How to Buy Bitcoin in France (2026)

How to Buy Bitcoin in France

France has developed a clear regulatory framework for Bitcoin through the PSAN (Prestataire de Services sur Actifs Numeriques) registration system overseen by the AMF. French buyers have access to domestic and European platforms with SEPA EUR deposit support.

French Bitcoin Regulations

• Legal status: Bitcoin is legal. Classified as a digital asset (actif numerique) under the PACTE law of 2019.
• AMF/PSAN: All crypto service providers must register as PSAN (Digital Asset Service Providers) with the AMF (Autorite des Marches Financiers)
• MiCA transition: France is transitioning PSAN registrations to the EU MiCA framework
• Enhanced PSAN: Certain activities require enhanced PSAN authorization beyond basic registration
• KYC required: All registered platforms require French ID verification

French Bitcoin Tax: The 30% Flat Tax

• Prelevement Forfaitaire Unique (PFU): A flat 30% tax applies on net annual crypto gains (12.8% income tax + 17.2% social contributions)
• Annual calculation: Tax is calculated on total net gain across all crypto disposals in a year
• Occasional vs. habitual: Occasional traders pay the flat 30%. Habitual traders (classified as BNC or BIC) may face different treatment.
• Mining income: Taxed as BNC (non-commercial profits)
• Threshold: Capital gains from crypto are only taxable if total annual disposals exceed a threshold (check current rules)

Best Bitcoin Platforms for French Buyers

Coinhouse

Paris-based, PSAN-registered. Premium Bitcoin and crypto services. SEPA support. French-language focus.

StackinSat

French Bitcoin-only platform. Automatic DCA with Plan B service. SEPA support. PSAN-registered.

Bitpanda

Vienna-based, PSAN-registered in France. User-friendly. Supports SEPA. Competitive fees.

Kraken

Global exchange, PSAN-registered. Low fees on Pro platform. SEPA support.

Paymium

French exchange operating since 2011. One of the oldest Bitcoin exchanges in Europe. SEPA and card support.

How to Buy Bitcoin in France

1. Choose a PSAN-registered exchange
2. Complete identity verification (carte d'identite or passport)
3. Deposit EUR via SEPA (free, 1-2 days) or card
4. Purchase Bitcoin
5. Track all transactions for annual tax declaration

For US Residents in France

US citizens in France should consider Onramp Bitcoin for US-compliant Bitcoin purchases with the lowest fees and Multi-Institution Custody.

Conclusion

France provides a well-regulated Bitcoin market through the PSAN framework. The 30% flat tax is straightforward and competitive compared to progressive income tax rates in other countries. Domestic platforms like Coinhouse and StackinSat offer PSAN-registered, French-language Bitcoin services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Bitcoin taxed in France?

France applies a flat 30% tax (Prelevement Forfaitaire Unique) on net annual crypto gains, combining 12.8% income tax and 17.2% social contributions. This applies to occasional traders. The flat rate is simpler and often more favorable than progressive income tax rates for larger gains.

What is the best Bitcoin exchange in France?

Coinhouse is the most established French platform. StackinSat is excellent for Bitcoin-only DCA. Bitpanda and Kraken offer competitive fees. All are PSAN-registered with the AMF and support SEPA EUR deposits.

Is Bitcoin legal in France?

Yes, Bitcoin is legal and regulated under the PACTE law of 2019. Crypto service providers must register as PSAN with the AMF. France has one of the most developed crypto regulatory frameworks in the EU.

What is PSAN registration?

PSAN (Prestataire de Services sur Actifs Numeriques) is the French regulatory framework requiring crypto businesses to register with the AMF. It ensures platforms comply with anti-money laundering rules and consumer protection standards. Always verify a platform's PSAN registration before using it.