[Finance] An exclusive map of cryptocurrency taxation around the world
At a time when cryptocurrencies are establishing themselves as an unavoidable alternative in the global financial landscape, tax policies diverge radically from one country to another. Between total exemptions, progressive taxation and strict bans, these disparities reflect both economic strategies and sovereignty issues. This study deciphers the tax frameworks in place to enlighten investors and decision-makers on the opportunities and challenges linked to the taxation of cryptocurrency capital gains on a global scale.
Good to know
The data presented on this map shows the tax rates charged on January 1, 2025 on capital gains realized on cryptocurrency exchanges worldwide for individual investors. As national regulations can change rapidly, the data presented above is subject to change. Please write to us to notify us of any updates. Countries whose data is unavailable are often those that have not yet established a clear legislative framework on the legality and taxation of income earned in cryptocurrencies.
Overview of cryptocurrency taxation in North America and Western Europe
The taxation of cryptocurrency capital gains in Europe reveals a wide diversity of tax policies. Some countries, such as Malta, Cyprus and Estonia, stand out for their total absence of taxation, which can make them attractive to cryptocurrency investors. Others, such as Germany or Denmark, apply high rates that can exceed 50%, although Germany does offer some interesting exemptions, such as for cryptocurrencies held for more than a year. Between these extremes, several countries adopt moderate flat rates (e.g. France at 30%, Bulgaria at 10%) or progressive rates depending on the amount of gains (e.g. Spain from 19% to 28%). Exemptions often depend on length of ownership or specific annual thresholds. The European tax landscape thus illustrates a complex balance between regulating capital gains and encouraging investment.
In North America, the taxation of cryptos in Canada and the USA reflects progressive approaches linked to income: in Canada, it varies between 15% and 50% depending on taxable income and province, while in the USA, it fluctuates between 15% and 20%. These systems demonstrate a desire to regulate earnings while maintaining a degree of tax flexibility.
| Countries | Most common tax rate | Tax conditions / exemptions |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 0 % | 50,5 % | General rule: Income tax rate up to 45% 5.5% potential for solidarity tax Exemptions: - If cryptocurrencies held for more than one year - If annual capital gain less than €600 |
| Austria | 27,5 % | General rule: fixed tax rate of 27.5 Exemption: none |
| Belgium | 0 % | 33 % | 50 % | General rule: tax rate of 33% for "speculator" profiles, 50% for professional traders Exemption: for "good family man" profiles |
| Bulgaria | 10 % | General rule: flat tax rate of 10% Exemption: none |
| Canada | From 15% to 50 | General rule: flat progressive tax rate from 15% to 50% according to the income tax schedule Exemption: 50% of personal gains made in cryptocurrencies are exempt |
| Cyprus | 0 % | General rule: no taxation on cryptocurrency capital gains |
| Croatia | 12 % | General rule: fixed 12% tax rate Exemption: if held for more than 2 years |
| Denmark | From 37% to 52.06 | General rule: progressive tax rate of 37% to 52.06% according to income tax scale Exemption: none |
| Spain | From 19% to 28 | General rule: progressive tax rate according to the amount declared: - Up to €6,000: 19 - From €6,000 to €49,999: 21% - From €50,000 to €199,999: 23% - From €200,000 to €299,999: 27% - Over €300,000: 28 Exemption: none |
| Estonia | 20 % | General rule: standard income tax rate applied, i.e. 20% |
| United States | 0% to 20% tax rate | General rule: tax rate of 15% for income between $39,376 and $434,550, 20% thereafter Exemption: up to $39,375 in earnings |
| Finland | From 30% to 44 | General rule: progressive tax rate according to the amount declared: - 30%: capital gains from €1,000 to €30,000 - 34%: capital gains over €30,000 - 44%: for the activities of professional traders Exemption: capital gains under €1,000 |
| France | 30 % | General rule: fixed tax rate of 30% Exemption: if total taxable sales less than €305 |
| Greece | 15 % | General rule: recently adopted flat tax rate of 15% Exemption: none |
| Hungary | 15 % | General rule: 15% flat tax rate Exemption: none |
| Ireland | 33 % | General rule: flat tax rate of 33% Exemption: none |
| Iceland | From 40% to 46 | General rule: flat tax rate of 40% for income under $7,000, 46% above Exemption: none |
| Italy | 26 % | General rule: flat tax rate of 26% Exemption: for capital gains under €2,000 |
| Latvia | 20 % | General rule: flat tax rate of 20% Exemption: none |
| Liechstenstein | 1 à 8 % | General rule: from 1 to 8% according to income tax scale Exemption: below CHF 15,000 for a single person |
| Lithuania | 20 % | General rule: flat tax rate of 20% Exemption: for capital gains under €2,500 |
| Luxembourg | 42 % | General rule: progressive income tax rate, up to 42% Exemption: if held for at least 6 months or for total annual capital gains of less than €500 |
| Malta | 0 % | General rule: no taxation on cryptocurrency capital gains |
| Norway | 22 % | General rule: flat tax rate of 22% Exemption: none |
| Netherlands | 31 % | General rule: flat tax rate of 31% on the value of assets held (not capital gains) Exemption: none |
| Poland | 19 % | General rule: flat 19% tax rate Exemption: none |
| Portugal | 28 % | General rule: flat 28% tax rate Exemption: if cryptocurrency held for more than one year |
| Czech Republic | From 15% to 23 | General rule: progressive tax rate : - 15%: capital gains under €80,000 - 23%: capital gains over €80,000 Exemption: gains under CZK 30,800 (approx. €1,200) |
| Romania | 10 % | General rule: fixed tax rate of 10% Exemption: if capital gains on a single transaction are less than 200 Lei (approx. €40) and if total capital gains for the year do not exceed 600 Lei (approx. €120) - these two conditions being cumulative |
| United Kingdom | From 10% to 20 | General rule: progressive rate of 10% to 20% depending on the amount declared Exemption: below £12,571 income |
| Slovakia | From 7% to 25 | General rule: progressive tax rate : - 19%: capital gains under €38,000 - 25%: capital gains over €38,000 - 7%: if cryptocurrency held for more than one year Exemption: none |
| Slovenia | From 16% to 50 | General rule: from 16 to 50% according to income tax scale |
| Sweden | 30 % | General rule: flat tax rate of 30% Exemption: none |
| Switzerland | 0 % | General rule: no taxation for individuals |
Overview of taxation of cryptocurrency gains in Asia
Data on cryptocurrency taxation in Asia shows significant variation, reflecting varying approaches to regulation and tax attractiveness. Countries such as Brunei, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore stand out for a total absence of taxation, fostering an attractive environment for investors. Conversely, nations such as Japan (15-55%), Taiwan (5-40%) and India (30%) apply high or progressive rates, indicating a desire to regulate the sector while generating tax revenues. China prohibits trade outright, opting for strict control. Finally, countries such as Indonesia (0.1%) and Vietnam (0-5%) adopt very low rates, reflecting an intermediate approach to stimulating this emerging market while maintaining a certain regulatory framework. This diversity illustrates the absence of a unified tax policy in the region.
| Countries | Taxation of crypto capital gains |
|---|---|
| Philippines | Progressive up to 35 |
| Thailand | Progressive up to 35 |
| Taiwan | From 5 to 40 |
| India | 30 % |
| Israel | 25 % |
| South Korea | 20 % |
| Japan | 15-55% of sales |
| Turkey | 15 to 40% of sales |
| Mongolia | 10 to 25% of sales |
| Indonesia | 0.1 % |
| Vietnam | From 0 to 5 |
| Brunei | 0 % |
| Hong Kong | 0 % |
| Malaysia | 0 % |
| Singapore | 0 % |
Good to know
Some countries, such as Saudi Arabia, do not appear in this table due to the absence of a clear legislative framework concerning cryptocurrencies. These nations, often cautious in the face of this emerging sector, have yet to define a tax policy or specific regulations. This situation reflects a wait-and-see approach, aiming to better understand the implications of cryptocurrencies before establishing official rules.
Overview of taxation of cryptocurrency gains in Latin America
In Latin America, taxation of crypto-currency capital gains varies considerably from country to country, reflecting disparate fiscal approaches. Chile imposes progressive taxation, up to 40% depending on income, while Peru applies a rate of between 5% and 30% depending on the amount declared. Countries such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina adopt a standard tax rate of 15% for individuals. Colombia, on the other hand, charges around 10%. However, some countries stand out for their lack of taxation: in Panama, there is no taxation at all, and in El Salvador, where Bitcoin is legal tender, taxation is also zero. It is important to note that many countries in the region, such as Paraguay or Uruguay, do not appear in this data due to the absence of a clear legislative or regulatory framework concerning crypto-currencies. This highlights the need for harmonization and clarification of tax policies in the region.
| Countries | Taxation of crypto capital gains |
|---|---|
| Chile | From 0 to 40% depending on income |
| Peru | From 5 to 30% depending on the amount declared |
| Mexico | 20 % |
| Costa Rica | 15 % |
| Bolivia | 15 % |
| Brazil | 15 % |
| Argentina | 15% for individuals |
| Colombia | 10 % |
| El Salvador | 0% (Bitcoin is legally recognized) |
| Panama | 0 % |
Methodology
Purpose of the study
This study on the taxation of cryptocurrency capital gains was carried out using a methodical approach based on primary sources, expert analysis, and specialized legal and tax databases. The data collected was extracted from multiple channels, and the information was regularly updated to reflect changes in legislation.
1. Sources used
Data collection involved in-depth analysis of the following sources:
- Official tax authority websites: these provide direct information on current tax regulations, such as tax rates on cryptocurrency capital gains and reporting requirements in each country.
- Reports from major accounting and auditing firms: Publications from firms such as PwC, KPMG, and Deloitte were used to obtain information on international tax laws and regular changes in cryptocurrencies.
- Specialist cryptocurrency sites: Platforms such as CoinTelegraph, CryptoTaxCalculator, and CoinDesk offer detailed coverage of cryptocurrency tax regulations around the world.
- Legal databases: Legal resources such as Global Tax Guide provided additional information on tax policies in countries with less documented or fragmented data.
2. Limitations and legislative developments
The data collected presents certain limitations, as cryptocurrency regulation is constantly evolving. Many countries are adjusting their tax legislation or are in the process of legislating on the subject, which can lead to rapid changes in tax rates or tax requirements. For example, countries such asSaudi Arabia and India frequently amend their tax laws, making it difficult to forecast long-term tax rates. Countries such as China, Indonesia or the United Arab Emirates have yet to define a clear legislative framework and continue to adopt temporary or experimental measures, which may affect the taxation of cryptocurrencies in these regions.
3. Up-to-date data
An important feature of this study is the regular monitoring of legislative changes. Much information is subject to frequent revision due to government decisions that may be influenced by economic trends, cryptocurrency regulation, or tax policies. Consequently, this study offers a snapshot of the current legislative and tax situation, while taking into account that data can change rapidly and significantly.
4. Conclusion and recommendations
Cryptocurrency taxation is a particularly dynamic field, and this study highlights the major trends around the world. However, it is imperative to keep abreast of changes in legislation on a regular basis, particularly for investors and businesses dealing with cryptocurrencies. For this reason, sources such as local and international tax publications, regulatory update bulletins, and expert advice should be consulted periodically in order to remain compliant with ever-changing legislation.
In short, although the data used is reliable at the time of the study, it is likely to change rapidly, and regular monitoring is advisable to obtain up-to-date information.
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