Germany vs Senegal
Crypto regulation comparison
Germany
Senegal
Legal
No Regulation
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.
Senegal has no specific national cryptocurrency legislation. As a WAEMU member, the BCEAO does not recognize crypto as legal tender and has issued warnings about risks. Crypto is not illegal but operates without legal protection. BCEAO tightened foreign exchange controls in 2024, and fintech firms now require licenses under BCEAO Instruction 001-01-2024.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
0-45%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
BaFin (Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht)
Regulator
BCEAO (Central Bank of West African States)
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under MiCA; BaFin already licensed crypto custody under existing German law since 2020
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin regulation
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
- No specific national cryptocurrency legislation
- Crypto not illegal but BCEAO has issued warnings about risks
- Part of the WAEMU monetary zone using the CFA franc
- BCEAO tightened foreign exchange controls and AML requirements in 2024
- Fintech firms now require BCEAO licenses under Instruction 001-01-2024