Spain vs Jamaica
Crypto regulation comparison
Spain
Jamaica
Cryptocurrency is legal and increasingly regulated in Spain. Crypto capital gains are taxed at progressive savings tax rates (19-28%). Spain was an early mover in requiring crypto advertising to be pre-approved by the CNMV. Since 2024, Spanish taxpayers must report overseas crypto holdings via the Modelo 721 form. Banco de España registers VASPs for AML compliance. MiCA applies from December 2024.
Jamaica has no specific cryptocurrency legislation. The Bank of Jamaica does not regulate or endorse crypto but has not banned it. Jamaica launched its own CBDC, JAM-DEX, in 2022 through the National Commercial Bank. Crypto exists in a legal gray area with no dedicated framework.
Key Points
- Crypto gains taxed at savings rates: 19% (first €6,000), 21%, 23%, 27%, 28% (above €300,000)
- Modelo 721: mandatory declaration of overseas crypto holdings exceeding €50,000 (from 2024)
- CNMV requires pre-approval of crypto advertising targeting Spanish residents
- Banco de España maintains VASP registry for AML compliance
- Spain has a large crypto-using population; significant expat and digital nomad community
Key Points
- No specific cryptocurrency legislation or regulatory framework
- BOJ does not recognize crypto as legal tender but has not banned it
- Jamaica launched the JAM-DEX CBDC in 2022
- FSC Jamaica has not issued specific guidance on crypto asset regulation
- Tax treatment of crypto gains is unclear due to lack of specific guidance