Japan vs São Tomé and Príncipe
Crypto regulation comparison
Japan
São Tomé and Príncipe
Legal
No Regulation
Japan is one of the world's most comprehensively regulated crypto markets. The Payment Services Act and Financial Instruments and Exchange Act govern crypto exchanges and tokens. Japan classifies crypto as "crypto-assets" and taxes gains as miscellaneous income at rates up to 55%, though reforms to lower this rate are under active discussion.
São Tomé and Príncipe has no specific cryptocurrency regulation.
Tax Type
Income
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
15-55%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
FSA (Financial Services Agency), JVCEA
Regulator
Banco Central de São Tomé e Príncipe
Stablecoin Rules
2022 stablecoin law requires issuers to be licensed banks, trust companies, or fund transfer agents
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin regulation
Key Points
- Crypto exchanges must register with the FSA under the Payment Services Act
- Crypto gains taxed as miscellaneous income at up to 55% (national + local tax)
- Japan's self-regulatory body JVCEA sets industry standards for exchanges
- 2022 stablecoin legislation (revised Payment Services Act) regulates stablecoin issuance
- Government considering tax reform to apply a flat 20% separate taxation on crypto gains
Key Points
- No specific cryptocurrency legislation
- Central bank has not addressed crypto
- Very limited financial infrastructure
- Minimal crypto adoption
- No licensing framework for crypto services
Sources
- NTA - Crypto Assets Tax Pamphlet
- FSA - Registered Crypto-Asset Exchanges
- FSA - Regulating Crypto Assets in Japan
- NTA - Tax Answer No. 1524 (暗号資産)
- NTA - Income Tax Guide 2025 (English PDF)
- Japanese Law Translation - Payment Services Act
- FSA - Discussion Paper on Cryptoasset Regulatory Systems
- FSA - Registered Electronic Payment Instrument Exchanges