Greece approves 10% tax on crypto gains and 15% levy on DeFi income

Greece's parliament approved a new tax framework for cryptocurrencies, introducing a 10% tax on capital gains and a separate 15% levy on income from staking and decentralized finance (DeFi).

The rules, set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, aim to bring crypto investments into the country's tax system.

Individuals will pay 10% on annual net crypto gains that exceed 500 euros ($559) under the framework. Once that threshold is crossed, the full gain is taxable.

The tax also applies when investors use crypto to buy goods or services, not just when they sell it for cash.

Returns from staking, crypto lending and providing liquidity to DeFi platforms will be treated as interest income and taxed at 15%, according to the Finance Ministry.

Investors who record annual crypto losses exceeding 500 euros can carry them forward for five years to offset future crypto gains. The law also provides a 12-month window for investors to declare past crypto gains without late-filing fines or interest, subject to conditions. Tax payments must be made within 60 days of declaration.

The Finance Ministry says swapping one cryptocurrency for another will not trigger tax, but parliament's Scientific Service warned that the bill's wording could cover such trades.