Costa Rica
Legal Comprehensive framework Proposed CASP / VASP regime Proposed Licensing Proposed AML / CFT Proposed Stablecoins Unregulated · Unregulated CBDC N/A Consumer protection Unregulated Travel rule No Advertising rules No Taxation Unclear
Summary
Costa Rica has no specific crypto framework; the Central Bank (BCCR) stated as early as 2017 that cryptocurrencies are not legal tender and not state-backed, but their use in private transactions is not prohibited - a deliberately hands-off stance. VASPs are not yet subject to mandatory licensing, though general AML/CFT obligations under Law No. 7786 (supervised by SUGEF) can apply. Pending bills - notably Bill 23.415 and Bill 22.837 (which passed first debate on 1 July 2025) - aim to require VASP registration with SUGEF for FATF compliance.
Timeline
2017: BCCR warns crypto is not legal tender. Ongoing: Bills 23.415 and 22.837 under legislative review; Bill 22.837 approved in first debate July 2025.