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Crypto Regulation in Puerto Rico

Legal

Puerto Rico, a US territory, follows US federal crypto regulation (SEC, CFTC, FinCEN). However, Act 60 (formerly Acts 20/22) provides significant tax incentives for individuals and businesses relocating to the island, including 0% capital gains on assets acquired after becoming a bona fide PR resident.

Region: CaribbeanCurrency: USDRisk Score: 30/100

Tax Information

Capital Gains (Personal)
0% on gains from assets acquired after becoming bona fide PR resident (Act 60); US federal rates on pre-move gains
Capital Gains (Corporate)
4% fixed rate under Act 60 export services; otherwise US federal + PR rates
VAT on Crypto
No
Staking Tax
Subject to applicable income tax
Airdrop Tax
Subject to applicable income tax
Mining Tax
Subject to Act 60 or standard PR/US tax rules
Summary
Puerto Rico's Act 60 provides 0% capital gains tax on appreciation of assets acquired after establishing bona fide residence. This has attracted many crypto entrepreneurs. Export service businesses can qualify for a 4% corporate tax rate. However, pre-move gains and US federal obligations must be considered.

Licensing & Registration

License Required
Yes
Regulator
OCIF / SEC / FinCEN (Oficina del Comisionado de Instituciones Financieras / US SEC / US FinCEN)
Framework
US federal securities law; PR banking regulations; Act 60
License Types
US MSB Registration (FinCEN), State (PR) Money Transmitter, US Broker-Dealer (SEC)
Estimated Cost (USD)
$50,000 - $500,000
Timeline
6-18 months
Ease of Licensing
Hard
Notes
US federal and PR territorial licensing requirements apply. OCIF regulates money transmission. The Act 60 tax benefits have attracted significant crypto business.

AML / KYC

KYC Required
Yes
Travel Rule
Yes
FATF Member
Yes
FATF Status
Compliant
Suspicious Activity Reporting
Yes

Mining

Mining Legal
Yes
Status
Legal
Electricity Cost ($/kWh)
$0.22
Renewable Energy
10%
Climate
Tropical
Infrastructure
Moderate
Tax on Mining Income
4% fixed rate under Act 60 export services; otherwise US federal + PR rates
Notes
High electricity costs significantly reduce mining profitability.

DeFi, Stablecoins & NFTs

DeFi: unclearStablecoins: general frameworkNFTs: unclearCBDC: exploring

Soken Services

Legal Opinion
Available | $3,000 - $12,000 | 10 days
Banking
Difficulty: Hard | Crypto-friendly banks: none listed
Min. Deposit
$10,000
Fiat Rails
SWIFT
Card Payments
Visa, Mastercard
Company Registration
$8,000 | 30 days | International Business Company (IBC)
Licensing Support
Available | $25,000 - $100,000

Sources

OCIF Puerto Rico
Reviewed: 2026-03-01likely

Frequently Asked Questions

Is crypto legal in Puerto Rico?
Cryptocurrency is currently classified as "Legal" in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico, a US territory, follows US federal crypto regulation (SEC, CFTC, FinCEN). However, Act 60 (formerly Acts 20/22) provides significant tax incentives for individuals and businesses relocating to the island, including 0% capital gains on assets acquired after becoming a bona fide PR resident.
What is the crypto tax rate in Puerto Rico?
In Puerto Rico, the personal capital gains tax on crypto is 0% on gains from assets acquired after becoming bona fide PR resident (Act 60); US federal rates on pre-move gains, and the corporate tax rate is 4% fixed rate under Act 60 export services; otherwise US federal + PR rates. Puerto Rico's Act 60 provides 0% capital gains tax on appreciation of assets acquired after establishing bona fide residence. This has attracted many crypto entrepreneurs. Export service businesses can qualify for a 4% corporate tax rate. However, pre-move gains and US federal obligations must be considered.
Do I need a crypto license in Puerto Rico?
Yes, a crypto license is required in Puerto Rico. The regulator is Oficina del Comisionado de Instituciones Financieras / US SEC / US FinCEN under US federal securities law; PR banking regulations; Act 60. Estimated licensing cost: $50,000 - $500,000.
Is crypto mining legal in Puerto Rico?
Yes, crypto mining is legal in Puerto Rico. Electricity costs approximately $0.22/kWh. Mining income is taxed at: 4% fixed rate under Act 60 export services; otherwise US federal + PR rates. High electricity costs significantly reduce mining profitability.
What are the AML/KYC requirements for crypto in Puerto Rico?
Yes, crypto businesses in Puerto Rico must comply with KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements. The FATF Travel Rule is implemented. FATF compliance status: compliant.