The Greek Parliament passed a bill on November 5, 2026, introducing a 10% tax on gains from cryptocurrency transactions, with the main provisions applying from the 2027 tax year. The legislation also establishes separate tax treatment for staking and crypto lending, while introducing a €500 annual tax-free threshold for net gains.

Taxation of Cryptocurrency Gains

The new rules impose a 10% tax on net gains from crypto-assets sold for cash, used to pay for goods or services, or transferred in exchange for something of value. However, exchanging one cryptocurrency for another will not trigger taxation.

Annual net gains of €500 or less will be exempt. Losses exceeding €500 can be carried forward for up to five years to offset future crypto gains, but cannot be deducted from other income. If the original acquisition cost cannot be established, it will be treated as zero for tax purposes.

Staking and Lending Income

Income generated through staking, crypto lending, and liquidity provision will be classified as interest and taxed at 15%, under Greece’s existing income tax rules. This represents an increase from the 10% staking rate initially included in the Ministry of Finance’s draft proposal.

Declaration of Previous Crypto Gains

The legislation provides a 12-month window for taxpayers to declare gains from crypto transactions conducted before the new rules take effect. This also covers previously earned income from staking and lending. Declared gains will be taxed at 10%, while staking and lending income will be taxed at 15%, with payments due within 60 days of declaration and no penalties or interest for timely payment.

Implications for Foreign Investors

The law also clarifies the treatment of crypto-assets under inheritance and gift taxation, classifying them as intangible movable property located abroad. This is particularly relevant to individuals benefiting from Greece’s non-dom tax regime, which imposes a fixed annual tax of €100,000 on foreign-source income and provides exemptions from Greek inheritance and gift tax on qualifying movable assets held abroad.

European Comparison and Implementation

Greece’s proposed 10% rate places it below several European jurisdictions, including Italy, where crypto gains are taxed at 33% from 2026, while Cyprus applies an 8% rate. Portugal, meanwhile, generally exempts qualifying crypto gains when assets have been held for at least 365 days.

The legislation will become effective following presidential approval and publication in the Government Gazette. Further implementation guidance is expected to clarify transparency, reporting, and audit requirements.

Summary

Greece’s new framework introduces a 10% tax on cryptocurrency gains and a 15% rate on staking and lending income, with the main provisions taking effect in 2027. The €500 annual exemption, five-year loss carry-forward, and 12-month declaration window for past gains are among its key features. The changes provide a defined tax framework for crypto-assets and are relevant to both local taxpayers and international investors considering Greece as a place of residence.