Bitcoin in France: rules, tax and how it's priced
In France bitcoin is quoted in euros per 1 BTC (BTC/EUR), usually written with a decimal comma, and small amounts are often given as a fraction of a bitcoin or in satoshis (100 million sats = 1 BTC). The figures on this page are the international BTC/USD price converted at today's EUR/USD exchange rate, before exchange fees, spreads and any local premium.
Is bitcoin legal in France? AMF and MiCA
Owning and trading bitcoin is legal in France, but it is not legal tender. Before MiCA, France ran its own regime for digital asset service providers (PSAN), registered with the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF). Since 30 December 2024 crypto-asset service providers have been regulated under the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), with the AMF as the authorising authority. France allowed the longest transitional period, 18 months, so registered PSANs could keep operating until 1 July 2026. Since then any firm serving French clients needs MiCA authorisation from the AMF or from another EU regulator. The AMF warns retail investors to check that a platform is authorised and publishes blacklists of unauthorised websites.
How is bitcoin taxed in France?
For individuals who invest occasionally, crypto gains are taxed when you sell for euros or use crypto to pay for goods or services. Swaps from one crypto-asset to another, including into stablecoins, are not taxed at the time. Gains are taxed under the flat tax (prélèvement forfaitaire unique), which rose from 30% to 31.4% in 2026 after the 2026 social security financing law raised the CSG on capital income: 12.8% income tax plus 18.6% social charges. You can opt instead for the progressive income tax scale. Disposals totalling €305 or less in a year are exempt. Gains are calculated with a portfolio-wide formula and declared on form 2086, and each crypto account held with a platform abroad must be declared on form 3916-bis, with fines for accounts left off. Professional trading and mining are taxed under different rules.
Buying bitcoin in France and DAC8
French residents buy bitcoin in euros through MiCA-authorised exchanges and brokers, and some French banks and online brokers also offer crypto. Because a MiCA authorisation from any member state is valid across the EU, many platforms serving France are authorised elsewhere; check the ESMA register or the AMF's list before opening an account. Since 1 January 2026, under the EU directive DAC8, crypto-asset service providers must collect information on their users and report their transactions to the tax authorities, with the first data for 2026 exchanged between EU countries in 2027. The French tax authority will therefore see much more crypto activity, so keep records of every purchase and sale.
Legal and tax information last reviewed October 2026. Crypto rules change quickly — check with the regulator or tax authority, or a qualified adviser, before acting. This is not tax, legal or investment advice.