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Adequate legal protection, comprehensive regulation, and the increasing acceptance of Bitcoin by the general public make Germany one of the most crypto-friendly nations in all of Europe. Buying Bitcoin (BTC) in Germany is legal, easy, and, if bitcoins are held for a sufficient amount of time, may even result in tax-free benefits. Stay with us to find out where BTC is utilized in Germany, how to buy Bitcoin in Germany, and what to keep in mind in terms of tax and regulatory guidelines.
How to Buy Bitcoin in Germany: Summary
You can buy Bitcoin in Germany using a Bitcoin ATM or by following the instructions below:
- Download or get your Bitcoin wallet
- Go to your favorite crypto platform, e.g., Kraken
- Choose the amount of Bitcoin you wish to buy
- Enter your payment information and Bitcoin address
If you are looking for a different exchange, you can visit any of the options below for buying Bitcoin in Germany—or see them all in action.
Is Bitcoin Legal in Germany?
Regulation & Licensing Info
Germany is among the most regulated cryptocurrency markets in Europe. A license is required by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) for any company that offers cryptocurrency trading or custody. Some of the top exchanges, like Coinbase Germany, are directly licensed by BaFin, while others, like Bitpanda and Kraken, function under EU-wide regulations. As a result, German users are guaranteed a high degree of investment protection by this legal clarity.
Tax Obligations
In Germany, Bitcoin is classified as private money, and profits from selling it are tax-free if held for more than one year. However, selling within a year of purchase is subject to income tax if the profit exceeds €600. These tax rules also apply to crypto staking and DeFi (decentralized finance) income.
We ecnourage you to always consult a tax advisor for guidance or use crypto tax tools like Blockpit or CoinTracking.
How Popular is Bitcoin in Germany?
The Google Trends chart below illustrates the interest in Bitcoin in Germany. This chart is interactive and offers live data straight from Google. By entering the search term ‘bitcoin,’ you can see how many users are looking for it on Google. A score of 100 shows its highest popularity, while a score of 50 indicates it’s at half that level.
In Germany, more and more companies—including tech shops, cafés, and online shops—now accept Bitcoin. Additionally, it’s widely used for trading, saving, and remittances. Some locals engage in DeFi and NFT ecosystems, whereas others use Bitcoin as an inflation hedge.
Germany is among the most progressive nations in Europe in terms of cryptocurrency due to its high level of awareness and clear regulations.
Main Germany Bitcoin Communities
In a nation known for its innovation and technology, with a population over 80 million, it’s no surprise that many online communities center on tech. Various forums and social groups provide support, information, and discussions on different Bitcoin and cryptocurrency topics. This includes direct advice and reviews of Bitcoin exchanges and wallets.
- BitcoinTalk Germany
- Bitcoin Beginners Subreddit (English-speaking)
- CoinForum.de
- KryptoMagazin Forum
- Blocktrainer.de Forum
Germany is also home to several Meetup groups throughout the country. Here are some of the most active:
Germany-Based Bitcoin Exchanges
Germany is known as a world leader in finance, and this extends to some innovative Bitcoin platforms. Here are some of the best German Bitcoin exchanges for you to choose from:
BSDEX
BSDEX is rolling out exchange services across Germany and Europe. Börse Stuttgart Group, the company behind this digital exchange (Börse Stuttgart Digital Exchange), has created a regulated order-book style exchange.
This German crypto exchange brings together buyers and sellers for a competitive 0.20% fee for a maker order and 0.35% for a taker order. The platform is set to be a safe, regulated place for Germans to buy and sell Bitcoin and altcoins.
International Exchanges Available in Germany
International exchanges offer added options to German customers with many supporting Euros and helpful deposit methods. Here are the top selections available to you:
Kraken
The US-based cryptocurrency exchange Kraken is well-known for its extensive coin selection, robust security, and affordable trading costs. It is perfect for both novice and expert users based in Germany as it enables SEPA transactions and even boasts an interface in German.
Here’s our full Kraken review.
CEX.IO
CEX.IO is available in most countries around the world. Founded in 2013 with its headquarters in London, this cryptocurrency exchange allows users to buy and sell Bitcoin as well as a selection of altcoins.
Both credit cards and SEPA bank transfers are accepted payment methods, with low fees of 0%–0.25% on trades. CEX.IO offers both a trading platform and a brokerage service, and both entail different fees.
You can read our full CEX.IO review for more.
Changelly
Changelly is a crypto-only exchange founded in 2015. Signing up for an account doesn’t require any personal information, and you’ll then have a quick and easy way of exchanging cryptocurrency from one wallet to another.
Changelly offers the option to exchange, buy, or sell crypto, as well as access DeFi, where users can get the best prices from over 100 decentralized exchanges.
Make sure to read our full Changelly review.
Coinhouse
Coinhouse, operating since 2014, is based in Paris and was formerly affiliated with Ledger–the popular hardware wallet provider.
The company offers an online platform and a number of other services geared toward businesses and professionals. It currently serves over 200,000 users across Europe, providing easy access to BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, and BCH. The platform is a broker service that removes the technical complexities of buying Bitcoin.
More than that, it even offers a personal investment service to its customers.
You can read our full Coinhouse review for more details.
Coinmerce
German crypto enthusiasts can also use Coinmerce, a Dutch cryptocurrency exchange that conforms with EU rules. It provides a large range of digital assets, an intuitive app, and quick purchases via SEPA and card payments—all in German.
Coinmama
Coinmama may be based in Israel, but it’s available in a huge number of countries, including Germany. It was launched in 2013, and it offers convenience: you can buy Bitcoin with a debit or credit card.
The downside is that the fees are on the high side, starting at a 4.5% payment processing fee, as well as Coinmana’s own fees.
Feel free to read our full review of Coinmama now or later.
Crypto Wallets
Best Wallet – The Best Non-Custodial Bitcoin Wallet in the Market
An alternative option to buying on exchanges is Best Wallet, which I regard as the best non-custodial crypto wallet for 2025. Best Wallet is an interesting option because it is essentially a one-stop option for all your Bitcoin and cryptocurrency needs. Not only can you store your Bitcoin and many other cryptocurrencies in the wallet, but you can also seamlessly buy new crypto right through the wallet.
Additionally, Best Wallet is non-custodial, which means nobody but the user has access to the private keys and backup passphrases. Users take full control of the crypto coins via a mobile app, browser extension, or desktop software.
Not only does Best Wallet allow you to hold and trade Bitcoin, but it is also compatible with many other cryptocurrencies, which means it could be an all in one stop for all of your crypto needs. Best Wallet features very liquid markets for thousands of tokens on over 60 blockchains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Sui, Dogecoin, Uniswap, and many others.
One of the best aspects of Best Wallet compared to other exchanges is that Best Wallet doesn’t charge trading fees. The only fees you may encounter are blockchain fees. It’s important to note that Best Wallet is a non-custodial wallet, meaning your crypto will remain safe and in your hands.
Pros
- Highly liquid markets for thousands of cryptocurrencies
- Non-custodial
- Large ecosystem that supports DeFi
- Early access to exclusive presales
- No inherent fees when buying or selling crypto
Cons
- No fiat deposits
How Many Bitcoin ATMs are There in Germany?
As of June 2025, there are 160 Bitcoin ATMs in Germany, according to CoinATMRadar. These are spread around the country, with particular hotspots in Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Dusseldorf.
Preferred Payment Methods When Buying Bitcoin
The majority of German users choose SEPA bank transfers for their quick settlement periods and minimal fees. Other widely used methods include Apple Pay, PayPal, and credit/debit cards.
Less common payment options like cash or gift cards are also supported by P2P (peer-to-peer) systems. While selecting a payment method, be sure to always take transaction speed, fees, and KYC (Know Your Customer) criteria into account.
Must-read: How to Buy Bitcoin With a SEPA Transfer
Conclusion: How to Buy Bitcoin in Germany
There’s plenty to be excited about for the future of Bitcoin in Germany. The country happily allows German citizens to use cryptocurrency, although it is unlikely to make it an official currency. Company licensing laws do exist, and regulation is seen as important for market growth.
Bitcoin is growing in popularity, too, and projects like Nuri, formerly known as Bitwala, continue to break further into the mainstream. The strength of the German finance sector could play an important part in developing Bitcoin in Europe and globally. We believe that Bitcoin’s popularity in Germany is likely to continue to grow overtime as will your options for buying Bitcoin in Germany.
See also:
FAQs
Is buying Bitcoin legal in Germany?
In Germany, Bitcoin is perfectly legal and is classified as private money.
Where can I use Bitcoin in Germany?
More and more companies—including tech shops, cafés, and online shops—have started to accept Bitcoin in Germany. It’s also popular for saving, trading, and sending remittances.
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