Germany vs Moldova
Crypto regulation comparison
Germany
Moldova
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.
Moldova currently has no specific cryptocurrency legislation. The National Bank warns that virtual currencies are unregulated and user funds are not protected. Ownership and trading are legal but use as payment is prohibited. Moldova plans to introduce its first crypto law by 2026, aligned with EU MiCA regulation, including a 12% tax on crypto profits.
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 currencies not regulated; user funds not protected per NBM warning
- Ownership and trading legal; use as payment prohibited
- First crypto law planned by 2026, aligned with EU MiCA regulation
- Planned 12% tax on crypto transaction profits
- Law being drafted jointly by Finance Ministry, NBM, and AML authority