Crypto law in El Salvador
Oldest entry on this page last reviewed 10 July 2026
Not legal advice. General information only, not legal advice. Crypto law changes quickly and varies within jurisdictions. Verify with a qualified local lawyer before acting. Each statement carries its primary source and the date we last reviewed it.
Legal status
Legal
Bitcoin was adopted as legal tender in 2021; its mandatory-acceptance status was later wound back.
El Salvador’s Bitcoin Law made bitcoin legal tender from September 2021, the first country to do so. Under a subsequent agreement with the International Monetary Fund, acceptance by merchants was made voluntary and the state’s role was reduced.
- Regulator
- Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador
- Legislation
- Ley Bitcoin (Decreto No. 57)
Last reviewed 10 July 2026 by Craig Winder
Exchanges in El Salvador
Which exchanges quote USD, and their licensing position.
Exchanges available in El SalvadorSpotted an error?
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