Crypto licence in El SalvadorOverview
El Salvador's Digital Assets Issuance Law, adopted in 2023, created the National Commission of Digital Assets as an autonomous regulator for digital asset issuances, stablecoins, tokenised real-world assets and the service providers that support them. CNAD maintains a public registry of digital asset service providers (DASPs), certifiers and issuances, and its regulations make clear that offering digital asset services in El Salvador without CNAD approval is unlawful. By early 2026, CNAD had authorised more than 70 DASPs.
The DASP regulations cover exchange of digital assets for fiat or other digital assets, operation of exchanges and trading platforms, risk evaluation, pricing and underwriting of issuances, placement of digital assets, promotion and management of digital asset investment products and financing, and transfer, custody and order handling for third parties. Applicants submit corporate documents, an organisational structure, customer service arrangements and evidence of their capacity to deliver the services; CNAD resolves complete applications within 20 working days.
Bitcoin itself is treated separately. Following an agreement with the IMF, the Legislative Assembly amended the Bitcoin Law in January 2025 so that private acceptance of bitcoin is voluntary. Bitcoin service providers operate under standards issued by the Central Reserve Bank (BCR) and supervision by the Superintendency of the Financial System (SSF), distinct from the CNAD registration for other digital assets.
The ecosystem has widened since 2025. An Investment Banking Law approved in August 2025 created investment bank licences that may also act as DASPs, digital asset issuers and bitcoin service providers, while an October 2025 law on alternative private investment funds allows funds for sophisticated investors to hold digital assets and stablecoins.
Key benefits
- Purpose-built digital asset statute with a dedicated, specialised regulator
- Fast statutory review timeline of 20 working days for complete applications
- Moderate, published registration and renewal fees
- Public registry that supports credibility with partners and banks
- Framework covering tokenisation, stablecoins and real-world asset issuance as well as services
- US dollar economy, simplifying treasury and accounting
Requirements
- Legal entity incorporated and registered in the Salvadoran Commercial Registry, or an eligible individual
- Domicile, physical address and notification details in El Salvador
- Organisational structure and customer service system suited to the services offered
- Evidence of technical and operational capacity to provide the requested services
- AML/CFT and proliferation financing programme compliant with Salvadoran AML law and FATF standards
- Information security officer with direct access to the board
- Code of ethics, including AML policies, within six months of definitive registration
- Quarterly reporting on digital asset issuances and stablecoins where applicable
- Annual renewal fee paid in the first quarter to avoid cancellation
Licence options & capital
Exchange and trading platform
US$5,475 registration
Exchange of digital assets for fiat or other digital assets, and operation of trading venues.
Custody and transfer services
US$5,475 registration
Transfer, custody, administration and order handling of digital assets for third parties.
Issuance services and certifiers
Risk evaluation, pricing, underwriting and placement of digital asset issuances; certifiers need at least five years of relevant experience.
Investment bank licence
Under the 2025 Investment Banking Law, a licensed investment bank may also act as DASP, issuer and bitcoin service provider for sophisticated investors.
Bitcoin service provider
Bitcoin-specific services under Central Reserve Bank standards and SSF supervision.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Service mapping
Determine whether the activities fall under CNAD, the bitcoin service provider regime or the investment banking framework.
- 2
Local incorporation
Incorporate a Salvadoran company, register it in the Commercial Registry and obtain a tax ID.
- 3
Prepare the file
Assemble corporate documents, organisational structure, customer service arrangements and capacity evidence.
- 4
CNAD review
CNAD decides within 20 working days of a complete file; missing items must be supplied within 10 working days.
- 5
Definitive registration
Pay the initial fee within 10 business days of a favourable resolution to receive the definitive registration number.
- 6
Post-registration
Adopt the code of ethics within six months, file quarterly reports and pay the annual renewal in Q1.
Typical documents
- Incorporation deed registered in the Commercial Registry
- Board credentials or power of attorney of the legal representative
- Tax identification card
- Organisational chart and description of the customer service system
- Evidence of operational and technical capacity
- List of digital assets offered, with their features and restrictions
- AML/CFT programme and cybersecurity plan
- Shareholder information and CVs (for certifiers)
How Legal Wealth helps
Legal Wealth helps clients decide which Salvadoran route fits their business, whether CNAD registration, a bitcoin service provider set-up or the investment banking framework, and how it sits alongside licences elsewhere. We coordinate incorporation and local counsel, prepare the capacity evidence and AML documentation CNAD expects, and manage post-registration obligations. Our approach is discreet and compliance-first, and we can integrate the Salvadoran entity with principals' wider residence, holding and succession planning.
Enquire with Legal WealthFrequently asked questions
Is it a licence or a registration?
Under the CNAD regulations it is a registration in a public registry, with provisional and definitive stages. Operating without CNAD approval is nonetheless unlawful.
How much does registration cost?
The initial fee is 15 minimum monthly salaries and the annual renewal is 10, stated as US$5,475 and US$3,650 when the regulations were approved.
How long does CNAD take?
CNAD must resolve within 20 working days of receiving a complete application. Incomplete files get 10 working days to be remedied.
Is bitcoin still legal tender?
The Bitcoin Law was amended in January 2025 so that private acceptance of bitcoin is voluntary. Bitcoin-specific services are supervised separately from CNAD.
Does a Salvadoran registration allow serving other countries?
It authorises services in El Salvador. Serving clients elsewhere depends on the rules of each target market, which often require local licensing.
Last reviewed: 2026-10. Requirements, fees and timelines change. Information is general, reviewed on the date shown, and is not legal or tax advice.
