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Italy is seeing a steady increase in the use of Bitcoin (BTC)—all thanks to better laws, reliable European exchanges, and a strong local interest in digital innovation. How to buy Bitcoin in Italy? It’s now simpler than ever, regardless of whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to diversify your crypto portfolio. In this article, we’ll go over the current legal environment and the best ways to buy crypto in Italy.
How To Buy Bitcoin in Italy: Step-by-Step
To buy Bitcoin in Italy you can either find a Bitcoin ATM near you or follow the instructions below:
- Select a Registered Exchange: Start with Kraken as it complies with MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation).
- Verify Your Identity: You can do so by uploading your ID and proof of residency, if required.
- Deposit Euros: You can choose Apple Pay, debit/credit cards, or SEPA transfers, depending on the exchange.
- Buy BTC: To buy bitcoins, choose BTC, input the desired amount, and confirm your purchase.
- Transfer to a Wallet: To be on the safe side, transfer your bitcoins to a private wallet like Trezor or Ledger.
Is Bitcoin Legal in Italy?
Regulation & Licensing in Italy
Since July 2023, Italy has fully aligned with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. All crypto service providers must register with the Organismo Agenti e Mediatori (OAM) and comply with strict AML (anti-money laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) rules. These regulations aim to enhance user protection and reduce fraud.
Crypto Taxation in Italy
Italy views cryptocurrency as a taxable asset. With no minimum threshold, all capital gains from cryptocurrency transactions will be subject to a flat 26% tax as of 2025; even shy profits would need to be recorded. This is true whether you’re trading one coin for another, selling crypto for cash, or using it to pay for goods or services.
Future plans call for raising the capital gains tax to 33% on January 1, 2026. A special substitution tax of 18% on the total value of the cryptocurrency holdings as of January 1st of each year is an option available to investors, nevertheless.
Additionally, gains from NFT trading, airdrops, mining, and staking are taxable. For a maximum of five years, losses can be carried forward and used to offset gains. Starting from 2026, crypto service providers will be required to report user transactions under international tax transparency rules.
How Popular is Bitcoin in Italy?
The chart below shows weekly trading volumes in Europe on LocalBitcoins. Trading volumes correlate with wider global Bitcoin markets and valuations. Since the 2018 market correction, Bitcoin generally holds a €2 million weekly trading volume before growing to €4 million in June 2019 when its value roared through €10,000 per coin.
The Google Trends chart below shows the interest in Bitcoin for Italy.
Main Italian Bitcoin Communities
As can be seen, there’s a decent selection of Bitcoin-based online communities in Italy. You’ll find plenty of advice, industry news, and light-hearted chat to stay ahead of the game when it comes to cryptocurrency. Here is a selection for you to check out:
Italian Bitcoin Exchanges
At the time of writing there are no active Italian crypto exchanges. It may be better for you to use wider European or international exchanges operating in Italy, such as Kraken.
International Exchanges Available in Italy
You can choose from a variety of Bitcoin exchanges in Italy. Always remember to check the transaction costs, withdrawal restrictions, payment methods, and verification procedures of different platforms before choosing one.
Binance
Binance is the largest crypto exchange by trading volume, catering to over 250M clients in over 180 countries worldwide. It operates legally in Italy and offers hundreds of coins, staking, futures, and a user-friendly mobile app.
Find out more by reading our detailed Binance review.
Kraken
Kraken is a reliable US-based exchange that allows users to buy, sell, and trade over 340 cryptocurrencies via SEPA-based euro deposits. It boasts cutting-edge trading tools, strict regulation, and low fees.
Eager to learn more? Read our comprehensive 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%–0.2% on trades. CEX.IO offers both a trading platform and a brokerage service, both entail different fees.
You can read our full CEX.io review to learn 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.
There’s a fixed fee of 0.5%, which is slightly higher than many other Bitcoin exchanges.
You can read our Changelly review for more information.
Bitget is known for its low fees, high leverage, strong security, and diverse products, catering to beginner and advanced traders alike. The platform offers a wide range of altcoins, with Italian-language support available on mobile and desktop.
For more on Bitget, read our Bitget Exchange review.
bitFlyer
bitFlyer is an international cryptocurrency exchange available for users from Italy. It is based in Tokyo, Japan and was founded in 2014, by former Goldman Sachs trader Yuzo Kano. bitFlyer is regulated across Japan, the United States and Europe.
bitFlyer offers a small range of cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, BCH, ETC, LTC, MONA, and LSK. There are no fees for buying or selling Bitcoin, but the rates depend on bitFlyer’s exchange rate, and there is a withdrawal fee of 0.0004 BTC. The exchange allows EUR deposits and withdrawals via SEPA payments and has recently incorporated a PayPal deposit option. Deposits are free, while withdrawals incur a fee of €10.00 for amounts below €250,000.
Trading on their “Lightning” exchange costs 0.01% to 0.20%, depending on your trading volume.
You can read our full review of bitFlyer for more.
Coinhouse
Coinhouse aims to make cryptocurrency investments easy for first-time buyers. Operating since 2014, the exchange is based in Paris and affiliated to Ledger, the popular hardware wallet provider. Coinhouse offers customers both an online platform and a bricks and mortar location.
It has offered over 200,000 EU users easy access to Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, XRP, and Bitcoin Cash. This platform serves as a broker service, removing the technical difficulties of buying Bitcoin. It also provides a personal investment service for its users.
We recommend you to read our full Coinhouse review to find out more.
Coinmama
Coinmama may be based in Israel yet is available in a huge number of countries, including Italy. 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 at 5.5% per transaction and 5% per credit or debit card transaction.
You can read our full review of Coinmama for more info.
Paxful
Paxful is a P2P marketplace, which allows buyers and sellers to meet online and trade Bitcoin directly with each other. Founded in 2015, by now they have offices in multiple cities around the world.
Sellers on Paxful accept more than 300 payment options, such as SEPA bank transfers, Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal. When you buy Bitcoins on Paxful, there are no fees charged by the site, but the price of Bitcoin is higher because of this.
Read our full Paxful review for more.
Crypto Wallets
Best Wallet – The Best Non-Custodial Bitcoin Wallet in the Market
An alternative option to buying on exchanges is Best Wallet, which we 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—the best crypto wallet in Italy. 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.
When it comes to trading fees, Best Wallet charges none. 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 (decentralized finance)
- Early access to exclusive presales
- No inherent fees when buying or selling crypto
Cons
- No fiat deposits
How Many Bitcoin ATMs are There in Italy?
As of 2025, there are over 200 Bitcoin ATMs (BTMs) in Italy, according to CoinATMRadar. Most likely, you are never too far away from one. Milan and Rome are particular hotspots for BTMs in Italy.
Conclusion: Buy Bitcoin in Italy
Although Bitcoin seems to be perfectly legal to use in Italy, it feels like the country is lagging behind other major European countries. The lack of clear regulation makes it tricky for cryptocurrency operations to develop. This becomes apparent when looking for reputable, active Italian Bitcoin exchanges.
Regulation in Italy and Europe is developing and is likely to improve the situation. A few new startups look very promising in giving Italy homegrown cryptocurrency exchanges. Thankfully, Europe is home to a large selection of Bitcoin platforms providing extensive choice to buy Bitcoin in Italy.
Recommended for you: How to Buy Bitcoin Safely: 5 Golden Rules
FAQs
Is it legal to buy Bitcoin in Italy?
Yes, Bitcoin is free to buy and trade for pesonal use.
Where can I buy Bitcoin in Italy?
International exchanges offer great options to Italian customers, with many supporting Euros and popular deposit methods.
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