Germany vs Sweden
Crypto regulation comparison
Germany
Sweden
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.
Cryptocurrency is legal and regulated in Sweden. Crypto capital gains are taxed at a flat 30% rate. Finansinspektionen registers VASPs and oversees compliance. Sweden's Riksbank has been a pioneer in CBDC research with its e-krona project. MiCA applies from December 2024.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Rate
0-45%
Tax Rate
30%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
BaFin (Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht)
Regulator
Finansinspektionen (FI)
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under MiCA; BaFin already licensed crypto custody under existing German law since 2020
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under EU MiCA framework
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
- Flat 30% tax on crypto capital gains
- Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency) actively tracks and taxes crypto; has made bulk data requests to exchanges
- VASPs must register with Finansinspektionen for AML compliance
- Riksbank e-krona CBDC pilot is one of the most advanced in Europe
- MiCA framework applicable from December 2024
