Panama vs Timor-Leste
Crypto regulation comparison
Panama
Timor-Leste
Panama passed Law 129 in 2024 regulating crypto assets, virtual asset service providers, and tokenized securities. Panama has no capital gains tax on foreign-sourced or investment income, making it attractive for crypto investors. The law provides a regulatory framework for exchanges and establishes AML/KYC obligations for VASPs.
Timor-Leste has no specific cryptocurrency regulation. Uses the US dollar as its official currency.
Key Points
- Law 129 (2024) regulates crypto assets and VASPs in Panama
- No capital gains tax on investment or foreign-sourced income (territorial tax system)
- VASPs must comply with AML/KYC requirements under the new framework
- Crypto payments for commercial transactions are permitted
- Panama's territorial tax system means crypto gains from international trading are untaxed
Key Points
- No specific cryptocurrency legislation
- Uses the US dollar as official currency
- Central bank has not addressed crypto regulation
- Very limited financial infrastructure
- Minimal crypto adoption