Cryptocurrency Regulations in the Netherlands

As cryptocurrency continues to develop every day, it further shapes the global financial space, offering new opportunities but at the same time, new challenges.

In 2025, the Netherlands stands out because of its regulatory system, which fosters new innovations, together with even stricter regulatory protocols. This effective regulation emphasizes the improved Dutch approach, which can be considered as notable in Europe because of the Netherlands' implementation of the European Union's upcoming Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).

Is Cryptocurrency Legal in the Netherlands?

The stance of crypto in the Netherlands is maintained as neutral while providing a clear legal framework that oversees the use of digital assets. Although the frameworks used support the engagement of cryptocurrencies, they do not officially accept financial transactions through crypto. In other words, the countryʼs cryptocurrency is not recognized as legal tender but is crypto-friendly.

What Are the Key Points?

Crypto as Non-Official Currency:

As mentioned, the countryʼs treatment of cryptocurrency is considered as a digital asset, not as a legal tender. So, they donʼt have the same standing as the euro.

Activities Allowed:

• Transactions for buying, holding, trading, and selling through cryptocurrencies are considered legal
• Transactions for purchase are legal, but they still remain uncommon in mainstream commerce.

Priorities of Regulatory Authorities:

•  Instead of implementing restrictive bans, the regulators of the Netherlands focus on cultivating a more transparent, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standard and protecting the consumerʼs interest.
• Finding the right balance approach is the countryʼs way of having a progressive stance on crypto while keeping in mind compliance.

Who Regulates Cryptocurrency in the Netherlands?

Cryptocurrency in the Netherlands is regulated by multiple key government agencies through a coordinated effort. These agencies have distinct roles in ensuring that the sector abides by being secure, transparent, and aligned with both local and EU standards.

De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB): The Netherlandsʼ Central Bank

• AML and Counter-Terrorist Financing laws are strictly implemented to secure the financial system from financial illicit activities
• DNB also manages the licensing and registration of crypto brokers and custodial services, setting strict standards before they are able to operate in the Dutch market.
• Lastly, DNB consistently monitors crypto businesses to ensure a guaranteed alignment with the further development of regulatory expectations.

Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM)

•   AFM manages the regulation of crypto-related investment products such as tokenized securities and initial coin offerings (ICOs).
•   Its role is to protect investors from the risks of fraudulent schemes and unfair practices. In return, this leads to promoting a reliable space for markets
•   In collaboration with their EU counterparts, their combined frameworks provide Dutch regulations with an environment that reflects the whole European standards.

Financial Intelligence Unit - Netherlands (FIU-NL)

• FIU-NLʼs role is to serve the countryʼs agencies through the process of scrutinizing Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs), which are submitted by crypto businesses to prevent money laundering.
• By using tools that specialize in data analysis, money laundering and other illicit financial activities are easily detected due to the advanced nature of the tools used.
• Engage in coordination with other domestic and international agencies in efforts to enhance the detection and prevention of cross-border financial crimes.

Ministry of Finance

• The Ministry of Finance plays a central policy role, overseeing the Netherlandsʼ' regulatory framework at a national level for AML and CFT strategies.
• In 2025, due to the expectation of the upcoming EUʼs Markets in MiCa regulations, the ministry consistently adapts the countryʼs legislation to meet the broader EU standards.
• Outside compliance, they also highlight the innovations of policies that are responsible for crypto and its need for further security, and financial stability, ensuring the growth of digital.

Together, these institutions establish a fully comprehensive regulatory framework that promotes compliance and protects the financial system. On top of that, due to their collaborations, they create a space where innovation in the crypto world will be further developed. Overall, their efforts are combined to support the industryʼs growth without undermining their stability.

Do Crypto Companies Need to Register with DNB?

The short answer is yes. Since May 2020, any crypto service provider that conducts or will conduct business in the Netherlands is obligated to register legally through DNB. The roots of this requirement started in the Dutch Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Act (Wwft). Hence, they ensure that the operations related to crypto meet the strict compliance standards that are established to eliminate illicit financial activities.

Which Entities Are Subject to Registration?

•   Any platform that facilitates cryptocurrency exchange. Either between fiat-to-crypto or vice versa
•   Service providers who offer custodial wallets
•  Over-the-counter (OTC) trading platforms that help Dutch users and operate within the Dutch market.

What Are the Key Requirements for Registered Crypto Firms?

In order to maintain registration with the DNB, crypto services must meet the following strict compliance obligations, which include:

1. Strict AML/KYC Measures

Firms must implement robust, comprehensive AML and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols as defenses against financial misuse of their platforms.

2. Management Suitability Checks

Crypto services must pass DNBʼs “Fit and Properˮ assessment. This process allows for their integrity, qualifications, and financial competence to be evaluated.

3. UBO Assurance

Service providers must disclose their ultimate beneficial ownership (UBO) to promote pure transparency.

4. Ongoing Report

Registered entities must submit reports consistently, which allows DNB to regularly monitor their compliance as well as their exposure to risks.

What Are the AML/KYC Obligations for Crypto Firms?

The Dutch Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Terrorist Financing Act (Wwft) crafted guidelines where crypto service providers are required to comply rigorously, which is meant to protect the financial system from financially illicit activities. The obligations are:

Customer Due Diligence (CDD)

Firms must meticulously verify their customersʼ identities and utilize enhanced due diligence, especially for higher-risk individuals, such as politically exposed persons (PEPs).

Monitoring All Transactions

When a suspicious activity is detected, they are strictly obligated to file Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) with the Financial Intelligence Unit - Netherlands (FIU-NL)

Sanctions Screening

Every client and even their transactions must be screened as a preventive measure from international sanction lists and PEP to prevent unlawful dealings.

Risk-Based Controls

Crypto companies are required to cater to international controls based on the scale of their operations. This promises to make risk management efforts effective.

Do the FATF Travel Rules Apply in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands fully incorporated the FATF Travel Rule into its framework as a regulation for crypto transactions, making sure it has strong oversight and transparency.

Entities Who Must Comply

• Covers all virtual asset service providers (VASPs), including exchanges and custodians.
• The rules apply to all Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), which include exchanges and custodial wallet providers

Transaction Threshold:

• For transactions over €1000, firms must collect and share all information regarding both the sender and the recipient.

Role of the Regulators

• DNB is responsible for implementing the rule and verifying that provider services are meeting the data-sharing requirements continuously throughout the operation.

Cryptocurrency Taxation Policies in the Netherlands

How Is Cryptocurrency Taxed in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, cryptocurrency is not taxed as legal tender but as an asset. Depending on how the asset is used, it also depends on how it is taxed.

What Is the Future of Crypto Regulation in the Netherlands?

As the Netherlands anticipates the full implementation of the EUʼs Markets in MiCa framework by 2026, its efforts in regulation are moving forward with more cohesiveness and more advanced controls.

What Are Some Changes to Expect?

• The current registration process is expected to shift into a full licensing process, increasing the standard for entry-level operations.
• Additional new compliance rules will cover the areas of stablecoin reserve backing and transparency using whitepaper disclosures.
• The AFM will be taking a more enhanced role in monitoring token offerings and overall market behavior.
• Consumer protection is expected to be stronger, applying requirements for mandatory disclaimers, stricter rules on advertising, and a focus on user awareness

How Can Sanction Scanner Help Crypto Firms Stay Compliant in the Netherlands?

At Sanction Scanner, tools for crypto businesses with an end-to-end compliance toolkit is offered, catering to the Dutch and EU regulations.

What we offer:

• We provide real-time identity checks, including CDD and enhanced due diligence (EDD), alongside comprehensive screening as a preventative measure against global and local sanctions  and PEP lists (EU, UN, and Dutch authorities)
• We use advanced monitoring tools for any suspicious transaction activity, together with risk-based customer onboarding and dynamic scoring, which improve precision and efficiency
• Our system supports GAIMLʼs formats for their reports for STR submission, which is meant to align with the anticipated MiCA obligations. This allows crypto businesses to focus on fostering their growth while being aligned with Dutch and EU standards.

Most Popular Cryptocurrencies in the Netherlands in 2025 

The Netherlands has emerged as one of Europe's most dynamic crypto hubs in 2025, thanks to its tech-savvy population, robust digital infrastructure, and a proactive regulatory approach aligned with the EU’s MiCA regulation.

In 2025, the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) and Statista reported that cryptocurrencies are used by more than 2.5 million people in the Netherlands, which equals 14% of the adult population, for investment, trading, and digital payments.

Top Cryptocurrencies by Popularity in the Netherlands: 

Fun fact: The Netherlands is home to over 350 blockchain startups and SMEs, with Amsterdam being one of Europe’s top crypto innovation zones. Dutch banks like ABN AMRO and ING have also piloted blockchain and tokenization projects since 2024. 

Is the Netherlands a Crypto-Friendly Country in 2025? 

Yes, particularly with the EU-wide MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) Regulation. The Netherlands holds a careful and innovative position in Crypto by focusing on transparency, AML Compliance, and progress. Crypto-related activities are overseen by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) and the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) together. 

Netherlands Crypto-Friendliness Overview (2025): 

The Netherlands is among the top 10 countries in Europe for DeFi participation and stablecoin usage, particularly within the freelancers and small businesses that accept crypto payments cross-border.