Greece’s parliament has passed new legislation imposing a 10% tax on cryptocurrency profits, setting a clear path for crypto investors as the regulatory landscape evolves. The measure, approved Thursday, is part of a comprehensive financial reform bill that also covers loan oversight, consumer debt protections, and market supervision.
Parliament’s approval and scope of the bill
The Hellenic Parliament confirmed the adoption of tax measures on digital asset transactions. The legislation establishes a 10% tax rate on profits from the sale of crypto assets, while also introducing a series of regulations affecting broader financial market activity in Greece. This new tax will take effect beginning January 1, 2027.
According to information provided by the local financial news outlet Oikonomikos Tachydromos, annual profits up to 500 euros (roughly $560) from crypto investments will be exempt from taxation. This aims to shield retail investors with modest holdings from additional financial burden.
Additional taxes and rules for crypto activity
The same legislation establishes a 15% tax on income derived from crypto staking, lending, and supplying liquidity to decentralized protocols. Industry participants who engage in these activities will face the higher tax rate on related earnings.
Furthermore, using cryptocurrencies to make purchases of goods and services could trigger a capital gains tax, while converting one type of crypto asset into another is not considered a taxable event under the new law.
Mini dictionary: Staking is a process where holders of certain cryptocurrencies lock up their tokens to support network operations, often earning rewards in return. Crypto lending involves lending assets to others for a fixed interest, while liquidity provision refers to supplying digital assets to decentralized exchanges or protocols to facilitate trades and earn fees.
| Activity | Tax Rate | Exemption/Note |
|---|---|---|
| Profits from crypto sales | 10% | No tax on profits ≤ 500 euros/year |
| Staking, lending, liquidity provision | 15% | Applies to related income |
| Swapping crypto to crypto | 0% | Not taxable |
| Purchasing goods/services with crypto | 10%* | Treated as capital gains event |
Reporting requirements and transitional measures
Greece’s Ministry of National Economy and Finance, which first floated the proposal in October, is responsible for implementing these new measures. The law requires investors to declare previously unreported crypto gains within a 12-month compliance window.
Individuals opting for voluntary disclosure will need to settle the associated tax within 60 days of filing in order to avoid penalties and additional interest.
New rules in Greece set a 10% tax on crypto sale profits and a 15% tax for gains from staking, lending, or providing liquidity, with exemptions for small investors and specific transactions like crypto swaps remaining untaxed.
