Main to remember
- Germany and France have clear and strict regulatory executives for exchanges, making bitcoin a form of safe and viable investment.
- France and Germany have several purchase options, such as crypto exchanges, peer-to-peer platforms or Bitcoin ticket distributors.
- Although you can easily buy bitcoin, storage your assets in a secure cryptographic portfolio is essential.
The World Pours Bitcoin (BTC), now more than ever, as a legitimate investment opportunity. Although rare, governments slowly begin to approve the first cryptocurrency in the world. With these recommendations, crypto exchanges, as well as other investment methods in Bitcoin.
This article will cover how to buy bitcoin in Germany and France, covering legal means of investing and storing cryptocurrency in parallel with relevant regulations.
Legal landscape involving crypto in Germany and France
Germany
The German government has long participated in the crypto, which sold 50,000 BTC in the summer of 2024 as a recent example.
Such a liberal use of the purchase of BTC in Germany is possible thanks to its federal financial supervisory authority (Bafin), which recognized Bitcoin as a financial instrument in 2013.
In 2021, the regulatory entity issued its first commercial commercial license from Coinbase to Coinbase, paving the way for the adoption of the crypto. Any group qualifying for a Bafin license must respect its strict anti-money laundering policies (AML) and know your customer policies (KYC).
Investors pay taxes on cryptographic income and capital gains. That said, the benefits of Bitcoin owned more than a year (long -term) are exempt from tax, which makes the country particularly attractive for long -term holders.
France
In 2019, the French president Emmanuel Macron created the Plan of the Action Plan for the Croisse and the Transformation of Businesses (Pact), a regulatory framework which established a strict compliance for any Crypto establishment which seeks to take Racine.
Cryptographic regulations in France require that the French market regulator, Authority for Financial Marches (AMF), issues licenses of digital asset service providers (DASP) to potential exchanges. Gemini, the exchange of crypto by the Twins Winklevoss, is one of the last to receive a DASP, after having succeeded in registration in November 2024.
Pact also standardized the purchase of BTC in France. Investors pay the tax on capital gains on most of the benefits of cryptography, although smaller transactions can be exempt.
Ways to buy bitcoin in Germany and France
If you are wondering where to buy bitcoin in Germany or where to buy bitcoin in France, know that there are several ways to do so.
- Crypto exchange: The simplest legal means to buy bitcoin in Germany and France are by an exchange of cryptocurrency. You can connect your bank account or your debit / credit card to an exchange and buy Bitcoin using Fiat for a low amount. Due to strict regulations, it is generally safe to buy on Bitcoin exchanges in Germany and France.
- Bitcoin ATM: In any case, sure to buy Bitcoin, Bitcoin Automatic Distributors are relatively reliable. Bitcoin automatic distributors are available in various European cities, allowing you to buy bitcoin with money. However, keep in mind that crypto automatic counters can charge higher costs than other methods.
- The markets between peers: Satoshi launched Bitcoin as a currency between peers (P2P). P2P and Paxful markets facilitate Bitcoin transactions and are available in France, Germany and many other European countries.
- Paypal: Paypal also supports Bitcoin, Ether (ETH) and other cryptocurrencies. It is an easy way to start, because many users already have PayPal accounts for other financial reasons.
- Traditional financing platforms: Traditional financing platforms like Etoro also offer cryptocurrencies. Like Paypal, many investors already have accounts in various financial companies, rationalizing their transfer to the crypto.
How to use cryptocurrency exchanges in Europe
Regardless of the cryptocurrency exchange you choose, they follow a similar registration and purchase process. That said, you should always do your own research and examine the stories of an exchange or the currencies they offer, especially if you plan to invest outside Bitcoin. Follow these steps to register for an exchange.
Validate your identity
Registration for an crypto exchange requires following its KYC and AML policies. This means validating your identity by subjecting an identity card. The verification process can take a bit, so make sure you submit precise information the first time.
Link a payment method
After validating your identity, you can link your bank or a local debit / credit card or use PayPal to finance your account. Most exchanges support a variety of fiduciary currencies, so find one that works for you should be easy.
Buy bitcoin
Once you have financed your account, you can buy bitcoin. The process is simple: enter the desired bitcoin amount, select your payment method and click “Buy”.
Did you know? The French authorities hold cryptographic platforms with the highest standards. In January 2025, the exchange of appeals ceased its French operations due to a meticulous examination, demonstrating the increased interest of the government for digital assets.
Bitcoin platforms in France and Germany
Coinbase, Bitpanda and Kraken are examples of the platforms available in the two countries to buy Bitcoin, making it an excellent start for crypto beginners in Germany and France.
In addition, they support several payment methods, such as banking transfers and credit cards, guaranteeing convenience for users. Beyond the purchase of Bitcoin, these platforms often have educational resources, making it a precious starting point for anyone looking to find out about the wider ecosystem of cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin portfolio configuration guide
Now that you have bought Bitcoin on your choice exchange, keeping it safe with the right bitcoin portfolio is an absolute priority.
Let’s review some types of wallets.
Exchange portfolio
Your exchange of choice automatically provides a Bitcoin portfolio, where it stores your bitcoin after purchase.
Although the exchange portfolios are useful if you often plan to negotiate, they are still online by nature. This constant connectivity maintains your assets under the threat of theft or security violation if the safety security measures fail.
Did you know? You can exchange the crypto from one wallet to another all over the world for a tiny. This contrasts with the Fiat payment transfer systems, which are expensive and take time.
Mobile wallet
Mobile wallets are applications designed to store cryptocurrencies on a mobile device. They are ideal if you constantly check your crypto or if you are frequently on the go. These portfolios often have web3 functionality that allows you to interact with the decentralized web.
However, just like exchange portfolios, mobile wallets are still online, which makes them sensitive to cyber-men. Bad actors can target your device with scams or malware, which allows them to steal your assets. In addition, losing your phone means losing your wallet (but not entirely if you have written and kept your recovery sentence in a safe and accessible place).
Material wallet
A material wallet is a physical device, often similar to a USB stick, which stores your offline assets.
With a variety of safety features, the material portfolios are much safer than mobile portfolios and exchange with regard to cyber-menices, making it the Securest option for long-term holders. However, trade with material portfolios can be painful. These portfolios are the best if you plan to keep your crypto in the long term rather than negotiating frequently.
Is Bitcoin (BTC) in accordance with the Mica?
Market regulations in Crypto-Assets (Mica) has established a complete framework for the regulation of cryptocurrencies in the European Union. Bitcoin, being a decentralized cryptocurrency, is not directly subject to Mica compliance because it does not respond to the definition of an electronic or utility token. However, it plays an important role in the wider regulatory environment.
Mica focuses mainly on the regulation of crypto service providers, stablescoins and digital tokens transmitters to improve consumer protection and market integrity.
However, platforms offering Bitcoin services in France and Germany must comply with legal requirements, such as LMMA licenses and investor guarantees.
For Bitcoin users, Mica creates a safer investment landscape by applying transparency and responsibility between exchanges and guards. This guarantees that if you buy bitcoin in Germany or France, your investments are protected by regulations harmonized by the EU.
