Updated October 2026. Buying crypto is legal in France, but since 1 July 2026, when France's MiCA transition ended, a platform needs an EU CASP authorisation to take on new French clients; Binance lost that right. Coinbase and Kraken hold CASP licences; check Bitpanda and the French options Coinhouse and Bitstack on the AMF list before you deposit. Expect KYC, fund via SEPA from a French IBAN, and budget for the 31.4% flat tax on gains since 1 January 2026. Crypto is volatile capital at risk.
Key takeaways
- Since 1 July 2026, only MiCA CASP-authorised platforms can onboard new French clients; a PSAN registration alone no longer suffices.
- Binance closed to new French clients and new deposits on 1 July 2026; existing users can still withdraw.
- Expect KYC identity checks, then fund via a SEPA transfer from your French IBAN.
- Crypto gains are taxed under the flat tax (PFU), 31.4% since 1 January 2026, and accounts on foreign exchanges are declared on form 3916-bis.
- Crypto is not FGDR-protected and is highly volatile; this page is not financial advice.
Is crypto legal and regulated in France?
Yes. Buying, holding, and selling crypto is legal in France. What is regulated is the platform, not the act of owning coins. Until mid-2026, a provider serving French residents needed to be registered as a PSAN (Prestataire de Services sur Actifs Numériques) with the AMF, in coordination with the ACPR for anti-money-laundering supervision.
The EU's MiCA regulation, fully applicable since 30 December 2024, replaced that national status with a single CASP authorisation (Crypto-Asset Service Provider) that a platform can passport across the EU. France's transition period for PSANs ended on 30 June 2026. Since 1 July 2026, only CASP-authorised platforms may take on new French clients. Coinbase holds its CASP licence from Luxembourg's CSSF and Kraken from the Central Bank of Ireland, both approved in June 2025. Binance did not secure one and closed to new French clients and new deposits on 1 July 2026, though existing users can still withdraw crypto and euros.
PSAN versus CASP
What is a PSAN and how do you check the AMF register?
A PSAN is a digital-asset service provider that registered with the AMF under the French regime that applied until 30 June 2026. Registration was mandatory for custody, buying and selling crypto for euros, and operating a trading platform. Since 1 July 2026 the test is the EU CASP authorisation: a PSAN registration alone no longer lets a platform take on new French clients, and serving them without authorisation is prohibited.
To verify a platform, go to amf-france.org and search its name among authorised providers. Confirm the exact legal entity matches the brand you intend to use, and check which EU regulator granted its CASP licence: a platform licensed in Luxembourg or Ireland serves France on an EU passport. If a platform is not listed and actively markets to French residents, treat that as a red flag.
Verify before you deposit
How do you buy crypto from a French bank account?
Buying crypto from a French bank account follows a consistent flow across registered platforms. First you complete KYC (know-your-customer): you upload an ID and a selfie, and sometimes a proof of address (justificatif de domicile). This is a legal requirement under anti-money-laundering rules, not an optional step. Once verified, you can fund your account.
The cheapest fiat on-ramp is usually a SEPA transfer from your French IBAN. Some platforms also offer instant SEPA or card top-ups, which are faster but often cost more. Your bank can be the bottleneck: a BoursoBank customer reported in September 2025 that instant transfers to Kraken, Trade Republic and Interactive Brokers were rejected without explanation, while standard transfers went through. After your euros land, you place a buy order; spreads and trading fees vary by platform and order type, so confirm them on the provider's site.
- Step 1: Check the platform's CASP authorisation on amf-france.org.
- Step 2: Open an account and complete KYC identity checks.
- Step 3: Fund via a SEPA transfer from your French IBAN.
- Step 4: Place a buy order and review the fees and spread shown.
- Step 5: Keep records of every deposit, trade, and disposal for your tax return.
How are crypto gains taxed in France?
Crypto gains in France generally fall under the flat tax (PFU), the prélèvement forfaitaire unique, when an occasional individual disposes of crypto for euros or goods. The flat tax rose from 30% to 31.4% on 1 January 2026, when the 2026 social security finance law lifted the CSG part of the social levies from 9.2% to 10.6%; the income tax part stays at 12.8%. A taxable event is typically a disposal, such as selling to euros, not simply holding or swapping within your own portfolio in every case. You declare to the DGFiP via impots.gouv.fr.
You must also declare foreign-held accounts: an account on an exchange based outside France goes on form 3916-bis every year, even with a small balance, and foreign exchanges withhold no French tax. Frequent, professional-style activity can be taxed differently from occasional gains, and thresholds change, so confirm your own treatment with the DGFiP or a qualified adviser before you file.
Tax structure as of October 2026. This is general information, not tax advice. Verify current rules and rates on impots.gouv.fr or with a professional.
Which crypto exchange should you use in France in 2026?
The right exchange depends on whether you want a beginner-friendly app, the lowest fees, a France-based provider, or simple recurring buys. The picks below are major platforms available to French residents; Binance is left out because it cannot take new French clients since 1 July 2026. Among the two big global exchanges, Kraken charges 0.40% maker and 0.80% taker at its entry tier, against about 0.40% to 0.60% on Coinbase Advanced Trade and about 1.49% on its Simple interface (summer 2026). Always re-check current CASP status on amf-france.org, and remember that all amounts are capital at risk.
Coinbase
Coinbase is a large exchange, CASP-licensed under MiCA by Luxembourg's CSSF, with a clean app, broad coin selection, and SEPA funding from a French IBAN. Its guided onboarding suits newcomers buying their first crypto.
Why we recommend it: A large, MiCA CASP-licensed platform with a beginner-friendly app, SEPA support from a French IBAN, and strong onboarding for newcomers.
Best for: Newcomers who want a simple, guided first purchase
Pros
- +Beginner-friendly app and onboarding
- +CASP-licensed under MiCA, SEPA funding from a French IBAN
- +Wide range of supported assets
Cons
- −Simple-buy fees can be higher than advanced trading
- −Not covered by any deposit guarantee
- KYC identity verification required
- SEPA transfer and card top-up options
- Mobile and web platforms
Bitpanda
Bitpanda is an EU-licensed platform offering crypto alongside other asset classes, with euro SEPA on-ramps and a single, approachable interface for European residents.
Why we recommend it: An EU-licensed platform covering crypto plus other assets, with euro SEPA on-ramps and a simple all-in-one interface.
Best for: Users who want crypto and other assets in one app
Pros
- +EU-licensed platform
- +Euro SEPA on-ramp from a French IBAN
- +One app for several asset types
Cons
- −Spreads can apply on simple buys
- −Fewer advanced trading tools than pure exchanges
- KYC identity verification required
- SEPA and card funding
- Recurring savings plans available
Kraken
Kraken is an established exchange with deep liquidity and competitive trading fees on its pro interface. It holds a MiCA CASP licence from the Central Bank of Ireland and is well suited to more active or advanced French users.
Why we recommend it: An established exchange with deep liquidity and lower trading fees, MiCA CASP-licensed and suited to more active or advanced users.
Best for: Active and advanced traders watching fees
Pros
- +Lower fees on the advanced interface
- +Deep liquidity and many trading pairs
- +CASP-licensed under MiCA (Central Bank of Ireland)
Cons
- −Advanced interface has a learning curve
- −Not covered by any deposit guarantee
- KYC identity verification required
- SEPA transfer funding from a French IBAN
- Simple and advanced trading views
Coinhouse
Coinhouse is a French crypto provider with French-language support and advisory services. It suits residents who prefer a local, France-based provider and want human guidance on building a position.
Why we recommend it: A French crypto provider with French-language support and advisory services, ideal for residents who want a local, France-based provider.
Best for: Residents who want a France-based provider with support
Pros
- +France-based, French-language support
- +Advisory services for newcomers
- +France-based provider
Cons
- −Fees may be higher than large global exchanges
- −Smaller asset selection than the biggest platforms
- KYC identity verification required
- SEPA funding from a French IBAN
- Guided onboarding and support
Bitstack
Bitstack is a French app built for automated Bitcoin DCA. You set a SEPA mandate and it buys at regular intervals, making it ideal for hands-off, long-term accumulation rather than active trading.
Why we recommend it: A French app built for automated Bitcoin DCA from a SEPA mandate, best for hands-off recurring buys rather than active trading.
Best for: Hands-off savers using dollar-cost averaging
Pros
- +Automated DCA from a SEPA mandate
- +French app and support
- +Set-and-forget recurring buys
Cons
- −Focused on Bitcoin, not broad trading
- −Not built for active trading
- KYC identity verification required
- SEPA mandate from a French IBAN
- Scheduled recurring purchases
Ranking and authorisation status as of October 2026; Coinbase and Kraken fees from their summer 2026 fee schedules. Since 1 July 2026 a PSAN registration alone no longer allows a platform to onboard new French clients, so confirm each platform's CASP authorisation on amf-france.org before you deposit.
Capital at risk: this is not financial advice
Crypto-assets are highly volatile and you can lose some or all of your money. Crypto is not protected by the FGDR deposit guarantee, and a CASP authorisation covers conduct and anti-money-laundering rules, not the value of your holdings.
This page is general information, not financial, investment, or tax advice. Never invest more than you can afford to lose, and consult a qualified adviser and the DGFiP for your own situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is crypto legal and regulated in France?
Yes. Buying, holding, and selling crypto is legal in France. Since 1 July 2026, when France's MiCA transition period ended, a platform needs an EU CASP authorisation to take on new French clients; the old national PSAN registration no longer suffices on its own. Binance closed to new French clients on that date.
What is a PSAN and how do I check the AMF register?
A PSAN (Prestataire de Services sur Actifs Numériques) was the French registration for digital-asset service providers until 30 June 2026. Since then the EU CASP authorisation under MiCA is what counts. Search the platform's name on amf-france.org before depositing and check which EU regulator granted its licence.
How do I fund a crypto account from a French bank?
After passing KYC, most registered platforms accept a SEPA transfer from a French IBAN, and some support instant SEPA or card top-ups. A SEPA transfer from your FR account is usually the cheapest fiat on-ramp, though processing times and limits vary by platform.
How are crypto gains taxed in France?
Gains realised on disposal of crypto by an occasional individual are subject to the flat tax (PFU), which rose from 30% to 31.4% on 1 January 2026. You declare your gains on impots.gouv.fr, and accounts on exchanges based outside France go on form 3916-bis every year. Professional-style activity can be taxed differently.
Is my crypto protected like a bank deposit?
No. Crypto is not covered by the FGDR deposit guarantee, and prices are highly volatile. A CASP authorisation covers anti-money-laundering and conduct rules, not the value of your assets. Treat any amount as capital at risk and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
Related Guides
Continue your move to France
Related guides from other parts of How to France that newcomers usually need next.