Germany vs Samoa
Crypto regulation comparison
Germany
Samoa
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.
Samoa has no specific cryptocurrency regulation. The central bank has cautioned about crypto risks.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Rate
0-45%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
BaFin (Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht)
Regulator
Central Bank of Samoa
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 cryptocurrency legislation
- Central bank has cautioned about crypto risks
- Crypto not recognized as legal tender
- Limited crypto adoption
- No licensing framework for crypto services
