🇬🇹 Guatemala

Cryptocurrency activities in Guatemala are restricted with no formal regulatory framework. The Superintendencia de Bancos (SIB) and Banco de Guatemala have issued warnings against crypto use.

Overview

StatusRestricted
Risk Score55/100 (High Risk)
Regioncentral america
CurrencyGTQ

Tax Information

Capital Gains (Personal)10% CGT on asset disposals
Capital Gains (Corporate)25% corporate tax
VAT on CryptoNo
Staking TaxNo specific guidance
Airdrop TaxNo specific guidance

No crypto-specific tax guidance. General 10% CGT may apply.

Licensing & Registration

RequiredNo
RegulatorSIB / Banguat
FrameworkNo crypto framework; SIB/Banguat warnings; Bill 6538 pending

No crypto licensing. Banguat has issued multiple warnings about crypto risks.

Enforcement Activity

Level: Low

Consumer warnings issued.

CBDC

StatusResearch
NameiQuetzal
Issuing AuthorityBank of Guatemala
Modelretail

AML / KYC

KYC RequiredYes
Travel RuleNo
FATF MemberNo
FATF Statuspartially_compliant
FATF BodyGAFILAT
Suspicious-Activity ReportingYes

DeFi, Stablecoins & NFTs

Status: Unclear

No regulation.

Stablecoins

Status: no_rules

No framework.

NFTs

Status: no_rules

No regulation.

Mining

LegalNo
Electricity Cost$0.12/kWh
Renewable Energy60%
Infrastructurefair

Mining is restricted due to regulatory uncertainty and high electricity costs relative to regional peers. Infrastructure is moderate with some limitations in data center capacity and internet speed.

Geopolitical Risk

Stabilitymoderate
SanctionsNo
Corruption Index25/100
Banking Accessrestricted
Sanctions Program ActiveNo

Risk Factors

Guatemala faces moderate political stability challenges with corruption and organized crime impacting business environment. No international sanctions apply, but banking access for crypto firms is restricted due to regulatory concerns.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cryptocurrency legal in Guatemala?

Cryptocurrency activities in Guatemala are restricted with no formal regulatory framework. The Superintendencia de Bancos (SIB) and Banco de Guatemala have issued warnings against crypto use.

What is the FATF status of Guatemala?

Guatemala is classified by FATF as: partially_compliant.

What is the AML/KYC regime in Guatemala?

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

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Last reviewed: 2026-09-14 · Data source: Soken Crypto Legal Map

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