Crypto Regulations in Bolivia 2025

As of 2025, Bolivia’s crypto regulations are evolving dramatically, from a historical ban to allow banks to operate crypto. While trading or owning stablecoins has been legalized in Bolivia, their use for business payments is not permitted, and they are not considered legal tender. Stablecoins transactions in Bolivia are only allowed via an authorized bank. 

Crypto Regulations in Bolivia 2025

May 23, 2025 , YPFB Bans

• Executive Order 5399 bans the state-owned oil company from purchasing crypto to make payments.

• After the rise of stablecoin in the crypto market, the oil company’s traders tried to use crypto for profit dollar trading within the company. However, this statement was later denied by the YPFB president, saying they are not using crypto assets.

May 7, 2025, Supreme Decree No. 5384

• The Bolivian government confirms recognition of disruptive technologies– blockchains, tokenized assets, virtual assets, and Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).

• Recognizes financial technological companies of the country, establishing a legal framework that enables startups and developing fintechs.

April 16, 2025- Resolution no. 019/2025

• Laid the groundwork for the initial recognition of virtual assets and virtual asset service providers (VASP).

• Marking a milestone by lifting the old restrictions and recognizing fintech developing frameworks.

Crypto regulation summary

Date	Law	Details
May 23, 2025	Ban YFPB crypto use	YPFB plans to use crypto for fuel imports; later banned by the government
June 26, 2024	Resolution No. 82/2024	Lifted crypto ban, allowed virtual assets
2024	Resolution No. 082/2024	Supported crypto adoption for financial growth
2022	Crypto ban continues	Banks are not allowed to operate crypto transactions
December 15, 2020	Resolution N° 144/2020	Reaffirms the crypto ban
May 6, 2014	Crypto Ban	BCB banned crypto to protect Bolivia

What is the Bolivian government saying about crypto?

• Public awareness: After lifting the crypto ban in the country, the Bolivian government launched public awareness campaigns to teach people about crypto basics, risks, and how digital assets work.

• Consumer protection: The Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB) officials are drafting crypto regulations focusing on transparency, safety, and innovation. It aims to prevent crypto scams while balancing rules and technology.

• USD-pegged stablecoins: In March 2025, the BCB utilized USD-pegged stablecoins for cross-border payments, remittances, and trading. It also traded crypto exchanges as a store of value in countries with volatile local currency.

Crypto tax in Bolivia 2025

• No capital gains tax: There is no specific tax legislation regarding crypto in Bolivia. While the standard taxes, like VAT/GST, are applied to goods or services purchased, crypto profits would likely be taxed under PIT (personal income tax).

• CIT: Hence, mining, staking, and other crypto-related activities will be subject to 25% corporate income tax (CIT) as business income and individual earnings via crypto are not taxed in Bolivia.

Crypto adoption rate in Bolivia 2025

• Dynamic growth– After lifting the crypto ban in 2024, Bolivia reported a 100% rise in virtual asset trading, becoming one of the most dynamic Latin American regions for cryptocurrency adoption.

• Present adoption rate– Currently, the crypto adoption rate in Bolivia is 3.5%, with a continuously evolving state of digital assets in the country. In 2024, Bolivia reported around $15.6 million worth of assets traded between July and September.

• Crypto holdings: The Bolivian government has not publicly disclosed its crypto holdings; the government’s focus remains on facilitating transactions rather than accumulating digital assets.

Conclusion

By regulating cryptocurrency in the country, Bolivia aims to maintain stability and innovation in its fintech market. However, its ban on using crypto in energy transactions is to prevent the instability that the digital assets could bring to its energy sector. While the Bolivian government is addressing the risks associated with crypto, it is also crucial for them to recognize the potential benefits to harness the full potential of cryptocurrency in the country’s economy.

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