Throughout the last few years, cryptocurrency has grown in popularity, and more people than ever are interested in both investing in and trading cryptocurrency tokens.
There are many topics that beginners may be concerned about, including the legality of cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrencies are legal in many European countries. They are not, however, legal in every single country.
As a result, we’ll start by going over the nations where bitcoin payments are allowed, just to offer you some peace of mind. After that, you’ll be able to determine whether or not you may utilize cryptocurrencies in your individual European country. The rules and regulations governing cryptocurrencies in Europe differ from one country to the next.
Digital currencies are legal in many European nations, and there are even retailers who take cryptocurrencies as payment.
However, there are differences in how the governments of different European countries perceive cryptocurrencies.
If you want to create a crypto-based business or simply spend your earnings, you’ll need to know which nations allow cryptocurrency payments and where they’re completely legal.
We’ll go through all of your options if you’re wondering if cryptocurrency is legal in specific European countries.
Today, we’ll look at the most crypto-friendly European countries, where you can legally and safely make bitcoin payments. Let’s look at which countries have made cryptocurrency legal, as well as the general legality of cryptocurrency.
Where in Europe are crypto payments legal in 2022
1. Estonia
Estonia is one of the greatest countries in Europe for crypto-based firms, which is why many of them are based there. There are multiple Bitcoin ATMs in Estonia that are easy to discover and use, and the government has even announced intentions to create a crypto token called “Estcoin,” which is a fantastic attempt to promote the crypto industry in the country. It also provides a stable regulatory environment, allowing for safe and secure ICOs. Estonian regulators are also happy to assist and guide anyone interested in cryptocurrencies.
2. Switzerland
Switzerland is also a fantastic country with a plethora of cryptocurrency-related enterprises. The country’s Economic Minister said in 2018 that it intends to become the world’s first “crypto nation.” This should tell you a lot about the country’s attitude toward cryptocurrency. Furthermore, the country has crypto-friendly rules and policies that provide greater transparency. It is also one of the greatest countries in which to start a crypto-business, and it accepts bitcoin payments. As a result, it is one of the top countries in Europe for accepting bitcoin payments.
3. Denmark
Denmark is another another European jurisdiction that completely enables bitcoin payments as well as cryptocurrency-related financial instruments. If you’re wondering if cryptocurrencies are legal in Denmark, you should know that they are. However, bear in mind that the government has unique rules for cryptocurrencies, such as anti-money laundering laws. Losses in bitcoin investments can even be deducted from taxes. Keep in mind, however, that it does not apply to commercial operations, such as the value of cryptocurrencies dropping after payment has been received. The value-added tax does not apply to cryptocurrencies. In general, Denmark is a stable European country that supports cryptocurrency payments.
4. Germany
In terms of bitcoin legality, Germany is one of the top European countries that accepts cryptocurrency payments. The German government has cryptocurrency-friendly regulations. However, keep in mind that cryptocurrencies are taxable. If you keep them for more than a year, however, you are not required to pay taxes on them. Cryptocurrency revenues of less than 600 Euros are similarly tax-free, and the government has even stated that cryptocurrencies will be recognized as real estate. Banks and financial organizations are also in charge of crypto legislation in order to ensure that no criminal activities take place.
5. Slovenia
Slovenia is also a viable option when it comes to European countries that accept cryptocurrency. This is because they are treated as virtual currencies by the government and can thus be used as a medium of exchange when receiving goods or services. Furthermore, any profit made from cryptocurrency trading owing to price volatility is not taxable for private investors. As a result, many individual bitcoin investors benefit from the fact that they are based in Slovenia. Additionally, there is no value-added tax on bitcoins mined (VAT). As a result, it is one of the most stable cryptocurrency legal jurisdictions.
6. Luxembourg
When it comes to Bitcoin adoption and revolution, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is at the forefront. Luxembourg is home to a slew of cryptocurrency exchanges, as well as a burgeoning ecosystem of blockchain start-ups and a tech-friendly climate. Under the direction of Luxembourg’s ministry of economy, an expert committee produced the country’s national Blockchain strategy in June of 2018. They also issued Bill 7363 in February of this year, which updated existing regulations to allow for the issuance of digital currencies on a blockchain.
7. Malta
Malta is a country that accepts cryptocurrencies lawfully; however, anyone who wishes to do so must apply for a cryptocurrency license, which is divided into many categories. The first class allows anyone to receive and transmit orders, whereas the second class allows users to access virtual financial asset services but not operations. The third class, which includes virtual financial assets operations, custody services, and financing, allows users access to all operations except exchange. The fourth class, which includes virtual financial assets operations, custody services, and funding, is the most comprehensive. Crypto merchants will require a real address as well as proof of good faith. This means that, while cryptocurrencies are legal, they must first overcome some obstacles.
8. Lithuania
Another European country where cryptocurrencies are permitted is Lithuania. The FIU will offer cryptocurrency licenses to any EU or non-EU business that applies. All you have to do now is demonstrate that you and the other members of the management board have a spotless reputation. Within Lithuania, there are two sorts of crypto licenses: one is an exchange license, which you must have if you trade cryptocurrencies owned by your clients for a fee, and the other is a depository wallet license, which you must have if you operate as a crypto custody company.
9. Belarus
Belarus is a country that legalized cryptocurrency transactions in 2018 and exempted them from certain taxes. Furthermore, cryptocurrency mining and investing are considered personal investments and, as such, are tax-free until at least 2023, according to the law, which was passed in 2018. As a result, it is a stable country that allows cryptocurrency payments and is totally legal to transact and exchange for goods and services.
10. Austria
Austria has embraced blockchain and cryptocurrencies, with a robust network of Bitcoin ATMs, shops who take Bitcoin, and a growing blockchain startup community. The Austrian government’s stance on cryptocurrencies is sound, and the financial regulator, the FMA, has chosen a technology-neutral approach to cryptocurrency regulation. The Austrian post office sells Bitcoin in every one of its 4300 branches around the country, and our 5,000 tiny kiosks offer the same service.
11. Netherlands
The Netherlands is noted for its openness to new technology and general adoption of cryptocurrencies. Since 2015, the Dutch National Bank (DNB) has been experimenting with their own cryptocurrency, the “DNBCoin,” which serves as an internal learning project. Additionally, bitcoin visitors will have no trouble travelling about the country’s capital, as there are over 80 shops, including as bars and restaurants, that accept cryptocurrency payments.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of which European countries accept bitcoin payments. With this knowledge, you can make an informed decision about buying, investing in, or trading cryptocurrencies legally and with peace of mind within your jurisdiction.
Remember that the bitcoin business is constantly changing and evolving, so you should always double-check your country’s rules and legislation in case something has changed.