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Spain vs United Kingdom

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | Spain | United Kingdom
Spain

Spain

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Legal
Legal

Cryptocurrency is legal and increasingly regulated in Spain. Crypto capital gains are taxed at progressive savings tax rates (19-28%). Spain was an early mover in requiring crypto advertising to be pre-approved by the CNMV. Since 2024, Spanish taxpayers must report overseas crypto holdings via the Modelo 721 form. Banco de España registers VASPs for AML compliance. MiCA applies from December 2024.

The UK has an evolving and increasingly comprehensive crypto regulatory framework. The FCA registers crypto firms for AML/CFT compliance and has imposed strict financial promotion rules requiring risk warnings and banning incentives. HMRC treats crypto as property subject to Capital Gains Tax (10% basic rate, 20% higher rate, with £3,000 annual exemption from 2024/25). The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 brought crypto assets into the UK regulatory perimeter, and HM Treasury is developing rules for a full crypto regime including exchange licensing, stablecoin regulation, and a potential UK CBDC ('Britcoin').

Tax Type Capital gains
Tax Type Capital gains
Tax Rate 19-28%
Tax Rate 18-24%
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator CNMV (Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores), Banco de España
Regulator FCA (Financial Conduct Authority), HMRC, Bank of England
Stablecoin Rules Regulated under EU MiCA framework
Stablecoin Rules Stablecoin regulation under Financial Services and Markets Act 2023; fiat-backed stablecoins to be regulated by FCA
Key Points
  • Crypto gains taxed at savings rates: 19% (first €6,000), 21%, 23%, 27%, 28% (above €300,000)
  • Modelo 721: mandatory declaration of overseas crypto holdings exceeding €50,000 (from 2024)
  • CNMV requires pre-approval of crypto advertising targeting Spanish residents
  • Banco de España maintains VASP registry for AML compliance
  • Spain has a large crypto-using population; significant expat and digital nomad community
Key Points
  • FCA AML registration required for all crypto firms operating in the UK
  • Capital Gains Tax: 10% (basic rate) or 20% (higher rate); £3,000 annual exempt amount (2024/25)
  • Financial promotions regime (2023): strict rules on crypto advertising, risk warnings mandatory
  • Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 brings crypto into regulatory perimeter
  • HM Treasury developing comprehensive crypto regulatory regime (exchange licensing, conduct rules)
Sources
Sources