El Salvador vs Taiwan
Crypto regulation comparison
El Salvador
Taiwan
Legal
Legal
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199), El Salvador amended the law to make Bitcoin acceptance by businesses voluntary rather than mandatory, and repealed several articles.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.
Taiwan regulates cryptocurrency under FSC guidance. In 2023, the FSC was designated as the primary regulator for virtual assets. VASPs must register and comply with AML regulations. Taiwan has a vibrant crypto community and several compliant exchanges. Crypto income is subject to income tax at progressive rates.
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Type
Income
Tax Rate
0%
Tax Rate
5-40%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
BCR (Banco Central de Reserva), CNAD (Comisión Nacional de Activos Digitales)
Regulator
FSC (Financial Supervisory Commission)
Stablecoin Rules
USD is the primary currency; Bitcoin-specific legislation in place
Stablecoin Rules
Under FSC guidance; stablecoins treated as virtual assets
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
Key Points
- FSC designated as primary crypto regulator in 2023
- VASPs must comply with AML/CFT rules and register with the FSC
- Self-regulatory guidelines issued for VASP industry (2023-2024)
- Crypto income taxed at progressive rates (5-40%)
- Major exchanges include MaiCoin/MAX, BitoEX/BitoPro