Crypto taxes in 2026: Netherlands, Belgium and France compared

Crypto taxation differs sharply per country, even within the EU. Now that CryptoCode is also active in Belgium and France, we line up the key rules for the Netherlands, Belgium and France. Note: this is a general overview, not tax advice — when in doubt, always consult a tax adviser in your country.

In short

🇳🇱 Netherlands: crypto usually falls under box 3 (wealth tax) for private investors · 🇧🇪 Belgium: distinction between normal management of private assets (exempt) and speculation / professional activity (taxed) · 🇫🇷 France: a 30% flat tax (PFU) on realised gains for occasional investors · ⚠️ rules and thresholds change regularly — always check the current status with your own tax authority.

Netherlands: box 3

In the Netherlands, cryptocurrencies held by private individuals are generally treated as assets and fall under box 3 of income tax, together with savings and other holdings. You therefore do not pay tax on the individual gain per transaction, but on a deemed return on your total assets above the exemption. If you mine crypto as a business activity or qualify as an active trader generating a ‘source of income’, the Dutch Tax Authority may treat it differently — a grey area where specific advice is relevant.

Belgium: normal management versus speculation

Belgium has no specific ‘crypto tax’, but applies general principles. If crypto is seen as normal management of private assets (comparable to long-held investments), capital gains are generally tax-free. If your activity is judged to be speculative (frequent trading, use of borrowed money, short holding periods) or a professional activity, gains are taxed — as miscellaneous income (often 33%) or as professional income at the progressive rate. The FSMA and tax authority look at the overall picture, not at one hard rule.

France: the flat tax (PFU)

France applies a flat tax (Prélèvement Forfaitaire Unique, PFU) of 30% to realised capital gains for occasional private investors when crypto is sold for fiat (a swap between two cryptocurrencies is generally not a taxable event). Those who carry out crypto as a professional activity fall under a different, often more progressive regime. France also has reporting obligations for foreign crypto accounts.

What do the three countries have in common?

In all three countries, swapping between cryptos is usually not a taxable event — only conversion to fiat (or use for a purchase) typically counts as realisation. In every case, keep good records of your purchases, sales and swaps: it saves a lot of work and risk in case of an audit.

Conclusion

The rules in the Netherlands, Belgium and France differ fundamentally in design (wealth tax, normal-management test, flat tax). This article is a starting point, not a replacement for personal tax advice — when in doubt, always consult a qualified tax adviser in your country of residence.