Costa Rica — crypto regulation

Status: partial · Last reviewed 2026-11-05

Crypto is lawful in Costa Rica but is not legal tender or a foreign currency recognised by the Central Bank (BCCR). Law No. 10961 (bill file 25.340) adds article 15 quater to the AML law, Law 7786. The Legislative Assembly passed it unanimously on 25 May 2026, it was published in La Gaceta on 19 June 2026, and it took effect on 19 September 2026. Virtual asset service providers must register with SUGEF and take on full AML/CFT duties, including the travel rule. Banks may not deal with unregistered providers. Registration is explicitly not an authorisation to operate, and CONASSIF/SUGEF implementing rules on registration mechanics and thresholds were still pending in late 2026. There is no dedicated crypto licensing or tax law; the 2022 Crypto Asset Market bill (23.415) was rejected.

Legislation