Is crypto legal in Guatemala?

Crypto is not illegal in Guatemala as of October 2026. You can buy and hold it, but the state does not recognize it as money, and anyone who invests does so at their own risk. In 2026 Congress brought crypto platforms under the country's anti-money laundering law.

Is bitcoin legal in Guatemala?

Bitcoin is neither banned nor officially authorized. The Superintendencia de Bancos (SIB) has said that under the monetary law the quetzal is the only legal tender, and that bitcoin, ether and similar coins are not recognized or backed, DPL News reported in November 2024. The SIB added that crypto is not authorized as a payment method, and that each person or company that invests is responsible for that decision.

In January 2025 the president of the Banco de Guatemala, Álvaro González Ricci, said crypto is an investment asset rather than money and falls outside the central bank's functions, CriptoNoticias reported.

Is cryptocurrency allowed in Guatemala for businesses?

Yes, but with new duties. Congress approved Decree 15-2026, a comprehensive anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing law, in June 2026 with 147 of 160 votes. It replaces the 2001 and 2005 laws and takes effect three months after publication in the official gazette, CriptoNoticias reported. Under the law:

• Exchanges, custodians and other crypto service providers, local or foreign, become reporting entities before the Intendencia de Verificación Especial (IVE), part of the SIB.
• Anonymous crypto transactions are prohibited, and providers must verify users and beneficial owners before doing business.
• Providers must report suspicious transactions and register with the SIB through the IVE.

Registration under this law does not by itself grant a commercial licence. The AGN state news agency said the goal is to meet international standards and help Guatemala avoid the FATF grey list. An earlier bill to regulate bitcoin, No. 6538, was dropped.

How do people buy bitcoin in Guatemala?

In general, Guatemalans reach crypto through online exchanges and through peer-to-peer trading with other people. Under the 2026 law, exchange users should expect to show an ID, proof of address and source of funds before deposits, withdrawals or large trades, AGN reported. That is standard KYC. For the general process, see how to buy cryptocurrency, and for neighbours, is bitcoin legal tender in El Salvador.

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