Slovakia vs El Salvador
Crypto regulation comparison
Slovakia
El Salvador
Cryptocurrency is legal in Slovakia and regulated under EU MiCA framework since December 2024. A 7% reduced tax rate for long-term holdings was passed in 2023 but repealed by the consolidation package before taking effect. Crypto gains are taxed at standard income tax rates of 19-25%. VASPs must be authorized by NBS under MiCA.
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199), El Salvador amended the law to make Bitcoin acceptance by businesses voluntary rather than mandatory, and repealed several articles.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
- 7% tax rate for long-term holdings was passed in 2023 but repealed before taking effect
- Crypto gains taxed at 19% (income up to €47,537) or 25% (above threshold)
- VASPs must register with NBS for AML/CFT compliance
- MiCA framework applicable since 30 December 2024; NBS grants authorizations
- 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