Cryptocurrency Regulations in Greece

Since cryptocurrency has been evolving fast from being a nice innovation and then developing into a global financial asset class, Greece has accepted this shift by establishing a well-defined regulatory framework in which it oversees digital asset activities. This framework is aligned with the EU Anti-Money Laundering Directives (AMLD) and is expected to be further unveiled by the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulations. For investors, crypto exchanges as well as blockchain businesses, grasping an understanding of the legal environment in Greece is significant for both your compliance and growth.

Is Cryptocurrency Legal in Greece?

To answer the question, yes. Cryptocurrency is legal in Greece. Although it is still not yet considered legal tender, it is profoundly treated as a digital asset. Activities such as buying, selling, holding, and mining cryptocurrencies are all allowed, as long as individuals and entities follow applicable AML and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. Entities that are offering crypto-related services are required to be officially registered with Greeceʼs competent supervision authorities. Operating without this or failing to meet compliance standards could potentially lead to charges, loss of funds, and even license revocation.

Key Laws Governing Crypto in Greece

Greeceʼs legal approach to digital assets is fundamentally based on the EUʼs regulatory initiatives as well as domestic legislation. Monaco has been taking active action by utilizing EU AMLDs and preparing for MiCAʼs enforcement. The following laws are the basis of Greeceʼs crypto regulation:

Regulatory Authorities in Greece

Cryptocurrencies in Greece are closely and regularly monitored by several authorities to ensure legal compliance and to prevent financial crime risks. Each of these regulatory authorities has a specific responsibility in regulating the crypto space.

Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC):

The primary regulatory body is responsible for overseeing Ceypto Azset Service Providers (CASPs). All platforms that offer exchange custody or token issuance are required to register with the HCMC in order to operate legally.

Bank of Greece (BoG):

BoG is responsible for regulating entities that are involved in payment systems, e-money operations, and crypto-assets that hold financial characteristics or systemic risk.

Hellenic Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU):

Hellenic FIU is the regulatory body that handles the analysis of Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and conducts investigations into high-risk crypto activity or illicit financial behavior.

Who Must Register as a CASP in Greece?

Any business that offers crypto-related services in Greece is formally required to register with the HCMC, which includes:

• Cryptocurrency trading platforms
• Wallet and custodial service providers
• Token issuance and initial coin offerings (ICOs)

Operating without legal registration is considered a serious offense and can lead to major regulatory action.

Requirements for CASP Registration:

In order to be authorized as a CASP in Greece, entities are required to meet the regulatory conditions, which include:

• Legal Entity Status: Entities must be incorporated in Greece or another EU country, which ensures that the business operates under a local or balanced European framework.
• KYC/AML Policies: Complying with legislation Law 4558 (2018) is important. Entities are required to utilize detailed Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols as well as comprehensive AML controls in order to prevent the misuse of crypto services.
• AML Compliance Officer: The designated AML compliance officer must oversee AML compliance. This body or individual is responsible for managing the companyʼs risk protocols as well as ensuring all steps and procedures taken stay in line with current laws.
• Transaction Reporting: Entities or firms are obligated to submit transaction reports regularly to the HCMC. These reports allow oversight and help regulatory authorities detect errors or suspicious activities.
• Ongoing Client Monitoring: Monitoring should not end with onboarding. Entities are required to constantly track user behavior usage of the wallet, and transactional behavior in order to detect fraud or potential money laundering.

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

Unregistered operations could be charged up to €500,000 and possibly suspension or even revocation of business licenses.

KYC & AML Obligations for Crypto Firms

In line with Greeceʼs AML system, crypto businesses are responsible for utilizing enhanced due diligence measures to reduce the exposure to illicit fiillicit financeeasurements are:

Automation Tip:

Utilizing a tool like Sanction Scanner in Greece can help crypto firms have smoother compliance. These tools detect high-risk transactions, track negative media, and automate customer checks.

Taxation of Cryptocurrency in Greece

Greece implements clear tax rules, especially on digital assets, to ensure alignment with the EU regulations.

• Private Investors: Profits from crypto are taxed between 15% to 22.5%. Overall, short-term gains are taxed more than long-term gains.
• Businesses: Companies often pay the standard 22% corporate tax on crypto. Unrealized gains or losses must also be reported.
• Mining and Staking: Mining and staking payouts are also taxable income. Rates are dependent on the individual or business tax bracket.
• Reporting requirements: Crypto holdings over €10,000 must be reported, and failure to do so could potentially lead to charges.

Mica & Greece: What Changes in 2025?

Since 2025, Greece has been fully utilizing the MiCA regulation, which aligns its national framework with the EUʼs approach to digital assets. The following regulatory updates are known to be significant:

EU Passporting:

CASPs registered with the HCMC will be able to offer services in all EU countries without the need for extra authorizations. This significantly reduces the administrative burden for cross-border operations.

Stronger Consumer Protections:

MiCA mandates further transparency from CASPs about service fees, associated risks, as well as user obligations. This is established in order to further improve a more secure and informed digital asset space for consumers.

Token Issuance Rules:

Issuers of utility tokens and stablecoins are required to comply with enhanced disclosure requirements, which include documentation, audits, and compliance. These measures are established to ensure product credibility and investor protection.

European Central Bank Oversight:

The ECB is anticipating a supervisory role over significant stablecoin agreements that ensure monetary and operational stability across the EU.

Popular Use Cases for Crypto in Greece

The growing development of Greeceʼs crypto space is showcased through the countryʼs real-world application across sectors. Some known cases are;

• Cross-border remittances offer faster and cheaper alternatives compared to traditional remittance channels
• Stablecoin hedging to manage euro volatility
• NFT Platforms are inspired by the countryʼs cultural heritage
• Tokenized fundraising through crypto-based crowdfunding models.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Entities that fail to comply with Greeceʼs crypto regulations are:

Crypto-Friendliness Scorecard: Greece (2025)

Greece is seen as a crypto progressive country that offers legal clarity, licensing requirements, and strict AML and KYC rules, which are governed under EU AMLDS and MiCA. While it is still not considered legal tender, crypto is legal and regulated.

Overall Crypto-Friendliness Rating: 8.1/10 (Greece)

A secure and EU-aligned space for a compliant crypto economy.

Top Traded Cryptocurrencies in Greece (2025)

Trading through a licensed platform is legal. Popular tokens are mainly utilized for investment, DeFi, and remittances.