Crypto Brokers Germany

Crypto trading is fully legal in Germany—and tightly regulated. That means safe access to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and altcoins through licensed brokers and platforms. Whether you’re a beginner or building a serious crypto portfolio, Germany offers some of the most secure and tax-transparent conditions in Europe.

We shows you how to start, which crypto brokers are regulated, and how to avoid tax traps in 2025.

Is Crypto Legal and Regulated in Germany?

Yes—crypto is legal in Germany and treated as private money under financial law. The German regulator BaFin classifies cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum as units of account, and any company offering trading, custody, or brokerage must be licensed.

Germany was one of the first EU countries to regulate crypto under existing financial frameworks. As of 2025, all compliant brokers must either:

• Hold a BaFin license, or
• Operate under an EU license passported into Germany (e.g. via MiFID or MiCA)

This means that most well-known platforms—like eToro, Bitpanda, and Coinbase Germany—are safe to use.

Germany also supports custody regulation, meaning crypto held with a licensed broker is managed under strict rules, and clients have legal recourse in case of fraud or mismanagement.

With the EU’s MiCA regulation entering force, German investors benefit from even more clarity around stablecoins, token offerings, and wallet services.

Who Can Trade Crypto in Germany?

Anyone over 18 with legal residence in Germany can open an account with a licensed crypto broker. This includes German citizens, EU residents, and expats with valid ID and a local address.

To open a crypto trading account, you’ll typically need:

• Valid government-issued ID (passport or national ID)
• German residential address
• Tax ID (Steuer-ID)
• SEPA-compatible bank account
• Smartphone or computer (for KYC verification)

Most brokers require identity verification through VideoIdent or automated KYC tools. Some platforms also accept users from outside Germany, but they may need to provide additional tax information or proof of residency.

There’s no financial minimum to get started—platforms like Bitpanda and eToro allow crypto purchases starting from €10 or less.

How to Start with a Crypto Broker

Getting started with crypto in Germany takes only a few steps—especially with modern brokers designed for speed and compliance. Here’s how to set up your account:

Step-by-step setup

1. Choose a licensed crypto broker
2. Register and verify identity (KYC)
3. Link a SEPA bank account
4. Fund your account
5. Start buying crypto

1. Choose a licensed crypto broker

Select a platform that’s BaFin-regulated or passported via another EU license. Prioritize low fees, strong custody, and wide coin selection.

2. Register and verify identity

Submit ID and a selfie via VideoIdent or app-based KYC. This is mandatory under German AML (anti-money laundering) law.

3. Link a SEPA bank account

Most brokers require a bank account in your name for EUR deposits and withdrawals. Some also support PayPal or credit cards, though with higher fees.

4. Fund your account

Transfer EUR via SEPA (free with most brokers) or use instant methods if available. Minimum deposit is often €10–€50.

5. Start buying crypto

Browse available coins (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.), choose your amount, and confirm the trade. Some platforms offer recurring purchases or copy trading features.

Types of Crypto Brokers in Germany

Germany offers a range of platforms for buying, holding, and trading crypto. The key difference lies in licensing, custody, and how crypto access is structured.

1. Regulated Crypto Exchanges

Examples: Bitpanda, Coinbase Germany, Bison
These platforms offer direct crypto trading with wallet access, fiat on-ramps, and proper licensing. Most support dozens of coins and include portfolio tools, recurring buys, and tax reports. Bison (by Börse Stuttgart) is fully German-run and especially beginner-friendly.

2. Trading Platforms with Crypto Access

Examples: eToro, Scalable Capital
These are multi-asset platforms that include crypto alongside stocks and ETFs. With eToro, you buy real crypto (not CFDs), and can transfer coins to their wallet app. Scalable Capital offers crypto ETNs, which track coin prices but don’t provide real token ownership.

3. Neobrokers with Indirect Exposure

Examples: Trade Republic
Rather than holding coins directly, these platforms let you invest in crypto ETNs (exchange-traded notes). You track price movements and gain exposure—ideal for long-term investors who don’t need transfers or wallets.

4. Decentralized Alternatives (Not Common)

While DeFi platforms exist, they’re generally not used in Germany due to regulation, tax complexity, and the need for self-custody. Most investors use licensed brokers for security and reporting.

Key Features to Compare Between Crypto Brokers

Not all crypto brokers are equal. Before signing up, compare platforms based on the features that affect usability, cost, and security.

Custody Type

Broker-held wallets: Most platforms (e.g. Bitpanda, Coinbase) store your crypto for you.

Wallet export: eToro allows limited withdrawals to external wallets.

ETNs only: Some brokers (e.g. Scalable, Trade Republic) offer only price-tracking instruments—no real crypto ownership.

Fees and Pricing

Spread-based pricing (e.g. eToro, Coinbase): No fixed fee, but you pay via price difference.

Flat trading fees (e.g. Bitpanda): Clear cost per trade.

Deposit/withdrawal fees: SEPA is often free, but card or PayPal funding may cost 1.5–3%.

Number of Supported Coins

• eToro: 70+ real crypto assets
• Coinbase Germany: 200+
• Bitpanda: 100+
• Bison: 10–15 major coins
• Scalable/Trade Republic: Crypto exposure via 5–10 ETNs

Staking and Yield Options

Bitpanda and eToro offer staking for coins like ETH and ADA.

Most neobrokers and ETN platforms offer no staking.

Interface and Platform Access

• eToro, Bison: App-first, beginner-friendly
• Coinbase: Web + mobile, advanced features
• Bitpanda: Clean dashboard, strong UX
• Scalable/Trade Republic: Minimalist, structured for long-term investing

Taxes on Crypto in Germany

Crypto profits are taxable in Germany, but under rules that are more favorable than in many other countries. The biggest advantage is the long-term tax exemption, which rewards patient holders.

Long-term exemption

If you hold your crypto assets—like Bitcoin or Ethereum—for more than 12 months, any gains from selling are completely tax-free. There’s no cap on the amount, and this rule applies to private investors using their own funds. It’s one of the reasons why Germany is considered crypto-friendly within the EU.

Short-term gains

Selling within 12 months means you may owe tax on your profits. Gains exceeding €600 in a year are taxed at the standard rate for capital gains: 25% plus a 5.5% solidarity surcharge. If you’re registered for church tax, an additional 8–9% applies. In total, the effective rate is about 26.375%.

Staking, lending, and DeFi

Income from staking, crypto lending, or DeFi protocols is treated differently. In those cases, the holding period for tax-free sales increases from one year to ten years. If you receive staking rewards, these are also taxed as income when received—even if you haven’t sold any crypto.

Tax reporting

German-based brokers like Bison may offer pre-filled tax statements, making reporting simple. However, if you use EU-based brokers such as Bitpanda or eToro, no tax is withheld or reported on your behalf. You’ll need to manually declare gains via ELSTER, Germany’s online tax portal. For active traders or anyone using multiple wallets, it’s often worth hiring a Steuerberater (tax advisor) to avoid costly mistakes.