Greece is preparing to introduce a 10% capital gains tax on cryptocurrency profits, according to a draft bill released for public consultation.
The proposal, reported by Reuters on October 8, would establish a clearer framework for taxing cryptocurrency investments in a country that currently lacks comprehensive crypto-specific tax legislation.
Under the draft, the first €500 in annual cryptocurrency gains would be exempt, with the proposed 10% rate applying to taxable gains above that threshold.
The new rate represents a reduction from the 15% tax discussed by government officials in June 2026, suggesting that authorities have reconsidered their initial approach.
The legislation remains under consultation and has not yet become law. Greek officials expect to submit the bill to parliament in November 2026.
Government Reduces Earlier 15% Proposal
Greece's plans to tax cryptocurrency profits first attracted attention in June, when government officials indicated that a 15% capital gains tax was being considered.
At the time, one official also suggested that cryptocurrency mining conducted by individuals would remain untaxed, while mining operations run by registered companies would face taxation.
The latest proposal focuses on a lower 10% rate and a €500 annual exemption, although the reported details do not establish whether the earlier distinction between individual and corporate mining will remain.
The government has also acknowledged difficulties estimating the size of Greece's cryptocurrency market.
Many Greek investors reportedly trade through foreign cryptocurrency exchanges, making it difficult for domestic authorities to accurately measure trading activity, profits and potential tax liabilities.
As a result, officials have not yet published a specific estimate of how much revenue the proposed tax could generate.
Crypto Tax Rates Vary Across Europe
The proposed 10% rate would place Greece among the lower-tax jurisdictions for cryptocurrency gains within the European Union.
However, EU member states currently apply different rules for taxing digital assets, creating substantial differences in how investors are treated.
Cyprus introduced an 8% tax on cryptocurrency gains in January 2026, while Italy increased its crypto capital gains tax to 33%.
Ireland generally applies a 33% capital gains tax, while Spain uses progressive savings-income tax rates reaching 28%.
Germany offers different treatment, including an exemption for qualifying cryptocurrency gains when assets have been held for more than one year.
The Netherlands follows another model, taxing a calculated return on certain assets rather than simply applying a conventional tax to realized cryptocurrency profits.
These differences illustrate why crypto investors can face significantly different tax obligations depending on their country of residence.
EU Introduces New Crypto Reporting Requirements
Greece's proposal also comes as the European Union strengthens its oversight of cryptocurrency transactions.
Since January 1, 2026, the EU's DAC8 directive has required reporting crypto asset service providers to collect information about transactions involving EU-resident users.
The framework enables national tax authorities to exchange information about cryptocurrency activity across borders.
The first reporting period covers 2026, with the initial information exchanges scheduled for 2027.
For Greece, these requirements could help address existing difficulties in monitoring cryptocurrency transactions conducted through exchanges based outside the country.
The proposed legislation would establish a specific domestic tax treatment while the EU reporting framework improves visibility into investors' digital asset activity.
Greece Prepares Bill for November
The draft legislation is expected to reach the Greek parliament in November 2026, following the public consultation process.
Until lawmakers approve the measure, the proposed 10% tax and €500 annual exemption remain subject to change.
Additional reporting on the draft indicates that crypto-to-crypto swaps would be exempt from capital gains tax, while certain staking, lending and liquidity-provision returns would face separate 10% taxation.
The proposal marks a significant step toward establishing a dedicated cryptocurrency tax framework in Greece.
If adopted, it would give investors clearer rules for declaring crypto profits while placing Greece among the European countries applying comparatively lower capital gains tax rates to digital assets.
