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Germany vs South Korea

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | Germany | South Korea
Germany

Germany

South Korea

South Korea

Legal
Legal

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.

South Korea is one of the world's largest crypto markets. The Virtual Asset Users Protection Act (VAUPA), effective July 2024, provides comprehensive investor protection including requirements for exchanges to hold user assets in cold storage and carry insurance. All VASPs must register with FIU and comply with strict AML rules under the Specific Financial Information Act. A 20% crypto gains tax (above KRW 2.5 million exemption, raised from the original 250K KRW threshold) has been deferred multiple times and is now scheduled for January 2027.

Tax Type Capital gains
Tax Type Varies
Tax Rate 0-45%
Tax Rate 20%
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator BaFin (Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht)
Regulator FSC (Financial Services Commission), FSS, FIU (Korea Financial Intelligence Unit)
Stablecoin Rules Regulated under MiCA; BaFin already licensed crypto custody under existing German law since 2020
Stablecoin Rules Under development; stablecoins subject to VASP rules
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
  • Virtual Asset Users Protection Act (VAUPA) effective July 2024 — major investor protection law
  • VASPs must register with FIU and partner with real-name verified bank accounts
  • 20% national tax (22% effective incl. 2% local income surtax) above KRW 2.5M annual exemption (deferred to January 2027)
  • Exchanges must hold 80%+ of user assets in cold wallets and carry insurance/reserves
  • Only won-denominated trading pairs allowed on major exchanges (Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit)
Sources
Sources