Costa Rica vs Taiwan
Crypto regulation comparison
Costa Rica
Taiwan
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.
Taiwan regulates cryptocurrency under FSC guidance. In 2023, the FSC was designated as the primary regulator for virtual assets. VASPs must register and comply with AML regulations. Taiwan has a vibrant crypto community and several compliant exchanges. Crypto income is subject to income tax at progressive rates.
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Type
Income
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
5-40%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
BCCR (Banco Central de Costa Rica), SUGEF
Regulator
FSC (Financial Supervisory Commission)
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin-specific regulation
Stablecoin Rules
Under FSC guidance; stablecoins treated as virtual assets
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
- FSC designated as primary crypto regulator in 2023
- VASPs must comply with AML/CFT rules and register with the FSC
- Self-regulatory guidelines issued for VASP industry (2023-2024)
- Crypto income taxed at progressive rates (5-40%)
- Major exchanges include MaiCoin/MAX, BitoEX/BitoPro