Greece approves 10% tax on crypto gains and 15% levy on DeFi income
Greece has officially approved a new cryptocurrency taxation framework, introducing a 10% tax on capital gains from digital asset transactions and a 15% levy specifically targeting income generated through decentralized finance (DeFi) activities. The legislation marks one of the more structured approaches to crypto taxation adopted by a European Union member state, establishing distinct rate tiers based on the nature of crypto-related earnings.
The move comes as European governments continue to develop regulatory and fiscal frameworks around digital assets, following the broader implementation of the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. Greece joins a growing list of EU nations formalizing tax obligations for crypto holders, as authorities across the bloc work to bring digital asset income in line with traditional financial reporting standards and close gaps in tax collection.
The differentiated tax structure — lower rates for straightforward capital gains versus a higher levy on DeFi income — reflects regulators' recognition that decentralized finance activities, such as yield farming, liquidity provision, and staking rewards, carry distinct characteristics from simple asset trading. Industry observers note that the framework could influence compliance behavior among Greek crypto users and may prompt some DeFi participants to reassess their strategies given the additional fiscal burden.
Market participants and crypto businesses operating in Greece will be watching for implementation guidance, including reporting requirements, applicable thresholds, and enforcement timelines, as authorities move toward putting the new rules into practice.
Source: CoinDesk
