Argentina
Panama
Peru
Paraguay
UruguayNikolai Timofejev
15 years in FinTech and payments. Maps your business model to the right licence - DASP, BTCSP or both - and leads the file all the way to approval, including banking and payment rails.
Get a DASP crypto license in El Salvador.
A crypto license in El Salvador is, in law, a DASP registration with the CNAD, the National Commission of Digital Assets, under the Digital Assets Issuance Law; bitcoin-only services (BTCSP) register with the Central Reserve Bank under the Bitcoin Law. Expect a Salvadoran company or an authorised foreign company or branch, an AML/KYC officer, 2-4 months to registration, and 0% on bitcoin gains and crypto VAT. The first country to make bitcoin legal tender built a regime to attract crypto business; we run the file locally.
27 yrs
on the international marketon the market
60+
in-house specialistsspecialists
400+
Crypto licenses obtainedlicenses obtained
Updated · Reviewed by the Prifinance team
El Salvador in brief
Crypto license in El Salvador: a jurisdiction built around digital assets.
This Central American country of 6.3 million was the first in the world to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, back in 2021. Since then it has built a complete legal framework for digital assets: the Digital Assets Issuance Law, a dedicated regulator and a licensing regime designed to attract crypto businesses rather than merely tolerate them.
Registration of digital asset service providers is handled by the National Commission of Digital Assets (CNAD). A DASP registration covers exchanges, custody, asset management and the placing of token issuances, while the BTCSP regime serves Bitcoin-focused services and sits with the Central Reserve Bank (BCR). Crypto gains are tax-exempt, capital moves freely across the border, and applications are reviewed in months rather than years - with the regulator in direct contact with applicants.
The first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender - with a complete legal framework for digital assets and a licensing regime built to attract crypto business.
CNAD registers DASPs, the BCR registers bitcoin providers, crypto gains are tax-exempt, and applications are reviewed in months - with direct access to the regulator.
Two license types
DASP & BTCSP - the licenses behind every crypto activity.
Two laws passed by the Legislative Assembly set up the two routes: the Digital Assets Issuance Law (Legislative Decree No. 643 of 2023) for digital asset service providers registered with the CNAD, and the Bitcoin Law (Legislative Decree No. 57 of 2021) for bitcoin services. Holding both enables a cryptocurrency company to cover the entire spectrum of operations across the value chain: from onboarding and regulatory compliance to trading and full-scale activity in the digital asset market.
Two Legislative Assembly laws set the routes: Decree 643/2023 (CNAD registration) and Decree 57/2021 (Bitcoin Law). Holding both covers the entire spectrum of operations: from onboarding and compliance to trading in the digital asset market.
01 - DASP
Digital Assets Service Provider
For providers of services related to digital assets. The CNAD enters you in its registry and issues a registration certificate and authorisation to operate as a digital asset service provider.
For providers of services related to digital assets. The CNAD enters you in its registry and issues a registration certificate and authorisation to operate as a digital asset service provider.
- ✓Digital asset trading & crypto exchange operations
- ✓Provision of custodial wallets
- ✓Digital asset management
- ✓Underwriting and placing token issuances
- ✓Blockchain-based payment solutions
- ✓Settlements and transfers in virtual assets
02 - BTCSP
Unique to El SalvadorBTC Service Provider
Unique to the Salvadoran jurisdiction. Designed for crypto companies operating exclusively in the BTC sphere, with legal clarity for Bitcoin-related activities.
Unique to the Salvadoran jurisdiction. Designed for crypto companies operating exclusively in the BTC sphere.
- ✓Bitcoin exchange and trading
- ✓BTC wallets and custody - Bitcoin is legal tender here
- ✓BTC payments, settlements and transfers
- ✓Client onboarding in compliance with KYC/AML
- ✓Regulatory compliance and regular reporting
- ✓Opening bank accounts and handling transactions
Costs and timelines are starting figures, confirmed for your case before any work begins. The Digital Assets Issuance Law sets no fixed capital figure - a provider must hold adequate financial and non-financial resources, as the CNAD sets, and government and third-party fees are itemised in your quote.
Why El Salvador
One of the best jurisdictions for crypto projects.
The framework rests on two statutes: the Bitcoin Law (Legislative Decree No. 57 of 2021) and the Digital Assets Issuance Law (Legislative Decree No. 643 of 2023), which created the National Commission of Digital Assets (CNAD). Together they give crypto businesses what few jurisdictions offer. A purpose-built legal regime instead of banking rules stretched to fit.
✓
Two statutes, one clear regime
The Bitcoin Law (Decree No. 57/2021) governs Bitcoin-specific services, while the Digital Assets Issuance Law (Decree No. 643/2023) covers every other digital asset. Activities that elsewhere sit in a grey zone between banking and securities law are expressly regulated here.Bitcoin Law (57/2021) + Digital Assets Law (643/2023). A purpose-built regime, not banking rules stretched to fit.
✓
Tax exemption written into statute
Article 36 of the Digital Assets Issuance Law exempts digital-asset returns and capital gains from income tax, and under Article 5 of the Bitcoin Law BTC exchange operations bear no capital gains tax. The exemption sits in the statute itself, not in a revocable administrative ruling.Art. 36 LEAD: digital-asset gains exempt from income tax. Art. 5 Bitcoin Law: no capital gains tax on BTC.
✓
A regulator built for crypto
Registration of digital asset service providers sits with CNAD, a commission created by the 2023 law solely for the digital-asset sector. Files are reviewed by examiners whose only mandate is crypto. In practice 2-4 months, with direct contact rather than correspondence through a general financial regulator.CNAD's only mandate is digital assets. Reviews run 2-4 months with direct examiner contact.
✓
Defined AML/CFT perimeter
Providers register with the Financial Investigation Unit (UIF) and appoint a compliance officer under the Anti-Money-Laundering Law (Decree No. 498). The KYC/AML duties track FATF standards, so a program built for El Salvador passes muster with foreign banks and partners.UIF registration and a compliance officer under Decree 498; KYC/AML duties track FATF standards.
✓
Public registry status
DASPs are entered in the public Registry of Digital Asset Service Providers kept by CNAD; Bitcoin-only businesses register as BTCSPs under the Bitcoin Law's implementing regulations. Registered status gives banks and counterparties a verifiable legal anchor for onboarding.Public registries: DASP with CNAD, BTCSP under the Bitcoin Law regulations. A verifiable anchor for banks.
✓
USD economy, free capital flow
The US dollar has been legal tender since 2001 (Monetary Integration Law), and there are no exchange controls. The January 2025 amendments to the Bitcoin Law made acceptance by private businesses voluntary. Aligning the regime with IMF program terms while keeping Bitcoin's legal-tender status and the tax incentives intact.USD legal tender since 2001, no exchange controls; the 2025 reform made private BTC acceptance voluntary.
How it compares
How El Salvador differs from other countries.
In many jurisdictions, potential VASPs and crypto exchanges find it difficult to determine which regulatory requirements they must comply with. El Salvador, in contrast, offers a transparent, predictable, and formalized legal procedure.
El Salvador vs other jurisdictions
| Feature |  El Salvador | Other jurisdictions |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status of BTC | Legal tender (voluntary use, 2025) | Not legal tender |
| Types of licenses | DASP, BTCSP | Mostly VASP or generic |
| Crypto taxation | No capital gains tax on BTC | Varies, often strict |
| Licensing speed | Fast (2-4 months) | Often 6+ months |
Legal status of BTC
El SalvadorLegal tender (voluntary use, 2025)
Other jurisdictionsNot legal tender
Types of licenses
El SalvadorDASP, BTCSP
Other jurisdictionsMostly VASP or generic
Crypto taxation
El SalvadorNo capital gains tax on BTC
Other jurisdictionsVaries, often strict
Licensing speed
El SalvadorFast (2-4 months)
Other jurisdictionsOften 6+ months
Country by country
| Country | License type | Taxation | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Salvador | DASP, BTCSP | No capital gains tax for BTC | Clear, supportive |
 Estonia | VASP | Standard capital gains tax | Stricter, frequently changing |
 UAE | VARA, ADGM | 0% / 9% corporate | Complex, multi-tiered |
 USA | MSB, State licenses | Capital gains tax applies | High compliance, costly |
El SalvadorLicense typeDASP, BTCSP
TaxationNo capital gains tax for BTC
RequirementsClear, supportive
EstoniaLicense typeVASP
TaxationStandard capital gains tax
RequirementsStricter, frequently changing
UAELicense typeVARA, ADGM
Taxation0% / 9% corporate
RequirementsComplex, multi-tiered
USALicense typeMSB, State licenses
TaxationCapital gains tax applies
RequirementsHigh compliance, costly
Americas
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Before you apply
Crypto license requirements in El Salvador: what the CNAD checks.El Salvador crypto license requirements.
The government has developed a specialized regulatory framework governing the digital asset sector. A full set of compliance rules and documentation requirements for both first- and second-tier service providers.
01
Company registration. A Salvadoran company or an authorised foreign company or branch, entered in El Salvador's commercial register.
02
Capital requirements. Adequate financial and non-financial resources, as the CNAD sets.
03
Directors and founders. At least one certified director; full background checks on founders.
04
Compliance officer. Appointment of an AML/compliance officer.
05
KYC/AML policy. A complete Know Your Customer and anti-money laundering policy.
06
Legal documents. Company charter, operating agreement, share capital structure.
07
Application. Submission of a detailed application with supporting documents.
08
Business plan. Detailed business model and risk assessment.
09
Security measures. Implementation of digital security, data protection, and wallet controls.
10
Fee payment. The initial registration fee and the annual renewal fee.
11
Ongoing reporting. Compliance with the regulatory authority's reporting standards.
01
Company registration. Local or authorised foreign entity, in the commercial register.
02
Capital requirements. Adequate resources, as the CNAD sets.
03
Directors and founders. At least one certified director; background checks on founders.
04
Compliance officer. Appointment of an AML/compliance officer.
05
KYC/AML policy. A complete KYC and anti-money laundering policy.
06
Legal documents. Charter, operating agreement, share capital structure.
07
Application. Detailed application with supporting documents.
08
Business plan. Business model and risk assessment.
09
Security measures. Digital security, data protection, and wallet controls.
10
Fee payment. Initial registration and annual renewal fees.
11
Ongoing reporting. The regulator's reporting standards.
Note: All applicants must disclose information about ultimate beneficial owners and undergo a full due diligence review. Client funds must be clearly separated from the company's own assets.Note: All applicants must disclose ultimate beneficial owners and undergo full due diligence. Client funds must be separated from company assets.
Verify it yourself
Official sources
Regulator pages, legal texts and public registers the figures on this page are based on.
- RegulatorCNAD - Register as a Digital Assets Service Provider (DASP)cnad.gob.sv
- LawCNAD - Legal framework: Digital Assets Issuance Law and regulationscnad.gob.sv
- RegisterCNAD - Public registry of digital assets service providerscnad.gob.sv
- LawCNAD - Digital Assets Issuance Law, Legislative Decree No. 643 of 11 January 2023 (Spanish)cnad.gob.sv
- GuidanceCNAD - Guía de requisitos de PSAD: requirements guide for digital asset service providers (Spanish)cnad.gob.sv
- LawReglamento de la Ley Bitcoin, Executive Decree No. 27 of 27 August 2021: Registry of Bitcoin Service Providers at the Central Reserve Bank - Judicial Documentation Centre (Spanish)jurisprudencia.gob.sv
How it works
Registering a crypto company: stages and timeline.
01
Company formation and preparation
Establishing a local legal entity, appointing directors, opening a bank account, and preparing the initial set of legal documents.Local entity, directors, bank account and the initial set of legal documents.
02
Compliance structure setup and application submission
Developing internal compliance procedures (including AML/KYC), gathering all required documentation, and submitting the application to the competent authority.Developing internal compliance procedures (AML/KYC), gathering documentation, and submitting the application.
03
Regulatory review of the application
The regulator reviews the submitted materials and may request additional documents or clarifications if necessary.The regulator reviews the materials and may request additional documents or clarifications.
04
Decision and license issuance
Upon approval, the initial registration fee is paid, after which the CNAD issues the registration certificate and authorisation to operate.Upon approval, the registration fee is paid and the CNAD issues the registration certificate.
05
Ongoing regulatory compliance
The company must continuously meet reporting obligations, including submitting audited financial statements and operational reports to the regulator.Reporting obligations, audited financial statements and operational reports.
Quick facts
Available licensesDASP · BTCSP
Issuance time2-4 months
Company registrationLocal or authorised foreign entity
CapitalAdequate resources (CNAD)
ComplianceAML/KYC + officer
RegulatorCrypto-friendly authority
BankingMulti-currency accounts
ReportingAnnual, with audit
Estimated timeframes depend on the company's readiness and the completeness of the submitted documentation. Prifinance provides full support. Clients go through the licensing process faster and without errors.
On the ground in El Salvador
Local expertise, not a faceless agency.
Prifinance - El Salvador
San Salvador · El Salvador
Local incorporation & licensing support (registered office address - provided on engagement)
01
Local company registration
The applicant must register a legal entity in El Salvador. We handle formation, the business register confirmation and the initial legal documents end to end.We handle formation, the business register confirmation and the initial legal documents end to end.
02
Deep knowledge of local legislation
With many years of experience in international licensing, the team selects the appropriate license (DASP or BTCSP) and prepares all documentation.The team selects the appropriate license (DASP or BTCSP) and prepares all documentation.
03
Direct interaction with regulators
Companies registered in El Salvador gain direct interaction with regulators and benefit from an expedited application and review process.Companies registered in El Salvador benefit from an expedited application and review process.
04
Support throughout registration
Transparency, legality, and full regulatory compliance. Allowing clients to focus on growing their business in one of the world's most progressive crypto jurisdictions.Transparency, legality and full regulatory compliance. You focus on the business.
We also have offices in
Dubai
UAE
33 Level, Al Saqr Business Tower
London
United Kingdom
7 Bell Yard
Prague
Czech Republic
Vlkova 532/8, Žižkov
Madeira
Portugal
Rua da Alegria 31, 1F
Budapest
Hungary
Korányi Sándor u. 4
Istanbul
Turkey
Perpa Ticaret Merkezi, A Blok
Good to know
Taxation of crypto companies in El Salvador.
El Salvador's tax system for the cryptocurrency sector is considered one of the most progressive and business-oriented in the world. A transparent and straightforward tax model designed to attract virtual asset service providers.
No capital gains tax on BTC
A unique exemption for transactions involving Bitcoin and certain other digital assets. A significant advantage for businesses and investors.A unique exemption for transactions involving Bitcoin and certain other digital assets.
Corporate tax 30% on other income
Applies to income outside the registered digital-asset activity, which Article 36 exempts from income tax; on that other income, deductions for operational expenses (business costs, legal services, audits, compliance) are allowed.Only outside the exempt DASP activity; operational expenses are deductible.
No VAT on crypto transactions
The sale and exchange of cryptocurrencies and digital assets are not subject to VAT. More flexible pricing and maximized cash flow.The sale and exchange of cryptocurrencies and digital assets are not subject to VAT.
Free capital flow
Multi-currency bank accounts and free movement of capital within and outside of El Salvador, without currency control restrictions.Multi-currency bank accounts and free movement of capital, without currency control restrictions.
Double taxation treaties
International agreements to avoid double taxation. Especially important for companies operating in multiple jurisdictions.International agreements to avoid double taxation across jurisdictions.
Reporting obligations
Annual financial statements, audit reports, and certified accounting documents to the tax authority and the regulator; client funds kept separate.Annual statements, audit reports and certified accounting; client funds kept separate.
Tax summary
Corporate tax rateExempt on DASP activity; 30% otherwise*
Capital gains tax (BTC)0%
VAT on cryptocurrency0%
Tax reportingAnnual, with audit
Double taxation agreementsYes
Fund separationMandatory
Capital movementFree, multi-currency
*Deductions allowed for compliance, legal, and operational expenses. Engage experienced tax advisors, maintain thorough records, and submit reports on time to keep licensed status.
Turnkey professional support
Experienced lawyers and international consultants.
We provide end-to-end support, from company registration and document preparation to regulatory interaction and compliance oversight - with in-depth expertise in DASP and BTCSP licenses and an individualized approach to each client.
Oleksii Kindratenko
Builds the application itself: local company, AML/KYC policy pack, capital structure and tax registrations. His document sets are the reason reviews finish in months, not years.
Eugeniu Bevziuc
First point of contact for international founders. Runs the whole setup remotely, across time zones and languages - you get licensed in El Salvador without a single flight to San Salvador.
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El Salvador · DASP / BTCSP
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DASP & BTCSP licenses: the practical answers.
What crypto licenses are available in El Salvador?+
El Salvador offers two types of crypto licenses, both registrations in law: DASP (Digital Asset Service Provider) with the CNAD under the Digital Assets Issuance Law, and BTCSP (Bitcoin Service Provider) with the Central Reserve Bank (BCR) under the Bitcoin Law. Both allow companies to operate as crypto exchanges, wallet providers, digital asset trading platforms, and related service providers.
What activities are covered by DASP/BTCSP licenses?+
Registered crypto companies can legally engage in cryptocurrency trading, exchange operations, custodial and wallet services, underwriting and placing digital asset issuances, digital asset-based payments, and client onboarding; issuing your own tokens is a separate issuer registration with the CNAD. The full scope is defined in the submitted application and reflected in ongoing regulatory reporting.
What are the main legal and compliance requirements?+
A company registered in El Salvador or an authorised foreign company or branch, adequate financial and non-financial resources as the CNAD sets, implementation of AML/KYC policies, appointment of a Compliance Officer, certification of company documents, and annual audit with regular reporting to the regulator.
How long does a crypto license in El Salvador take?+
The process includes company registration, preparation and submission of documents, regulatory review, fee payment, and issuance of the registration certificate. Estimated timeline: 2-4 months, depending on company readiness and compliance.
What financial conditions must be met to operate?+
Capital requirements follow the Digital Assets Issuance Law: adequate financial and non-financial resources, as the CNAD sets. Segregation of client funds from company capital is required to comply with regulatory standards.
What taxation applies to crypto companies?+
0% capital gains tax on BTC and certain digital assets; under Article 36 of the Digital Assets Issuance Law a registered DASP's digital-asset activity, dividends included, is exempt from income tax, VAT and municipal taxes, and the 30% corporate tax with deductions applies only to other income. Companies must file annual tax returns, financial statements, and audit reports.
Can a foreign company or investor apply?+
Yes. Foreign ownership and investment are allowed. Directors, shareholders, and beneficiaries must meet compliance certification standards.
Who is the main regulator, and what documents are required?+
Digital asset service providers are registered and supervised by the CNAD; bitcoin services fall to the Central Reserve Bank (BCR) and the Superintendency of the Financial System (SSF). Required documentation includes a full set of legal, financial, and compliance materials based on the license type.
What happens in case of non-compliance?+
Failure to meet legal, financial, or reporting obligations may result in license suspension, fines, or removal from the official registry. Ongoing compliance is mandatory for maintaining licensed status.
What are the advantages compared to other jurisdictions?+
Transparent legal framework, favorable tax regime, fast-track licensing process, low entry barriers, tech-forward regulation, government support, and global recognition as a crypto-friendly jurisdiction.
What is a DASP license in El Salvador?+
In law it is a registration: under the Digital Assets Issuance Law of 2023 the CNAD enters companies that exchange, hold, transfer or trade digital assets for clients in its registry and issues a registration certificate and authorisation to operate. The BTCSP is the parallel registration for bitcoin-only services under the Bitcoin Law, with the Central Reserve Bank (BCR). A DASP needs a Salvadoran company or an authorised foreign company or branch, a compliance officer and an AML programme, and registration takes 2-4 months.
What crypto licenses are available in El Salvador?+
Two types: DASP (Digital Asset Service Provider) and BTCSP (Bitcoin Service Provider). Both allow companies to operate as crypto exchanges, wallet providers and digital asset trading platforms.
What activities are covered?+
Cryptocurrency trading, exchange operations, custodial and wallet services, placing digital asset issuances, digital asset-based payments, and client onboarding.
What are the main requirements?+
A local or authorised foreign company, adequate resources as the CNAD sets, AML/KYC policies, a Compliance Officer, certified documents and annual audit.
What is the process and timeline?+
Company registration, document preparation and submission, regulatory review, fee payment, registration certificate. Estimated timeline: 2-4 months.
What financial conditions apply?+
Adequate resources, as the CNAD sets; client funds are segregated from company capital.
What taxation applies?+
0% capital gains tax on BTC; DASP digital-asset activity exempt under Article 36; 30% corporate tax only on other income.
Can a foreign company apply?+
Yes. Foreign ownership and investment are allowed; directors, shareholders and beneficiaries must meet compliance standards.
Who is the regulator?+
The CNAD for DASPs; the BCR and SSF for bitcoin services. Documentation depends on the license type.
What happens in case of non-compliance?+
License suspension, fines, or removal from the official registry. Ongoing compliance is mandatory.
What are the advantages?+
Transparent framework, favorable taxes, fast licensing, low entry barriers, government support and global recognition.
DASP license?+
A CNAD registration for digital asset services under the 2023 law; BTCSP with the BCR for bitcoin-only services; 2-4 months.
Client notes
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Prifinance is an independent law and advisory firm. We are not a regulator and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any Salvadoran or other public authority. Licenses are granted by, and obtained directly from, the competent authorities.