Romania vs El Salvador
Crypto regulation comparison
Romania
El Salvador
Legal
Legal
Cryptocurrency is legal in Romania. Crypto gains are taxed at 10% as 'income from other sources' under the fiscal code. VASPs must register with the relevant authorities for AML compliance. Romania has a growing crypto community and is transitioning to the EU MiCA framework.
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199), El Salvador amended the law to make Bitcoin acceptance by businesses voluntary rather than mandatory, and repealed several articles.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
10%
Tax Rate
0%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
ASF (Autoritatea de Supraveghere Financiară), BNR (National Bank of Romania)
Regulator
BCR (Banco Central de Reserva), CNAD (Comisión Nacional de Activos Digitales)
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under EU MiCA framework
Stablecoin Rules
USD is the primary currency; Bitcoin-specific legislation in place
Key Points
- Crypto gains taxed at 10% as 'income from other sources' under Article 114 Fiscal Code
- Annual gains up to RON 600 (~EUR 120) exempt from tax per Article 116 Fiscal Code
- VASPs must register for AML/CFT compliance
- ASF oversees financial market conduct; BNR handles monetary policy
- MiCA framework applicable from December 2024
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