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South Korea vs Portugal

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | South Korea | Portugal
South Korea

South Korea

Portugal

Portugal

Legal
Legal

South Korea is one of the world's largest crypto markets. The Virtual Asset Users Protection Act (VAUPA), effective July 2024, provides comprehensive investor protection including requirements for exchanges to hold user assets in cold storage and carry insurance. All VASPs must register with FIU and comply with strict AML rules under the Specific Financial Information Act. A 20% crypto gains tax (above KRW 2.5 million exemption, raised from the original 250K KRW threshold) has been deferred multiple times and is now scheduled for January 2027.

Portugal was formerly a crypto tax haven with 0% capital gains tax on crypto for individuals, but the 2023 State Budget introduced a 28% capital gains tax on crypto held for less than one year. Crypto held for over 365 days remains tax-free for individuals. Banco de Portugal registers VASPs for AML compliance, and Portugal transitions to MiCA. Portugal attracted many crypto entrepreneurs due to its previously favorable tax regime and NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) program.

Tax Type Varies
Tax Type Capital gains
Tax Rate 20%
Tax Rate 28%
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator FSC (Financial Services Commission), FSS, FIU (Korea Financial Intelligence Unit)
Regulator Banco de Portugal, CMVM (Securities Market Commission)
Stablecoin Rules Under development; stablecoins subject to VASP rules
Stablecoin Rules Regulated under EU MiCA framework
Key Points
  • Virtual Asset Users Protection Act (VAUPA) effective July 2024 — major investor protection law
  • VASPs must register with FIU and partner with real-name verified bank accounts
  • 20% national tax (22% effective incl. 2% local income surtax) above KRW 2.5M annual exemption (deferred to January 2027)
  • Exchanges must hold 80%+ of user assets in cold wallets and carry insurance/reserves
  • Only won-denominated trading pairs allowed on major exchanges (Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit)
Key Points
  • 28% capital gains tax on crypto sold within 365 days (introduced in 2023 budget)
  • Crypto held for more than 365 days is exempt from capital gains tax for individuals
  • Banco de Portugal oversees VASP registration for AML/CFT compliance
  • CMVM regulates crypto where classified as securities
  • Former 0% tax regime attracted crypto entrepreneurs; NHR tax regime phased out in 2024
Sources
Sources