Paraguay vs El Salvador
Crypto regulation comparison
Paraguay
El Salvador
Paraguay has no specific comprehensive crypto law. President Abdo vetoed a crypto regulation bill in 2022. The BCP does not recognize crypto as legal tender. VASPs must register with SEPRELAD for AML compliance since 2020. Paraguay is a significant crypto mining hub due to cheap hydroelectric power from the Itaipu Dam, though bills to restrict mining due to energy theft have been debated.
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199), El Salvador amended the law to make Bitcoin acceptance by businesses voluntary rather than mandatory, and repealed several articles.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.
Key Points
- No comprehensive crypto law enacted; 2022 bill was vetoed by President Abdo
- Major crypto mining hub thanks to cheap hydroelectric power (Itaipu Dam)
- VASPs must register with SEPRELAD (anti-money laundering secretariat)
- Income from crypto activities subject to 8-10% tax rates
- ANDE (national electricity authority) regulates power consumption for mining operations
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