Greece has approved a new cryptocurrency tax framework, introducing a 10% capital gains tax on crypto profits while exempting annual gains of up to €500. The legislation, approved by parliament on November 5, establishes dedicated tax rules for cryptocurrency transactions and marks a significant step in the country's approach to regulating digital asset taxation.
The approved rate is lower than the 15% figure discussed in the government's initial proposal in June. The framework generally calculates taxable gains based on the difference between an asset's acquisition and transfer prices, using an average acquisition cost when investors have accumulated their holdings through multiple purchases.
One important provision concerns crypto-to-crypto exchanges. Under the ministry's consultation framework, swapping one cryptocurrency for another does not create a taxable capital gain. Investors also receive a 12-month window from the publication of the law to voluntarily declare gains from earlier transactions under specified conditions, without fines or interest. However, declaring past gains does not automatically establish the legitimacy of the funds originally used to purchase the assets.
The framework also distinguishes trading profits from income generated through other crypto activities. Returns from staking, lending and liquidity provision are classified separately as interest and are subject to a 15% tax rate. The consultation documents also address crypto received as compensation, as well as inheritance and gifts involving digital assets.
Implementation will depend partly on additional guidance from the Finance Ministry. Further directives covering transparency requirements and tax audits are expected in the coming weeks. Authorities have not yet estimated the potential tax revenue, partly because many Greek investors use cryptocurrency platforms based outside the country, making the size of the domestic market difficult to measure.
The legislation also arrives alongside the EU's broader push for crypto tax transparency. DAC8 reporting requirements took effect on January 1, 2026, requiring reporting crypto service providers to collect information on transactions involving EU residents. The first exchange of information between EU tax authorities will cover 2026 activity and is scheduled for September 30, 2027.
Greece's new framework introduces a relatively low headline tax rate, but investors will need to pay attention to the distinction between capital gains and income from staking or lending. The practical impact will become clearer as the government publishes its implementation rules.
