Nicaragua has an active VASP licensing regime under BCN (Banco Central de Nicaragua). Resolution CDMF-XIII-2-25 (April 23, 2025) and Administrative Resolution GG-08-MAYO-2025-LASMF-DO (May 23, 2025) replaced the 2022 framework. Virtual assets are not legal tender, but exchange, custody, transfer, and related services are permitted for BCN-licensed PSAVs. The BCN supervises operational and AML compliance; the UAF oversees AML/CFT for VASPs.
| Status | Legal |
| Risk Score | 35/100 (Moderate Risk) |
| Region | central america |
| Currency | NIO |
| Capital Gains (Personal) | No specific guidance |
| Capital Gains (Corporate) | 30% corporate tax |
| VAT on Crypto | No |
| Staking Tax | No specific guidance |
| Airdrop Tax | No specific guidance |
No crypto-specific tax guidance.
| Required | Yes |
| Regulator | BCN |
| Framework | Regulation for Financial Technology Providers of Payment Services and Virtual Asset Service Providers (Resolution CDMF-XIII-2-25, April 2025; implementing rules GG-08-MAYO-2025-LASMF-DO, May 2025) |
No crypto licensing framework.
BCN warnings issued.
| KYC Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule | No |
| FATF Member | No |
| FATF Status | partially_compliant |
| FATF Body | GAFILAT |
| Suspicious-Activity Reporting | Yes |
Status: Unclear
No regulation.
Status: no_rules
No framework.
Status: no_rules
No regulation.
| Legal | Yes |
| Electricity Cost | $0.15/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 50% |
| Infrastructure | fair |
Mining is legal but restricted due to regulatory uncertainty and infrastructure limitations. Electricity cost is relatively high. Renewable energy is significant due to hydro and geothermal sources.
| Stability | stable |
| Sanctions | Yes |
| Corruption Index | 28/100 |
| Banking Access | restricted |
Risk Factors
Nicaragua has moderate political stability with ongoing governance challenges and corruption issues. It is not under major international sanctions but has restricted banking access for crypto businesses and faces capital controls.
Nicaragua has an active VASP licensing regime under BCN (Banco Central de Nicaragua). Resolution CDMF-XIII-2-25 (April 23, 2025) and Administrative Resolution GG-08-MAYO-2025-LASMF-DO (May 23, 2025) replaced the 2022 framework. Virtual assets are not legal tender, but exchange, custody, transfer, and related services are permitted for BCN-licensed PSAVs. The BCN supervises operational and AML compliance; the UAF oversees AML/CFT for VASPs.
Nicaragua is classified by FATF as: partially_compliant.
Yes, licensing is required for VASPs.
KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.
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Explore IT Services →Last reviewed: 2026-06-01 · Data source: Soken Crypto Legal Map
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