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Germany vs El Salvador

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | Germany | El Salvador
Germany

Germany

El Salvador

El Salvador

Legal
Legal

Germany has one of the most well-defined crypto regulatory environments in Europe. BaFin has regulated crypto custody as a financial service since 2020. Notably, crypto held for over one year by individuals is completely tax-free, making Germany one of the most favorable jurisdictions for long-term holders.

El Salvador made history in September 2021 by becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender through the Bitcoin Law. However, under a January 2025 IMF agreement (Decreto 199), El Salvador amended the law to make Bitcoin acceptance by businesses voluntary rather than mandatory, and repealed several articles. There is no capital gains tax on Bitcoin. The CNAD regulates digital assets.

Tax Type Capital gains
Tax Type No tax
Tax Rate 0-45%
Tax Rate 0%
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator BaFin (Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht)
Regulator BCR (Banco Central de Reserva), CNAD (Comisión Nacional de Activos Digitales)
Stablecoin Rules Regulated under MiCA; BaFin already licensed crypto custody under existing German law since 2020
Stablecoin Rules USD is the primary currency; Bitcoin-specific legislation in place
Key Points
  • Crypto held for more than 1 year is completely tax-free for individuals
  • Short-term gains (under 1 year) taxed as income at up to 45% plus solidarity surcharge
  • Annual exemption of €1,000 for short-term crypto gains (since 2024, previously €600)
  • BaFin licenses crypto custody businesses under the KWG (German Banking Act) since January 2020
  • MiCA framework applicable from December 2024, complementing existing German regulation
Key Points
  • First country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in September 2021 via the Bitcoin Law
  • Government developed the Chivo wallet for citizens, offering $30 USD in BTC incentive
  • January 2025 Decreto 199 made merchant Bitcoin acceptance voluntary (IMF condition)
  • No capital gains tax on Bitcoin transactions for individuals
  • Government has been accumulating Bitcoin reserves and launched Bitcoin-backed bonds
Sources
Sources