Greece approves a new cryptocurrency tax framework that will introduce a 10% levy on individual crypto investment gains starting January 1, 2027. The legislation marks the country’s first comprehensive approach to taxing digital assets, while also introducing separate rules for staking, crypto lending, and decentralized finance (DeFi) income.
The Greek Parliament approved the legislation on November 5, establishing a €500 annual exemption for individual investors. However, once annual net gains exceed that threshold, the entire amount becomes taxable at 10%.
The decision comes after months of discussions, with the government initially considering a higher 15% rate before settling on the lower figure.
The new framework aims to bring cryptocurrency investments into Greece’s existing tax system and provide clearer rules for investors holding or trading digital assets.
Greece Introduces 10% Tax on Crypto Investment Profits
Under the approved legislation, individuals will pay a 10% tax on net profits generated from cryptocurrency transfers.
The calculation generally considers the difference between an asset’s acquisition and selling prices, with eligible trading fees and related expenses deducted. Importantly, simply holding cryptocurrency while its market value increases will not create an immediate tax liability.
GREECE APPROVES 10% BITCOIN CAPITAL GAINS TAX, EXEMPTS FIRST €500 IN ANNUAL PROFITS Greece’s parliament has approved legislation establishing the country’s first comprehensive tax framework for Bitcoin. Under the new rules, crypto capital gains will be taxed at 10%, with annual gains of up to €500 exempt. – Bitcoin News on X
The framework also distinguishes between different types of crypto activity. Selling digital assets for traditional currency is taxable, while using cryptocurrency to purchase goods or services can also trigger capital gains tax.
Crypto-to-crypto exchanges are intended to remain outside the taxable framework, although questions about the exact wording of the legislation have been raised by parliamentary legal reviewers.
Staking and DeFi Income Face Separate 15% Tax
The legislation introduces an additional tax category for income generated through cryptocurrency-related activities. Returns from staking, crypto lending, and providing liquidity to decentralized protocols will be classified as interest income and taxed at 15%.
Investors who experience qualifying annual crypto losses exceeding €500 will also be allowed to carry those losses forward for up to five years, offsetting future cryptocurrency gains.
Another important provision gives investors 12 months to voluntarily declare previously unreported crypto gains without late-filing fines or interest, subject to specific conditions. Any resulting tax must be paid within 60 days of filing.
Greece Moves Toward Greater Crypto Tax Transparency
The new framework also introduces additional reporting and documentation requirements. Starting in 2027, investors will need to demonstrate that money used to purchase cryptocurrency comes from declared income or another lawful source. The Finance Ministry is expected to publish further implementation guidance covering transparency requirements and tax audits.
The development also coincides with the European Union’s wider efforts to improve cryptocurrency tax reporting through DAC8, which requires crypto service providers to collect and report information about EU residents’ transactions.
For Greek investors, the changes represent a significant shift in how cryptocurrency profits and related income will be treated.
