Slovenia Proposes a 25% Tax on Cryptocurrency Capital Gains Starting in 2026

Slovenia's finance ministry has proposed a 25% tax on capital gains from cryptocurrency starting in 2026, under a draft law aimed at closing a gap in the country's tax system.

Slovenia, which has the highest share of cryptocurrency owners in the euro area, is planning to introduce a 25% tax on capital gains from crypto starting in 2026.

The tax will apply to profit made when individuals sell crypto for fiat currency or spend it on goods and services, according to a draft law by the country’s finance ministry.

However, swapping one cryptocurrency for another will remain tax-free, and any gains made before January 1, 2026, will not be taxed, the ministry said.

The measure is meant to treat crypto gains more like other capital investments, such as stocks or bonds, which are already taxed.

Individuals will calculate their profit as the difference between the value at acquisition and at sale, adjusted for transaction fees. Losses can be carried forward to offset future gains, the ministry said.

Taxpayers will need to file an annual return by March 31 and make payment within 15 days.

The tax could generate between €2.5 million ($2.7 million) and €25 million annually, according to preliminary government estimates. The country’s Ministry of Finance is soliciting public feedback on the proposal, which would come into effect next year.

The proposal comes as data from the European Central Bank’s ‘Survey on Consumer Payment Attitudes in the Euro Area’ shows Slovenia has the highest share of cryptocurrency owners in the euro area, with 15% of adults holding digital currencies last year, up from 8% in 2022.