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Germany vs South Africa

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | Germany | South Africa
Germany

Germany

South Africa

South Africa

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 Africa has embraced crypto regulation. In 2022, the FSCA declared crypto assets as financial products under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act, requiring crypto service providers to obtain FSCA licenses. SARS taxes crypto gains under capital gains tax (up to 18% effective rate for individuals) or income tax depending on trading frequency. South Africa is the largest crypto market in Africa.

Tax Type Capital gains
Tax Type Capital gains
Tax Rate 0-45%
Tax Rate 18% (effective max ~18%)
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining No No
Regulator BaFin (Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht)
Regulator FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority), SARB (South African Reserve Bank)
Stablecoin Rules Regulated under MiCA; BaFin already licensed crypto custody under existing German law since 2020
Stablecoin Rules Crypto assets declared financial products under FAIS; stablecoins included
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
  • Crypto declared a financial product under FAIS Act (2022); service providers must be FSCA-licensed
  • FSCA began licensing crypto asset service providers (CASPs) in 2023
  • Capital gains taxed at effective rate up to 18% (45% max marginal rate × 40% inclusion)
  • Frequent trading may be classified as income and taxed at marginal rates (up to 45%)
  • SARB regulates cross-border crypto transactions under exchange control regulations
Sources
Sources