---
type: country
domain: crypto-regulation
status: stable
tags: ["crypto-regulation", "europe", "fatf", "legal"]
aliases: ["NL", "NLD", "Nederland"]
created: 2026-09-02
updated: 2026-01-15
compile_into: ["[[country--netherlands]]"]
sources:
  - name: "DNB"
    url: "https://www.dnb.nl"
    type: "official"
  - name: "EU [[concept--mica|MiCA]] Regulation"
    url: "https://eur-lex.europa.eu"
    type: "official"
---

# 🇳🇱 [[country--netherlands|Netherlands]] (NL) — Crypto Regulation

> The Netherlands regulates crypto assets under the MiCAR framework, with the AFM responsible for licensing and supervision of crypto asset service providers (CASPs). Licensing and notification requirements are clearly defined under MiCAR Articles 60 and 63.

## Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | Legal |
| Risk Score | 25/100 (Low Risk) |
| Enforcement Level | High |
| Region | [[domain--europe|europe]] |
| Currency | [[entity--eur|EUR]] |
| Adoption Rank | #21 |

## Tax

| Type | Rate |
|------|------|
| Capital Gains (Personal) | Taxed as income or capital gains depending on holding period and individual circumstances, typically up to 49.5% income tax rate |
| Capital Gains (Corporate) | Corporate tax applies, standard rate around 25% |
| VAT on Crypto | No |
| Mining Tax | Mining income taxed as business income |
| Staking Tax | Taxed as income when received |
| Airdrop Tax | Taxed as income when received |

Crypto assets are subject to income or corporate tax depending on the holder; VAT does not apply to crypto transactions.

## Licensing

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Required | Yes |
| Regulator | [[entity--afm|AFM]] / DNB |
| Framework | Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) |
| Ease | medium |
| Cost | $50,000 - $110,000 |
| Timeline | 6-18 months |

The AFM processes license applications and notifications for CASPs under MiCAR Articles 60 and 63, with a pre-scan process to assess applications.

## Laws & Regulations

| Name | Year | Status | Scope |
|------|------|--------|-------|
| [Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 on Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32023R1114) | 2023 | active | supranational |
| [Regulation (EU) 2023/1113 on Transfer of Funds and Certain Crypto-Assets (TFR)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32023R1113) | 2023 | active | supranational |
| [Council Directive (EU) 2023/2226 (DAC8)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32023L2226) | 2023 | active | supranational |
| [Regulation (EU) 2022/2554 on Digital Operational Resilience for the Financial Sector (DORA)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32022R2554) | 2022 | active | supranational |
| [Directive (EU) 2018/843 (5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32018L0843) | 2018 | active | supranational |
| [Directive (EU) 2018/1673 on Combating Money Laundering by Criminal Law (6AMLD)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32018L1673) | 2018 | active | supranational |
| [Regulation (EU) 2024/1624 on Anti-Money Laundering Requirements (AML Regulation)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32024R1624) | 2024 | active | supranational |
| [Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2795 supplementing MiCA](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32024R2795) | 2024 | active | supranational |

Establishes a comprehensive EU framework for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs), stablecoin issuers (ART/EMT), and trading platforms; prohibits market abuse in crypto-assets; full application from 30 December 2024.
Extends [[concept--fatf|FATF]] Travel Rule to crypto-asset transfers; requires CASPs to collect and transmit originator/beneficiary information for all transfers, removing the EUR 1000 threshold; applies from 30 December 2024.
Amends Directive 2011/16/EU to require mandatory automatic exchange of information on crypto-asset transactions held by EU tax residents; CASPs must report to national tax authorities from 1 January 2026.
Mandates ICT risk management, incident reporting, third-party provider oversight, and digital operational resilience testing for financial entities including CASPs covered by MiCA; applies from 17 January 2025.
First EU directive to bring crypto-asset exchange services and custodian wallet providers within AML/CFT scope; introduced KYC obligations and registration requirements for Virtual Asset Service Providers.
Harmonises criminal-law definitions and penalties for money laundering across EU member states; establishes minimum custodial sentences and corporate liability rules applicable to crypto-related ML offences.
Replaces 5AMLD/6AMLD with a single AML Regulation directly applicable in all member states; tightens KYC/CDD requirements for CASPs and sets EUR 1000 cash-equivalent threshold for crypto transactions; phased application 2027.
MiCA Level 2 delegated act setting regulatory technical standards on information requirements and procedures for competent authority notifications under MiCA; part of the MiCA implementation package applicable from December 2024.

## AML / KYC

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| KYC Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule | Yes |
| FATF Member | Yes |
| FATF Status | compliant |

## DeFi

**Status:** regulated

DeFi activities fall under MiCAR regulations and require compliance with licensing and AML rules.

## Stablecoins

**Status:** regulated

Stablecoins are regulated under MiCAR with specific requirements for issuance and service providers.

## NFTs

**Status:** Unclear

MiCA excludes unique NFTs. AFM follows ESMA classification guidance.

## Mining

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Legal | Yes |
| Electricity Cost | $0.18/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 30% |
| Climate | temperate |
| Infrastructure | excellent |

Mining is legal with moderate electricity costs and good infrastructure; renewable energy share is 30%.

## Geopolitics

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Stability | very_stable |
| Sanctions | No |
| Corruption Index | 82/100 |
| Ease of Business | easy |
| Internet Freedom | free |
| Banking Access | open |
| Sanctions Programs Active | Yes |

## Enforcement

DNB has imposed fines on crypto companies for AML non-compliance and rejected VASP registration applications. AFM has issued warnings about crypto risks and unauthorized platforms.

## CBDC Status: preparing

## FAQ

### Is cryptocurrency legal in Netherlands?

The Netherlands regulates crypto assets under the MiCAR framework, with the AFM responsible for licensing and supervision of crypto asset service providers (CASPs). Licensing and notification requirements are clearly defined under MiCAR Articles 60 and 63.

### What is the FATF status of Netherlands?

Netherlands is classified by FATF as: compliant.

### Are VASPs licensed in Netherlands?

Yes, licensing is required for VASPs.

### What is the AML/KYC regime in Netherlands?

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

---

*Data source: [Soken Crypto Legal Map](https://soken.dev/crypto-map/). Last reviewed: 2026-09-02.*

**Sources:**
- [DNB](https://www.dnb.nl)
- [EU MiCA Regulation](https://eur-lex.europa.eu)