Greece Proposes 10% Crypto Capital Gains Tax With €500 Exemption

Greece is preparing legislation that would impose a 10% capital gains tax on cryptocurrency profits, marking the country’s first comprehensive tax framework for digital assets. The draft bill has entered public consultation and is expected to reach parliament in November.

The proposal would exempt annual cryptocurrency capital gains of up to €500 from taxation. Gains above that threshold would fall under the proposed 10% rate.

New Tax Rules for Crypto Investors

The legislation aims to close a gap in Greece’s tax system, which currently lacks dedicated rules for cryptocurrency capital gains. The draft also sets out how authorities would calculate gains when investors sell digital assets.

Under the proposed framework:

• Annual crypto gains up to €500 would remain tax-free.
• Gains from cryptocurrency transfers would face a 10% rate.
• Crypto-to-crypto exchanges would not create a taxable capital gain.
• Income from lending, liquidity provision and staking would face a 10% tax as interest.

The Greek Finance Ministry said the rules would provide greater certainty for investors and tax authorities. The proposal also addresses how authorities would value digital assets used as employee or shareholder compensation.

Revenue Impact Remains Unclear

The government has not provided a revenue estimate for the proposed crypto tax. Greek officials say measuring the domestic cryptocurrency market remains difficult because many investors use trading platforms based outside the country.

The proposal comes as European Union crypto reporting rules take effect. However, EU member states still set their own cryptocurrency tax rates, creating significant differences across the bloc.

Greece’s proposal also represents a change from an earlier plan. Officials had previously considered a 15% capital gains tax with the same €500 annual exemption. The latest draft reduces the proposed rate to 10%.

The bill remains subject to public consultation and parliamentary approval. Therefore, the final tax rate and detailed implementation rules could still change before the legislation becomes law.