How to buy Bitcoin (BTC) in Germany and France

Key takeaways

• Germany and France have clear, strict regulatory frameworks for exchanges, making Bitcoin a safe and viable form of investment.
• France and Germany have multiple buying options, such as crypto exchanges, peer-to-peer platforms or Bitcoin ATMs.
• While you can easily buy Bitcoin, storing your assets in a secure crypto wallet is essential.

The world views Bitcoin (BTC), now more than ever, as a legitimate investment opportunity. While few and far between, governments are slowly beginning to endorse the world’s first cryptocurrency. With those endorsements come crypto exchanges, alongside other methods of investing in Bitcoin.

This article will cover how to buy Bitcoin in Germany and France, covering legal ways to invest in and store the cryptocurrency alongside relevant regulations.

Legal landscape involving crypto in Germany and France

Germany

The German government has long participated in crypto, having sold 50,000 BTC in the summer of 2024 as a recent example.  

Such liberal use of buying 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 crypto custody business license to Coinbase, paving the way for crypto adoption. Any group qualifying for a BaFin license must abide by its strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies.

Investors pay taxes on crypto income and capital gains. That said, profits from Bitcoin held longer than a year (long-term) are tax-free, making the country particularly attractive for long-term holders.

France

In 2019, French President Emmanuel Macron established the Plan d’Action pour la Croissance et la Transformation des Entreprises (PACTE) law, a regulatory framework that established strict compliance for any crypto establishments looking to take root. 

Crypto regulations in France require that the French markets regulator, Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), issue digital asset service provider (DASPs) licenses to potential exchanges. Gemini, the crypto exchange by the Winklevoss twins, is one of the latest to receive a DASP, having passed registration in November 2024.

PACTE also standardized buying BTC in France. Investors pay capital gains tax on most crypto profits, though smaller transactions may be exempt from this.

Ways to buy Bitcoin in Germany and France

If you’re wondering where to buy Bitcoin in Germany or where to buy Bitcoin in France, know that there are a few ways to do so.

• Crypto exchange: The most straightforward legal ways to buy Bitcoin in Germany and France are through a cryptocurrency exchange. You can connect your bank account or debit/credit card to an exchange and buy Bitcoin using fiat for a small fee. Due to strict regulations, it’s generally safe to buy on Bitcoin exchanges in Germany and France.
• Bitcoin ATMs: Of all the safe ways to buy Bitcoin, Bitcoin ATMs are relatively reliable. Bitcoin ATMs are available in various European cities, allowing you to buy Bitcoin with cash. However, keep in mind that crypto ATMs may charge higher fees than other methods.
• Peer-to-peer marketplaces: Satoshi launched Bitcoin as a peer-to-peer (P2P) currency. P2P marketplaces like Paxful facilitate Bitcoin transactions and are available in France, Germany and many other European countries.
• PayPal: PayPal supports Bitcoin, Ether (ETH) and other cryptocurrencies as well. It’s an easy way to get started, as many users already have PayPal accounts for other financial reasons.
• Traditional finance platforms: Traditional finance platforms like eToro also offer cryptocurrencies. Like PayPal, many investors already hold accounts at various financial firms, streamlining their shift into crypto.

How to use cryptocurrency exchanges in Europe

Regardless of what cryptocurrency exchange you pick, they follow a similar signup and buy process. That said, you should still do your own research and look into an exchange’s history or what currencies they offer, especially if you plan on investing outside of Bitcoin. Follow these steps to sign up for an exchange.

Validate your identity

Signing up for a crypto exchange requires following its KYC and AML policies. This means validating your identity by submitting an ID card. The verification process can take a little bit, so make sure you submit accurate information the first time around.

Link a payment method

After validating your identity, you can link your local bank or debit/credit card or use PayPal to fund your account. Most exchanges support a variety of fiat currencies, so finding one that works for you should be easy.

Buy Bitcoin

Once you’ve funded your account, you can buy Bitcoin. The process is simple: Enter the desired amount of Bitcoin, select your payment method, and click “Buy.”

Did you know? French authorities hold crypto platforms to the highest of standards. In January 2025, the Bybit exchange ceased its French operations due to increased scrutiny, demonstrating the government’s increased interest in digital assets.

Bitcoin platforms in France and Germany

Coinbase, Bitpanda and Kraken are examples of the platforms available in both countries to buy Bitcoin, making them a great start for crypto beginners in Germany and France. 

Additionally, they support multiple payment methods, such as bank transfers and credit cards, ensuring convenience for users. Beyond buying Bitcoin, these platforms often feature educational resources, making them a valuable starting point for anyone looking to learn about the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem.

Bitcoin wallet setup guide

Now that you’ve purchased Bitcoin on your exchange of choice, keeping it secure with the right Bitcoin wallet is a top priority.

Let’s go over a few wallet types.

Exchange wallet

Your exchange of choice automatically provides a Bitcoin wallet, which is where it stores your Bitcoin after purchase. 

While exchange wallets are helpful if you plan on trading often, they’re always online by nature. This constant connectivity holds your assets under threat of theft or security breach if the exchange’s security measures fail. 

Did you know? You can trade crypto from one wallet to another anywhere worldwide for a tiny fee. This contrasts with fiat payment transfer systems, which are expensive and time-consuming.

Mobile wallet

Mobile wallets are apps built to store cryptocurrencies on a mobile device. They are ideal if you constantly check your crypto or are frequently on the go. These wallets often have Web3 features that allow you to interact with the decentralized web.

However, much like exchange wallets, mobile wallets are always online, which leaves them susceptible to cyber threats. Bad actors can target your device with phishing scams or malware, allowing them to steal your assets. Also, losing your phone means losing your wallet (but not entirely if you’ve written down and kept your recovery phrase in a safe and accessible place).

Hardware wallet

A hardware wallet is a physical device, often similar to a USB stick, that stores your holdings offline.  

With a variety of security features, hardware wallets are much safer than mobile and exchange wallets when it comes to cyber threats, making them the securest option for long-term holders. However, trading with hardware wallets can be a pain. These wallets are best if you plan to hold on to your crypto long term rather than trade frequently.

Is Bitcoin (BTC) MiCA-compliant? 

The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation established a comprehensive framework for cryptocurrency regulation across the European Union. Bitcoin, being a decentralized cryptocurrency, is not directly subject to MiCA compliance because it does not meet the definition of an e-money or utility token. However, it plays a significant role in the broader regulatory environment.

MiCA focuses primarily on regulating crypto service providers, stablecoins and issuers of digital tokens to enhance consumer protection and market integrity.

Still, platforms offering Bitcoin services in France and Germany must comply with legal requirements, such as licensing, AML protocols and investor safeguards.

For Bitcoin users, MiCA creates a safer investment landscape by enforcing transparency and accountability across exchanges and custodians. This ensures that whether you’re buying Bitcoin in Germany or France, your investments are protected under harmonized EU regulations.