Greece plans 10% capital gains tax on crypto in first digital asset framework

Introduction

Greece is introducing a 10% capital gains tax on crypto, with a flat tax rate and a year to come clean on unreported gains. The draft bill also includes a tax-free threshold and excludes swapping crypto assets for another. The framework aims to bring Greece in line with EU transparency standards and provides clarity for individual investors and DeFi users.

What the Draft Bill Says

The draft bill sets a flat 10% tax on capital gains that individuals make when they sell crypto assets. The bill also includes a €500 annual tax-free threshold for individuals. Gains up to that level each year would not be taxed under the draft. The framework reaches beyond simple buying and selling. Income from staking, lending, and liquidity provision would also be taxed at 10%, but the draft classifies it as interest rather than as a capital gain.

Exclusions and Inclusions

Two exclusions could matter a great deal to active users. Swapping one crypto asset for another would not count as a taxable event, and crypto sales would be exempt from a digital transaction fee. The first exclusion is the bigger deal. Trading Ether for a stablecoin, or rotating between tokens, would not trigger a tax bill on its own. The tax would kick in when crypto is sold, rather than every time it changes form.

Evolution of the Tax Rate

The 10% figure was not the opening offer. In June 2026, Greece signaled a possible 15% capital gains rate on crypto. The draft bill trimmed that to 10%. The draft gives individuals a 12-month window after the law takes effect to voluntarily declare earlier crypto gains without facing penalties or interest.

Why Greece is Doing This Now

The legislation is also described as bringing Greece in line with EU transparency standards such as DAC8. The broader European direction is toward more reporting and more visibility into crypto activity, and Greece's framework fits that trend.

What This Means for Greek Crypto Holders and the Wider Market

For individual investors, the most immediate effect is predictability. A known 10% rate, a €500 annual buffer, and a clear line between swaps and sales let people plan around their tax exposure instead of guessing at it.

Impact on DeFi Users

DeFi users get clarity too, though with a twist. Classifying staking, lending, and liquidity rewards as interest gives them a defined home in the tax code, but holders will need to track that income separately from their trading gains.

Conclusion

The key word throughout is draft. The bill was released for consultation, which means the details could still change before anything becomes law. The rate already moved once, from a signaled 15% to the current 10%, so the final shape of the framework is not locked in.