Crypto Regulations in the Dominican Republic 2025

The Dominican Republic does not have any specific crypto laws, and the Central Bank of the country does not consider crypto assets as legal currency. Any entity operating a digital asset must do it at its own risk. Despite not regulating any crypto law, it is expected by the users to follow anti-money laundering (AML)and counter financing terrorism protocols (CFT). 

Everything you need to know about crypto regulations in the Dominican Republic

Legal status (2021)

• The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic has issued two separate statements so far, one of which confirms that ‘crypto assets are not government-backed and are not fiat currency’. This asserts the grey area of cryptocurrency in the country. According to Law 183-02 of the Republic, no payments are debts are to be accepted by the banks with crypto assets.

Risk and Penalty

• Another statement released by the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic warned the entities operating crypto, saying any individual or company dealing and investing in crypto should do it at their own risk.

• In the same statement, the officials announced that any banks or other regulated financial institutions dealing with crypto may be subject to fines and sanctions. As a result of this, most banks do not take clients dealing with crypto assets.

License– 

• The Dominican Republic does not have any specific crypto regulations or licenses for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). However, if digital assets are used in financial intermediation, then the company and individual engaging in the activity would require a crypto license.

Virtual Asset Business Legislation 2022-

• In mid-2022, the Dominican Republic released new virtual asset business legislation involving an agreement to appoint the TRON Protocol (a global blockchain platform). It aimed to designate the national blockchain infrastructure and to unite the Dominican Republic with the global economy.

2017 Monetary Board Announcement-

• The Monetary Board and the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic emphasized that local financial institutions are not allowed to perform operations using digital currency. If they do not comply with this law, they may be subject to penalties.

Legalised crypto platforms-

• Despite not legalizing crypto assets or regulating specific laws, people are engaging with crypto in the Dominican Republic. Platforms offering services are required to follow AML and KYC compliance to ensure the safety of customers’ funds.

• Arkham and Arkham Futures are some of the best crypto platforms in the Republic to ensure the protection of the user. These platforms do not engage in illegal activities and have strict compliance with KYC and AML.

What is the government of the Dominican Republic saying about crypto?

• The government of the Dominican Republic, more specifically the Central Bank, has taken several cautious steps regarding cryptocurrency in the country. It has reiterated that crypto is not legal tender and is not backed by the government.

• It has not officially banned crypto but has warned the local institutions, banks, and citizens from using crypto due to its potential risks. The government has also emphasised that the national currency of the Dominican Republic remains the sole legal tender for payments in the country.

Crypto License in Dominican Republic 2025

The Dominican Republic does not have any specific cryptocurrency license. Despite the lack of licensing in the country, there is no explicit prohibition on engaging in crypto activities. The existing financial regulations apply to crypto in the country, as the government is yet to address crypto and provide clarity on it specifically. 

Crypto Tax in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic follows a territorial tax regime to balance revenue and promote innovation. Under this regime, any income earned within the country is subject to tax. This same principle applies to crypto as well. Thus, earnings from crypto-related activities such as mining and trading are taxable in the Republic. 

Tax summary of the Dominican Republic

TAX	RATE
Corporations	27%
residents	25%
Gifts	27%
Wealth Tax	NA
Inheritance	3%

Crypto Adoption Rate in the Dominican Republic

• Crypto adoption rate in the Dominican Republic is low in comparison to other crypto-friendly countries. In 2025, the crypto rate in the country is found to be 3.7%, representing one of the lowest crypto adoption rates in Latin America.

• The top crypto exchanges, such as Arkham, have a trading volume reaching $74.2 billion and increasing continuously.

• Dominican Republic government’s crypto holdings: As of 2025, the Dominican government does not officially hold any crypto. Policies are currently focusing on warning people about crypto’s potential risks.

Also Read: Crypto Regulations in the British Virgin Islands 2025

Conclusion

The central bank of the Dominican Republic has warned against crypto but has not outright prohibited the use of digital assets. Despite the lack of comprehensive legislation regarding cryptocurrency, it is used by Dominican people. Bitcoin is one of the most popular cryptocurrencies among them, there are even Bitcoin ATM’s in Santo Domingo.

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