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El Salvador vs Venezuela

Crypto regulation comparison

El Salvador

El Salvador

Venezuela

Venezuela

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199), El Salvador amended the law to make Bitcoin acceptance by businesses voluntary rather than mandatory, and repealed several articles.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.

Venezuela has a unique crypto history. The government launched the Petro (PTR) state cryptocurrency in 2018, backed by oil reserves, though it was widely considered a failure and discontinued. SUNACRIP regulates crypto activities and has licensed mining operations. Venezuelans have high crypto adoption due to hyperinflation, with USDT widely used as a de facto currency. Crypto mining requires a SUNACRIP license.

Tax Type No tax
Tax Type Income
Tax Rate 0%
Tax Rate Up to 34%
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator BCR (Banco Central de Reserva), CNAD (Comisión Nacional de Activos Digitales)
Regulator SUNACRIP (Superintendencia Nacional de Criptoactivos)
Stablecoin Rules USD is the primary currency; Bitcoin-specific legislation in place
Stablecoin Rules Government launched Petro (PTR) state crypto (discontinued); SUNACRIP regulated stablecoins
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
  • SUNACRIP regulates crypto exchanges, mining, and service providers
  • Government-backed Petro cryptocurrency launched in 2018, largely discontinued
  • Crypto mining requires SUNACRIP license and registration
  • Very high crypto adoption driven by hyperinflation; USDT widely used
  • Income from crypto subject to progressive tax rates up to 34%