Is crypto legal in Chile?

Crypto is legal in Chile, and the country has a crypto definition written into law. Ley Fintec, the fintech law, brings crypto platforms into the same registration system as other financial service providers. Owning, buying and selling crypto is allowed.

Is bitcoin legal in Chile?

Yes, as an asset. Law 21.521 defines a "virtual financial asset or crypto asset" as a digital representation of units of value, goods or services that can be transferred, stored or exchanged digitally, and it excludes money from that definition. Bitcoin is not legal tender or a foreign currency in Chile, as a 2025 Diario Constitucional analysis notes.

The Banco Central de Chile has long held this view. In a 2019 letter it said crypto would not be a good substitute for legal tender, and classified crypto as intangible goods that people are free to exchange for goods and services, CriptoNoticias reported.

What are Chile's crypto laws and regulation?

Ley Fintec was published in the Diario Oficial on January 4, 2023, according to law firm Carey. Crypto assets appear in the law's definition of financial instruments, so platforms that trade, hold or intermediate them can fall under its service categories. These include alternative transaction systems, custody of financial instruments and intermediation.

Providers of these services must register in the CMF's Registro de Prestadores de Servicios Financieros and get authorization for each service. The CMF said the transition period ended on February 3, 2025. Since then only registered and authorized firms, or those whose applications were filed in time and not rejected, may provide Fintec services. Registered providers of several of these services also become reporting entities for the financial intelligence unit, the UAF, Carey notes.

How to buy bitcoin in Chile?

You can buy bitcoin through a crypto exchange or broker that serves Chile. The practical check under Ley Fintec is whether the platform appears in the CMF registry for the service it offers. For the general steps of buying, see how to buy cryptocurrency.

Is Chile crypto friendly?

Chile allows crypto and has published how it is taxed. The SII says crypto gains are taxable income. Individuals pay the Impuesto Global Complementario, or the Impuesto Adicional if they are not resident, and businesses pay first category tax. Under SII resolutions 113 and 114, crypto service providers based in Chile must report user and wallet data, with the first filings due on June 30, 2026. The SII also reported closing 13 crypto tax audit cases in 2025.

For other countries, read is cryptocurrency legal and crypto regulation around the world.

Rules differ by country and change often. Check the regulator or a qualified professional for your own situation.