---
type: country
domain: crypto-regulation
status: stable
tags: ["crypto-regulation", "central_america", "gafilat", "legal"]
aliases: ["NI", "NIC"]
created: 2026-06-01
updated: 2025-01-01
compile_into: ["[[country--nicaragua]]"]
sources:
  - name: "Banco Central de Nicaragua"
    url: "https://www.bcn.gob.ni"
    type: "official"
---

# 🇳🇮 [[country--nicaragua|Nicaragua]] (NI) — Crypto Regulation

> 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.

## Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | Legal |
| Risk Score | 35/100 (Moderate Risk) |
| Enforcement Level | Low |
| Region | [[domain--central-america|central america]] |
| Currency | [[entity--nio|NIO]] |

## Tax

| Type | Rate |
|------|------|
| Capital Gains (Personal) | No specific guidance |
| Capital Gains (Corporate) | 30% corporate tax |
| VAT on Crypto | No |
| Mining Tax | No specific guidance |
| Staking Tax | No specific guidance |
| Airdrop Tax | No specific guidance |

No crypto-specific tax guidance.

## Licensing

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Required | Yes |
| Regulator | [[entity--bcn|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) |
| Ease | N/A |
| Cost | N/A |
| Timeline | ~4.5 months |

No crypto licensing framework.

## AML / KYC

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| KYC Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule | No |
| FATF Member | No |
| FATF Status | partially_compliant |

## DeFi

**Status:** Unclear

No regulation.

## Stablecoins

**Status:** no_rules

No framework.

## NFTs

**Status:** no_rules

No regulation.

## Mining

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Legal | Yes |
| Electricity Cost | $0.15/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 50% |
| Climate | tropical |
| 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.

## Geopolitics

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Stability | stable |
| Sanctions | Yes |
| Corruption Index | 28/100 |
| Ease of Business | difficult |
| Internet Freedom | partly_free |
| Banking Access | restricted |

## Enforcement

BCN warnings issued.

## CBDC Status: none

## FAQ

### Is cryptocurrency legal in Nicaragua?

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.

### What is the FATF status of Nicaragua?

Nicaragua is classified by FATF as: partially_compliant.

### Are VASPs licensed in Nicaragua?

Yes, licensing is required for VASPs.

### What is the AML/KYC regime in Nicaragua?

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

---

*Data source: [Soken Crypto Legal Map](https://soken.dev/crypto-map/). Last reviewed: 2026-06-01.*

**Sources:**
- [Banco Central de Nicaragua](https://www.bcn.gob.ni)