How to buy Bitcoin (BTC) in Germany and France

Summary

Bitcoin is increasingly recognized as a legitimate investment, with growing government endorsements. In Germany, the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has classified Bitcoin as a financial instrument since 2013, facilitating its adoption. Investors in Germany benefit from tax exemptions on profits from Bitcoin held for over a year. France's regulatory framework, established by the PACTE law in 2019, requires digital asset service provider licenses for crypto exchanges, with capital gains tax applicable to most crypto profits. To buy Bitcoin in Germany and France, users must sign up for exchanges like Coinbase, Bitpanda, or Kraken, following KYC and AML policies. After identity verification, users can fund their accounts and purchase Bitcoin. Security is crucial; exchange wallets are convenient but vulnerable, while hardware wallets offer enhanced security for long-term storage. The MiCA regulation provides a framework for crypto regulation in the EU, ensuring compliance and consumer protection for Bitcoin services in both countries.