectric power from the Itaipu Dam, though bills to restrict mining due to energy theft have been debated.
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Type
Income
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
8-10%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
BCCR (Banco Central de Costa Rica), SUGEF
Regulator
BCP (Banco Central del Paraguay), SEPRELAD
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin-specific regulation
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
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
- No comprehensive crypto law enacted; 2022 bill was vetoed by President Abdo
- Major crypto mining hub thanks to cheap hydroelectric power (Itaipu Dam)
- VASPs must register with SEPRELAD (anti-money laundering secretariat)
- Income from crypto activities subject to 8-10% tax rates
- ANDE (national electricity authority) regulates power consumption for mining operations