France vs Luxembourg
Crypto regulation comparison
France
Luxembourg
Legal
Legal
France has one of Europe's most developed crypto regulatory frameworks. The PACTE law (2019) established the PSAN (prestataire de services sur actifs numériques) registration regime, now transitioning to MiCA licensing. Crypto gains are subject to the 30% flat tax (prélèvement forfaitaire unique).
Luxembourg is a major European hub for crypto and blockchain financial services. The CSSF regulates VASPs and crypto-related investment funds. Crypto held for more than 6 months is generally exempt from capital gains tax for individuals, making it attractive for long-term holders. Luxembourg hosts several prominent crypto exchanges and fund administrators.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Rate
30%
Tax Rate
0-42%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
AMF (Autorité des Marchés Financiers), ACPR
Regulator
CSSF (Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier)
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under MiCA; stablecoin issuers need e-money or credit institution license
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under EU MiCA framework; Luxembourg hosts major stablecoin issuers
Key Points
- 30% flat tax on crypto capital gains (12.8% income tax + 17.2% social charges) for non-professionals
- PSAN registration required by AMF for all crypto service providers (mandatory since 2023)
- Transitioning from PSAN regime to MiCA licensing framework in 2024-2025
- Professional crypto traders may opt for progressive income tax rates
- France is home to major crypto companies including Ledger and Société Générale's FORGE
Key Points
- CSSF oversees VASPs under the Luxembourg AML/CFT framework
- Individuals holding crypto for 6+ months are generally exempt from capital gains tax
- Short-term gains taxed at progressive income tax rates up to 42%
- Major hub for crypto investment funds and blockchain companies
- MiCA framework fully applicable from December 2024