Germany vs Iran
Crypto regulation comparison
Germany
Iran
Legal
Restricted
Germany has one of the most well-defined crypto regulatory environments in Europe. BaFin has regulated crypto custody as a financial service since 2020. Notably, crypto held for over one year by individuals is completely tax-free, making Germany one of the most favorable jurisdictions for long-term holders.
Iran has a complex stance on cryptocurrency. Crypto mining is legal and licensed by the Ministry of Industry, but using crypto for domestic payments is banned by the CBI. The government has explored using crypto for international trade to circumvent sanctions. Mining operations are periodically shut down during energy shortages.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Rate
0-45%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
No
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
BaFin (Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht)
Regulator
CBI (Central Bank of Iran), Ministry of Industry
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under MiCA; BaFin already licensed crypto custody under existing German law since 2020
Stablecoin Rules
Not applicable; crypto payments and trading domestically restricted
Key Points
- Crypto held for more than 1 year is completely tax-free for individuals
- Short-term gains (under 1 year) taxed as income at up to 45% plus solidarity surcharge
- Annual exemption of €1,000 for short-term crypto gains (since 2024, previously €600)
- BaFin licenses crypto custody businesses under the KWG (German Banking Act) since January 2020
- MiCA framework applicable from December 2024, complementing existing German regulation
Key Points
- Crypto mining is legal and licensed by the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade
- CBI bans using crypto as a domestic payment method
- Licensed miners must sell mined crypto to the CBI or authorized exporters
- Government has explored crypto for sanctions evasion in international trade
- Mining farms periodically shut down during summer/winter energy demand peaks