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El Salvador was the first country in the world to legalize Bitcoin and remains one of the most attractive jurisdictions for crypto businesses to this date. Since then, every one in ten (10%) individuals now hold crypto, reflecting meaningful adoption momentum.
While many jurisdictions are still rearranging the legal furniture around blockchain, El Salvador has built its own legal house for digital assets, an environment for forward-looking crypto exchanges, custodians, token issuers, and other firms defined as Digital Asset Service Providers (DASPs) under the Digital Asset Issuance Law (2023).
Today, El Salvador is considered one of the most sought-after destinations for crypto businesses of all sizes, due to the country’s progressive legislation offering transparent licensing, competitive costs, and tailored government initiatives supporting blockchain innovation. No wonder, therefore, over 135 El Salvador crypto licenses had been granted by the end of 2024, based on the most recent statistics. Even though the number of active DASP license holders changes in the public register, the market’s appetite remains strong and keeps rising.
In regulatory terms, El Salvador is nothing close to a “Wild West,” offering a well-developed jurisdiction with ready-made crypto infrastructure, with the DASP license being an authorization that makes operations legitimate.
The cost of obtaining a DASP license in El Salvador depends on multiple factors, such as the scope of activities, corporate structure, and consultancy fees. Yet, the overall cost structure is transparent enough and is defined by Article 12 of the Digital Assets Law.
Applicants must pay a government registration fee as part of the licensing process. An equivalent of 15 minimum wages in the commerce and services sector must be paid upon submission and review of the El Salvador DASP license application.
Licensed entities are subject to an annual renewal fee equivalent to 10 minimum wages in the commerce and services sector. This ensures continued regulatory oversight and compliance with local requirements.
A minimum paid-up share capital of USD 2,000 is required to get a DASP license. In practice, when a corporate bank account is opened, typically at least 5% of the declared share capital amount must be deposited to activate a new business bank account.
Professional fees vary depending on the provider, the time involved, and the structure’s complexity. Choosing an experienced legal partner like Inteliumlaw, however, can significantly streamline the process and reduce risk exposure.
After licensing, companies are still required to consider costs for accounting, ongoing legal support, office maintenance, taxes, and other administrative charges.
Inteliumlaw helps clients obtain an El Salvador crypto license, offering the industry’s most competitive cost structure. Contact us to learn more.
| | Costa Rica | El Salvador | Dubai (VARA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope of activities | Crypto exchange, custodial services, mining, ICO/ITO, and more | Crypto exchange, sales of digital assets, custodial services, management of investment products in digital assets, and buying or/and selling digital assets on clients' behalf | Virtual asset advisory, exchange operations, custody, lending, management, transfer & settlement issuance, and more |
| Cost | Low (contact us for accurate estimate) | Medium (contact us for accurate estimate) | High (reach out to us for price) |
| Time to obtain | 2 weeks to 1 month | 3 to 6 months | 6 to 12 months, depending on the complexity |
| Regulation | No additional permit or authorization | National Commission on Digital Assets (CNAD) | Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) |
| Taxation | 30% corporate income tax; 0% tax on income generated outside of Costa Rica | 0% corporate tax on non-Salvadoran income source received from the company’s activity. In addition, cryptocurrency transactions are not subject to capital gains tax. | 0% personal income tax; 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000; free-zone exemptions possible |
| Requirements | Minimal (register a company and comply with international AML/CFT standards) | Moderate (register a company, comply with AML/CFT standards set by FATF, implement cybersecurity standards, and investor protection) | High (office lease, AML/CTF policies, cybersecurity controls, responsible individuals appointed, minimum share capital obligations) |
Obtaining an El Salvador crypto license is a complex process, requiring strict adherence to local regulatory standards. Businesses and entrepreneurs seeking to get a DASP license must meet several core requirements.
One of the primary requirements to get a crypto license in El Salvador is to incorporate a local company or branch (Article 18(d)).
Any entity must demonstrate financial capacity to operate (Article 21(h)) sustainably and meet regulatory obligations.
The El Salvador regulator expects a genuine local presence, typically including the appointment of at least two directors and the establishment of a registered office in the region.
Under the CNAD procedure, applicants must submit robust documentation, including a three-year business plan, customer disclosure system, AML/CFT, and cybersecurity policies, risk management systems, custody procedures, and operational rules tailored to digital asset operations.
At least two certified and trained AML officers must be appointed and registered with the Financial Investigation Unit. For conducting crypto-asset-related activities, at least one AML officer shall be locally based to ensure effective oversight and direct engagement with El Salvadorian regulatory authorities.
One of the primary requirements to get a crypto license in El Salvador is to incorporate a local company or branch (Article 18(d)).
Any entity must demonstrate financial capacity to operate (Article 21(h)) sustainably and meet regulatory obligations.
The El Salvador regulator expects a genuine local presence, typically including the appointment of at least two directors and the establishment of a registered office in the region.
Under the CNAD procedure, applicants must submit robust documentation, including a three-year business plan, customer disclosure system, AML/CFT, and cybersecurity policies, risk management systems, custody procedures, and operational rules tailored to digital asset operations.
At least two certified and trained AML officers must be appointed and registered with the Financial Investigation Unit. For conducting crypto-asset-related activities, at least one AML officer shall be locally based to ensure effective oversight and direct engagement with El Salvadorian regulatory authorities.
Obtaining a crypto license in El Salvador is a multi-stage procedure designed specifically to ensure applicants’ compliance and operational readiness. In most cases, the end-to-end process, from preparing relevant procedures to the moment the DASP license is granted, ranges from 3 to 6 months, depending on project complexity and the regulator’s turnaround time.
The process begins with gathering corporate and personal documentation of directors, including source of funds declarations and others.
A local legal entity is incorporated in El Salvador. This includes drafting relevant documents, appointing directors, registering a legal address, and completing other company incorporation formalities.
At this stage, Inteliumlaw experts remain involved hands-on in developing AML/KYC procedures, internal controls, cybersecurity safeguards, and other policies tailored to digital asset businesses.
The complete application is officially submitted to the National Commission on Digital Assets (CNAD) together with all necessary documentation.
The licensing authority conducts a substantive review of the application submitted, which typically takes 20 business days, where additional clarification may be requested.
Upon the review, the applicable fee shall be paid in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Once approved, the official DASP license is issued, authorizing the crypto firm to legally conduct operations under the El Salvador digital assets regulation.
The final step involves opening a corporate bank account to facilitate traditional payment rails for customers.
Securing a crypto license in El Salvador is less a formality and more about building a compliant operating structure where every element must be interconnected. Policy gaps, operational inconsistencies, or an unclear service perimeter can halt the entire process at any stage.
Inteliumlaw provides comprehensive support through the entire process of getting an El Salvador crypto license. From defining the operational scope to drafting the full compliance plan and business plan and submitting the application in accordance with CNAD regulations, our team does it all. In addition, Inteliumlaw coordinates directly with the competent authorities to ensure a smooth review process and help make a crypto project launch as quick, legal, and safe as possible.
Contact Inteliumlaw for tailored guidance on obtaining the El Salvador crypto license and establishing a compliant, future-proof digital asset business.
Through years of supporting businesses’ sustainable growth, Inteliumlaw has built a robust network of partners ranging from software developers and gaming technology providers to operators and white-label businesses – all designed to offer our clients immediate access to industry-leading solutions.
Managing Partner at Inteliumlaw
Languages: English/Ukrainian
El Salvador offers two types of licenses: the BSP license for Bitcoin services and the DASP license for all other digital assets, with companies often requiring both permits.
The overall cost of the DASP license includes state fees, compliance setup (price of consulting services), and more. The final price depends on the structural complexity and the scale of planned operations.
Three-year business plan, full AML/KYC and transaction-monitoring policies, cybersecurity and information-security procedures, risk management and business continuity plans, as well as corporate governance and internal control documentation. In addition, operational rules must be provided explaining how crypto services (exchange, custody, transfers, and client protection) will be carried out in practice.
Under Article 20 of the Digital Assets Issuance Law, it takes up to 20 business days after full submission. Yet, the overall process from zero (until the DASP license is granted) may take anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
Tax-exempt under Article 36 for regulated activities.
A locally registered legal entity is generally required, along with a registered address, directors, and AML officers.
No, foreign entrepreneurs should establish a local company to apply for an El Salvador crypto license.
In many cases, licensed companies may offer services to international clients, but only subject to the laws of the jurisdictions where their customers are located. The El Salvador crypto license doesn’t automatically authorize operations abroad where separate registration may be required. Cross-border activity should be conducted to ensure compliance both in the home jurisdiction and in each customer’s country of residence.
Inteliumlaw provides end-to-end assistance during the DASP license application process, including company incorporation, document preparation, and acting as a liaison with the regulator. Our team can ensure the application meets local requirements and thus accelerate the project’s market entry.
The accumulated experience and tracking of future changes in this area allow us to be proactive
for our clients and develop the most adapted business structures to modern conditions.
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