ATHENS, November 6, 2026 — Greece’s parliament has approved a 10% capital gains tax on cryptocurrencies, with annual gains of up to €500 exempt from the tax. The new tax framework, which applies to net gains from January 1, 2027, is the country’s first comprehensive legal framework for taxing crypto assets.
Key Provisions Of The Tax Framework
The tax applies to the difference between the acquisition and transfer prices of cryptocurrencies, with an average acquisition price used for assets bought in multiple lots. Crypto-to-crypto swaps are treated as non-taxable events, similar to the approach used in France. The Finance Ministry will issue further directives on transparency and audit rules in the coming weeks. A 12-month window is also provided for voluntary declarations of past gains without fines or interest, under specified conditions.
Taxation Of Crypto-Related Activities
The ministry classifies returns from staking, lending, and liquidity provision as interest, subject to a 15% tax rate, rather than the 10% levy on trading gains. Crypto assets used for employee benefits, partnerships, or stockholder benefits are valued at market value when received. Inheritance and gift taxes will use prices quoted on recognized platforms from the previous day. The mechanics here suggest that the Greek government is taking a nuanced approach to taxing different aspects of cryptocurrency activities.
Comparison With Other European Countries
The 10% tax rate in Greece is relatively low compared to other European countries, where tax rates on cryptocurrency gains range from 8% to 30%. The catch is that most Greek investors use foreign platforms, making it difficult for authorities to estimate the revenue from the new tax. Follow the money, and it becomes clear that the Greek government is trying to balance the need for revenue with the need to attract and retain cryptocurrency investors.
Implementation And Next Steps
The Finance Ministry will issue implementing regulations and guidance on reporting, audit procedures, and how platforms, especially foreign ones, will be expected to cooperate with the new framework. On closer reading, it appears that the ministry is taking a phased approach to implementing the new tax framework, with a focus on providing clear guidance and rules to ensure compliance. As a senior finance ministry official told Reuters, further implementation directives will be published in the coming weeks, which will also define transparency and audit rules.
Sources
- Greece Approves 10% Crypto Capital Gains Tax
- Greece approves 10% crypto gains tax with €500 exemption
- Greek parliament approves 10% tax on cryptocurrency gains
- Greek Parliament Approves 10% Crypto Capital Gains Tax with €500 Exemption | KuCoin
- Greece Approves 10% Crypto Tax, Exempts €500 in Annual Gains
Photo: Jebulon (CC0)
