Spain vs North Korea
Crypto regulation comparison
Spain
North Korea
Legal
Banned
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.
North Korea does not allow civilian cryptocurrency use. The regime has been accused by the UN and US of using state-sponsored hacking to steal cryptocurrency to fund weapons programs.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
19-28%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
No
Mining
Yes
Mining
No
Regulator
CNMV (Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores), Banco de España
Regulator
Central Bank of North Korea
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under EU MiCA framework
Stablecoin Rules
Not applicable — crypto banned
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 civilian cryptocurrency use permitted
- State-sponsored crypto theft alleged by UN and US
- Lazarus Group linked to major crypto exchange hacks
- International sanctions restrict all financial activities
- Cryptocurrency used by state actors, not civilians