Peru vs El Salvador
Crypto regulation comparison
Peru
El Salvador
Legal
Legal
Cryptocurrency is legal in Peru but lacks comprehensive regulation. The SBS (Superintendencia de Banca, Seguros y AFP) oversees AML requirements. Peru has growing crypto adoption, particularly for remittances. Crypto gains are subject to capital gains tax at 5% for the first 5 UIT and at higher rates for larger amounts.
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199), El Salvador amended the law to make Bitcoin acceptance by businesses voluntary rather than mandatory, and repealed several articles.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
Capital gains
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Rate
5-30%
Tax Rate
0%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
SBS, SMV, BCRP (Central Reserve Bank of Peru)
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
- No specific crypto legislation; general financial laws apply
- Capital gains tax applies to crypto profits (5% for securities, up to 30% for other income)
- SBS requires AML/KYC compliance for entities dealing in crypto
- Growing crypto adoption for remittances and as a store of value
- BCRP has warned about crypto risks but not imposed a ban
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