DASP License
Digital Asset Service Provider license for operating crypto exchanges, custody services, and token issuance platforms in the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender.
Digital Assets Issuance Law 2023, CNAD Regulations
Capital Required
USD 2,000 minimum
Timeline
2-4 months
Fees
USD 1,000-5,000 application + annual compliance fees
Regulatory Body
National Commission of Digital Assets (CNAD) / Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador
Legislative Framework
Bitcoin Law (Ley Bitcoin) 2021, Digital Assets Issuance Law 2023, Digital Assets Service Provider (DASP) Regulations
Last updated: August 2025
Key Requirements
Comply with AML/CFT requirements including customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and suspicious activity reporting to CNAD.
Establish local representative or subsidiary in El Salvador with physical office and operational personnel.
Implement governance structure with board oversight, compliance officer, and internal audit procedures.
Establish cybersecurity infrastructure meeting CNAD standards including multi-signature wallets and cold storage for custody services.
Implement customer protection procedures including fund segregation, insurance coverage, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Maintain regular reporting to CNAD including transaction volumes, customer complaints, and operational incidents.
Application Process
Prepare detailed business plan describing service offerings, operational structure, and customer protection procedures.
Submit DASP license application to CNAD with documentation of capital adequacy of USD 2,000 minimum.
Provide evidence of AML/CFT compliance program and customer due diligence procedures.
Submit cybersecurity assessment and operational resilience plan including incident response procedures.
Provide local representative information and office location documentation in El Salvador.
Receive CNAD approval and commence DASP operations.
Expected Total Timeline
2-4 months
Ongoing Obligations
After obtaining your DASP License, these are the continuing compliance requirements you must maintain.
Maintain minimum capital of USD 2,000 with quarterly capital adequacy reporting to CNAD.
Submit monthly transaction reports including trading volumes, user numbers, and incident disclosures.
Conduct annual compliance audits documenting AML/CFT procedures, customer protection, and operational effectiveness.
Report material incidents including cybersecurity breaches, fraud, or customer fund loss within 24 hours.
Maintain customer fund segregation with quarterly reconciliation and audit verification.
Update CNAD of material changes to business model, ownership, or service offerings within 30 days.
Cost Summary
Capital Requirement
USD 2,000 minimum
Application & Licensing Fees
USD 1,000-5,000 application + annual compliance fees
Jurisdiction Setup Cost
$5,000-$15,000
Annual: $3,000-$8,000
Other El Salvador Licenses
Explore other license types available in El Salvador.
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