El Salvador Bitcoin Service Provider registration.
A Bitcoin-specific registration route for exchanges, wallets, custody, payment, ATM, technology, and related service models operating within the perimeter of the Bitcoin Law and BCR rules.
BSP registration is activity-based—not just a label for any crypto company.
The BCR’s public registry reflects multiple Bitcoin-service categories. The required registration approach and supporting controls depend on the product, customer relationship, custody, transaction flow, and technology used.
Digital exchanges
Bitcoin exchange or brokerage models that facilitate conversion, trading, or related transaction services.
Bitcoin wallets
Wallet products enabling users to hold, access, send, receive, or transact in Bitcoin, depending on custody and control architecture.
Custody & technology
Custodial services and technology providers supporting Bitcoin access, control, safeguarding, or transaction infrastructure.
Payment & merchant services
Merchant-acquiring, processing, checkout, settlement, or other services that support commercial Bitcoin payments.
Bitcoin ATMs
Physical kiosks or ATM models that enable Bitcoin purchase, sale, transfer, or related customer transactions.
Other Bitcoin services
Additional Bitcoin-related activities may require classification and registration depending on their function and regulatory perimeter.
Bitcoin acceptance is now voluntary for private businesses.
The 2025 reform removed the older mandatory private-sector acceptance concept. This does not eliminate the Bitcoin-service regulatory framework: companies that provide covered Bitcoin services should still assess registration, technical standards, AML/CFT, consumer, and operational obligations.
Voluntary merchant acceptance
A private merchant is not required simply by law to accept Bitcoin in every transaction.
Taxes in U.S. dollars
Tax obligations should be planned and settled in U.S. dollars under the current framework.
Provider registration still matters
The BCR continues to operate its Bitcoin Service Provider registry and publishes registered providers and registration requirements.
Build the company and controls around the specific Bitcoin product.
Classify the service
Map whether the product is an exchange, wallet, custodian, payment processor, merchant solution, ATM, technology provider, or combined model.
Structure the company
Coordinate incorporation, ownership, governance, legal representation, tax registration, and the corporate documentation required for the project.
Prepare registration information
Compile service descriptions, management and ownership details, controls, technology architecture, customer journey, and supporting evidence.
Implement operational controls
AML/KYC, cybersecurity, custody or key management, transaction security, complaint handling, disclosures, business continuity, and vendor oversight.
Register, launch, and maintain
Manage the registry workflow and establish processes for ongoing updates, compliance, accounting, regulatory communications, and material changes.
Some Bitcoin businesses may also fall within the broader CNAD framework.
A project involving digital assets beyond Bitcoin, token issuance or placement, derivatives, investment products, broader custody or exchange activities, or marketing into El Salvador should not assume that BCR registration is the only relevant route.
Common BSP project questions.
The legal framework changed in 2025. The practical current point for private businesses is that acceptance is voluntary, while taxes are paid in U.S. dollars. The BSP regulatory and registry framework nevertheless remains relevant for covered Bitcoin service providers.
Not necessarily. Custody and control over private keys materially affect regulatory classification, customer risk, cybersecurity obligations, disclosures, and operating procedures. The architecture should be documented before choosing the route.
A combined structure may be appropriate where the business covers Bitcoin-specific services and broader digital-asset activities. The service map, governance, policies, and applications should be coordinated so the scopes are consistent.
No. Bank, EMI, payment, liquidity, custody, and technology onboarding are separate commercial and due-diligence processes. We can coordinate assistance, but approval remains with each provider.
Map the Bitcoin service before selecting the registration route.
Share the product, custody model, customer journey, transaction flow, markets, and technology stack.