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Crypto Regulation in France

France has established itself as a leading EU jurisdiction for crypto regulation through the AMF's PSAN/DASP framework, now transitioning to MiCA. France actively encourages crypto innovation while maintaining robust investor protection and AML standards.

Region: EuropeCurrency: EURAdoption Rank: #15Risk Score: 25/100

Tax Information

Capital Gains (Personal)
30% flat tax (PFU) on crypto gains above EUR 305 annual threshold; option to elect progressive rates
Capital Gains (Corporate)
25% standard corporate tax rate on crypto gains
VAT on Crypto
No
Staking Tax
Staking rewards taxed as BNC at receipt; subsequent disposal subject to 30% PFU
Airdrop Tax
Taxed as income at progressive rates upon receipt if for services; otherwise at disposal
Mining Tax
Mining income classified as non-commercial profits (BNC); taxed at progressive rates
Summary
France applies a 30% flat tax (prélèvement forfaitaire unique) on crypto capital gains, including 12.8% income tax and 17.2% social contributions. Occasional traders benefit from this flat rate. Professional traders are taxed under BIC at progressive rates. EUR 305 annual exemption applies.

Licensing & Registration

License Required
Yes
Regulator
AMF / ACPR (Autorité des marchés financiers / Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution)
Framework
Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA); PACTE Law (2019); AMF General Regulation
License Types
Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP/PSAN) Registration, DASP Optional License, Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) Authorization under MiCA
Estimated Cost (USD)
$30,000 - $250,000
Timeline
4-12 months
Ease of Licensing
Medium
Notes
France pioneered EU crypto regulation with the PACTE Law (2019) creating the PSAN registration regime. Mandatory PSAN registration required since 2023. MiCA transitions DASPs to CASP authorization. The AMF has been one of the most active EU regulators. Paris has attracted major crypto exchanges and Web3 companies.

AML / KYC

KYC Required
Yes
Travel Rule
Yes
FATF Member
Yes
FATF Status
Compliant
Suspicious Activity Reporting
Yes

Mining

Mining Legal
Yes
Status
Legal
Electricity Cost ($/kWh)
$0.13
Renewable Energy
25%
Climate
Temperate
Infrastructure
Excellent
Tax on Mining Income
25% standard corporate tax rate on crypto gains

DeFi, Stablecoins & NFTs

DeFi: regulatedStablecoins: specific frameworkNFTs: unclearCBDC: pilot

Soken Services

Legal Opinion
Available | $3,000 - $12,000 | 10 days
Banking
Difficulty: Hard | Crypto-friendly banks: none listed
Min. Deposit
$10,000
Fiat Rails
SEPA, SWIFT, SEPA Instant
Card Payments
Visa, Mastercard
Company Registration
$8,000 | 30 days | Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Licensing Support
Available | $25,000 - $100,000

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is crypto legal in France?
Cryptocurrency is currently classified as "Legal" in France. France has established itself as a leading EU jurisdiction for crypto regulation through the AMF's PSAN/DASP framework, now transitioning to MiCA. France actively encourages crypto innovation while maintaining robust investor protection and AML standards.
What is the crypto tax rate in France?
In France, the personal capital gains tax on crypto is 30% flat tax (PFU) on crypto gains above EUR 305 annual threshold; option to elect progressive rates, and the corporate tax rate is 25% standard corporate tax rate on crypto gains. France applies a 30% flat tax (prélèvement forfaitaire unique) on crypto capital gains, including 12.8% income tax and 17.2% social contributions. Occasional traders benefit from this flat rate. Professional traders are taxed under BIC at progressive rates. EUR 305 annual exemption applies.
Do I need a crypto license in France?
Yes, a crypto license is required in France. The regulator is Autorité des marchés financiers / Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution under Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA); PACTE Law (2019); AMF General Regulation. Estimated licensing cost: $30,000 - $250,000.
Is crypto mining legal in France?
Yes, crypto mining is legal in France. Electricity costs approximately $0.13/kWh. Mining income is taxed at: 25% standard corporate tax rate on crypto gains.
What are the AML/KYC requirements for crypto in France?
Yes, crypto businesses in France must comply with KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements. The FATF Travel Rule is implemented. FATF compliance status: compliant.