Greece Proposes 10% Capital Gains Tax on Crypto in New Regulatory Framework

The Greek government has unveiled plans to implement a 10% capital gains tax on profits from cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. This proposal, part of a draft bill released for public consultation, represents Greece's first dedicated tax framework for digital assets, addressing years of uncertainty for crypto holders in the country.

The draft bill, made available for consultation on October 7-8, 2026, proposes a straightforward 10% tax on capital gains realized when individuals sell their crypto assets. Notably, there is a €500 annual tax-free threshold, meaning gains up to this amount would not be subject to taxation.

In addition to traditional buying and selling, the framework also extends to income generated from staking, lending, and liquidity provision, categorizing these as interest rather than capital gains. However, two significant exclusions are included: swapping one cryptocurrency for another will not be considered a taxable event, and sales of crypto will be exempt from a digital transaction fee.

The initial proposal suggested a higher capital gains tax rate of 15%, which has since been reduced to 10%. Individuals will have a 12-month period after the law's enactment to voluntarily declare any previous crypto gains without incurring penalties or interest.

This legislative move aims to align Greece with EU transparency standards, such as DAC8, amidst a broader trend towards increased reporting and visibility in crypto activities. However, it is important to note that the approach to crypto taxation varies significantly across EU member states.

The introduction of a clear 10% tax rate, along with a defined tax-free threshold, provides Greek crypto holders with a level of predictability that has been lacking. The treatment of crypto swaps as non-taxable events is particularly beneficial for active traders, allowing them to manage their portfolios without incurring tax liabilities on every transaction.

As the draft bill is still open for consultation, the final details may change before it becomes law. Stakeholders will be closely monitoring the progress of this legislation and its potential implications for both Greek and European crypto markets.