Is Crypto Legal in Spain?

Cryptocurrencies in Spain are not recognized as legal tender and carry no backing by a central bank, instead classified as high-risk speculative assets by the Bank of Spain (2).

Since the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation takes effect on December 30, 2024, Spain aligns with this common framework for issuing, offering, and trading crypto-assets under CNMV supervision (1).

"El Reglamento MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets), Reglamento (UE) 2023/1114, es una normativa europea aprobada por el Parlamento Europeo y el Consejo. Entrará en aplicación el 30 de diciembre de 2024 y tiene como objetivo establecer un marco regulatorio común"

While there is no outright ban on holding or trading cryptocurrencies, any provider of crypto-asset services must notify or seek authorization from the CNMV, though these activities remain outside the Bank of Spain’s direct supervision (1).

Investors should note that cryptocurrencies lack deposit insurance, are subject to anti-money laundering requirements, and all gains are taxed as capital income under Spanish law (2).

Source:
https://www.cnmv.es/portal/mica/regulacion-criptoactivos.aspx?lang=es
https://www.bde.es/wbe/es/areas-actuacion/politica-monetaria/preguntas-frecuentes/definicion-funciones-del-dinero/que-son-criptomonedas.html

Last updated: 16-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.