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Crypto Regulation in Guatemala

Restricted

The Banguat (Bank of Guatemala) and SIB have warned that crypto is not legal tender and not regulated. Financial institutions are discouraged from dealing in crypto. No licensing framework exists.

Region: Central AmericaCurrency: GTQRisk Score: 55/100

Tax Information

Capital Gains (Personal)
10% CGT on asset disposals
Capital Gains (Corporate)
25% corporate tax
VAT on Crypto
No
Staking Tax
No specific guidance
Airdrop Tax
No specific guidance
Mining Tax
No specific guidance
Summary
No crypto-specific tax guidance. General 10% CGT may apply.

Licensing & Registration

License Required
No
Regulator
SIB / Banguat (Superintendencia de Bancos / Banco de Guatemala)
Framework
No crypto framework; SIB/Banguat warnings
License Types
--
Estimated Cost (USD)
N/A
Timeline
N/A months
Ease of Licensing
N/A
Notes
No crypto licensing. Banguat has issued multiple warnings about crypto risks.

AML / KYC

KYC Required
Yes
Travel Rule
No
FATF Member
No
FATF Status
Partially Compliant
Suspicious Activity Reporting
Yes

Mining

Mining Legal
Yes
Status
Restricted
Electricity Cost ($/kWh)
$0.12
Renewable Energy
60%
Climate
Tropical
Infrastructure
Moderate
Tax on Mining Income
25% corporate tax

DeFi, Stablecoins & NFTs

DeFi: unclearStablecoins: no rulesNFTs: no_rulesCBDC: none

Soken Services

Legal Opinion
Available | $5,000 - $20,000 | 14 days
Banking
Difficulty: Very Hard | Crypto-friendly banks: none listed
Min. Deposit
$10,000
Fiat Rails
SWIFT, Local ACH
Card Payments
Visa, Mastercard

Sources

Superintendencia de Bancos Guatemala
Reviewed: 2026-02-15likely

Frequently Asked Questions

Is crypto legal in Guatemala?
Cryptocurrency is currently classified as "Restricted" in Guatemala. The Banguat (Bank of Guatemala) and SIB have warned that crypto is not legal tender and not regulated. Financial institutions are discouraged from dealing in crypto. No licensing framework exists.
What is the crypto tax rate in Guatemala?
In Guatemala, the personal capital gains tax on crypto is 10% CGT on asset disposals, and the corporate tax rate is 25% corporate tax. No crypto-specific tax guidance. General 10% CGT may apply.
Do I need a crypto license in Guatemala?
No, Guatemala does not currently require a specific crypto license, though other financial regulations may apply.
Is crypto mining legal in Guatemala?
Yes, crypto mining is legal in Guatemala. Electricity costs approximately $0.12/kWh. Mining income is taxed at: 25% corporate tax.
What are the AML/KYC requirements for crypto in Guatemala?
Yes, crypto businesses in Guatemala must comply with KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements. FATF compliance status: partially_compliant.