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New Zealand vs El Salvador

Crypto regulation comparison

New Zealand

New Zealand

El Salvador

El Salvador

Legal
Legal

Cryptocurrency is legal in New Zealand and treated as a form of property for tax purposes. The IRD taxes crypto depending on the purpose of acquisition — if bought with the intention to sell, gains are taxable income. New Zealand does not have a formal capital gains tax, but crypto profits are often taxable under income tax rules. Exchanges are not specifically licensed but must comply with AML/CFT requirements.

El Salvador made history in September 2021 by becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender through the Bitcoin Law. However, under a January 2025 IMF agreement (Decreto 199), El Salvador amended the law to make Bitcoin acceptance by businesses voluntary rather than mandatory, and repealed several articles. There is no capital gains tax on Bitcoin. The CNAD regulates digital assets.

Tax Type Income
Tax Type No tax
Tax Rate 10.5-39%
Tax Rate 0%
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator FMA (Financial Markets Authority), IRD (Inland Revenue)
Regulator BCR (Banco Central de Reserva), CNAD (Comisión Nacional de Activos Digitales)
Stablecoin Rules No specific stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules USD is the primary currency; Bitcoin-specific legislation in place
Key Points
  • Crypto treated as property; gains taxable if acquired with intent to dispose
  • No formal capital gains tax, but income tax applies to crypto trading profits
  • Tax rates from 10.5% to 39% depending on income bracket
  • Crypto salary payments are treated as taxable income
  • Exchanges must comply with AML/CFT Act and register as reporting entities with DIA
Key Points
  • First country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in September 2021 via the Bitcoin Law
  • Government developed the Chivo wallet for citizens, offering $30 USD in BTC incentive
  • January 2025 Decreto 199 made merchant Bitcoin acceptance voluntary (IMF condition)
  • No capital gains tax on Bitcoin transactions for individuals
  • Government has been accumulating Bitcoin reserves and launched Bitcoin-backed bonds