Spain vs Vatican City
Crypto regulation comparison
Spain
Vatican City
Legal
No Regulation
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.
Vatican City has no cryptocurrency regulation. The micro-state's financial system is focused on the Holy See's financial activities. ASIF provides financial oversight.
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
ASIF (Supervisory and Financial Information Authority)
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under EU MiCA framework
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin regulation
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
- ASIF provides financial oversight for the Holy See
- Micro-state with very limited financial market
- No crypto exchanges or services
- AML/CFT framework aligned with international standards