Summary
Cryptocurrency is legal and regulated in Belgium. The Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) oversees crypto activities. Popular payment methods include bank transfers and credit cards. The euro (EUR) is widely supported. Key regulations include anti-money laundering (AML) laws and the Virtual Currency Directive. Crypto gains are subject to a 33% tax rate for professional trading activities.
Here are our recommended best crypto exchanges in Belgium:
Best Crypto Exchanges in Belgium
This article examines the top crypto exchanges available to Belgian users, focusing on platforms that support EUR transactions and offer reliable payment methods. We’ll evaluate these exchanges based on their supported cryptocurrencies, fee structures, deposit options, and compliance with local regulations.
1. Bitget
Users:
23m
Free Demo:
Mobile App:
Bonus
$6,200
Cryptos:
840+
Leverage:
125x
Spot Fees:
0.1%
Futures Fees:
0.02%/0.06%
Pros
- Over 800 cryptos
- Fair trading fees
- Great for EUR SEPA transfers
- 24/7 customer support
- Very beginner friendly
Cons
- Not available in the US
- No TWAP order supported
- Mandatory KYC for new accounts
Overview
Bitget is a true powerhouse for crypto traders from over 100 supported countries. What makes Bitget special is its beginner-friendly trading platform, which has over 800 supported cryptocurrencies. With so many supported cryptocurrencies, if you are looking to trade altcoins, Bitget might be one of your best shots.
With fiat support for 6 currencies, including EUR and RUB, Bitget is a top choice, especially for European users looking to deposit and withdraw funds in their native currency with ease. The 0% fee for SEPA transactions makes Bitget stand out. Credit card payments are also supported.
Experienced crypto traders can trade futures contracts on Bitget with 125x leverage on selected assets such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.
The spot trading fees start at 0.1% for makers and takers, which is very common in the industry. For futures traders seeking leverage for their day trading activities, Bitget charges very low fees of 0.02% maker and 0.06% taker.
2. Bybit
Users:
40m
Free Demo:
Mobile App:
Bonus
$30,000
Cryptos:
600+
Leverage:
100x
Spot Fees:
0.1%
Futures Fees:
0.02%/0.055%
Pros
- Low fees
- 600+ supported crypto assets
- 100x leverage and deep liquidity
- Advanced order types and additional features
- Great 24/7 customer support
- Automated copy trading
Cons
- Regulatory uncertainty in Europe and USA
- May be confusing for beginners
- Cryptocurrency investments carry high risks
Overview
Bybit stands out as one of the most advanced crypto exchanges with deep liquidity and low fees. Bybit users can trade Spot, Futures, Options, NFTs, and even Inscriptions. Additionally, Bybit offers copy trading and bot trading to automate your income streams. Bybit copy trading is one of the best in the crypto industry.
Where Bybit excels is its derivatives platform with 320+ perpetual futures contracts and up to 100x leverage. With advanced order types such as TWAP or Iceberg orders, Bybit caters to experienced traders seeking the best options.
On the spot market, Bybit supports over 500 cryptos and up to 10x margin, making Bybit a versatile crypto exchange.
With low fees of 0.1% maker and 0.1% taker for spot trading and 0.02% maker and 0.055% taker for futures trading, Bybit has highly competitive fees. To top it all off, Bybit offers fee discounts based on your 30-day trading volume. The more you trade, the more you save.
3. Coinbase
Users:
100m
Free Demo:
Mobile App:
Bonus:
$10
Cryptos:
250+
Leverage:
5x
Spot Fees:
0.4%/0.6%
Futures Fees:
0.02%/0.05%
Pros
- Most beginner-friendly exchange
- Fully regulated and licensed
- Great customer support
- Reputable with over 100 million users
- Comprehensive fiat deposit methods
- Great wallet for on-chain access
Cons
- Lacks advanced features
- Very high spot trading fees
- Poor liquidity
Coinbase Overview
Coinbase is one of the largest and most well-known cryptocurrency exchanges for buying cryptos.The platform currently has a user community of over 100 million users worldwide. What makes Coinbase special is its user-friendly interface. The platform is designed to be easy to use, making it accessible for beginners. Coinbase offers a clean and intuitive interface for buying, selling, and managing cryptocurrencies.
Crypto traders have access to over 250 cryptos for active trading. One downside of Coinbase is the fee structure. When you place an order at the market price that gets filled immediately, you are considered a taker and will pay a fee of 0.60%, which is very expensive.
Another thing about Coinbase is that it offers a wide range of crypto services. These include wallets, NFT, crypto staking, Coinbase cards, and many more to help improve the overall trading experience on the platform. One of our favorite features is the Coinbase wallet.
It is suitable for beginners but also offers advanced trading tools including real-time charts, technical indicators, and many more for advanced traders.
4. Kraken
Users:
10m
Free Demo:
Mobile App:
Bonus:
None
Cryptos:
220+
Leverage:
100x
Spot Fees:
0.25%/0.4%
Futures Fees:
0.02%/0.05%
Pros
- Very beginner-friendly
- Low futures trading fees
- Free demo trading
- Fiat supported
- 24/7 customer support
- Fully regulated
Cons
- High spot trading fees
- Lacks advanced features
- Poor liquidity for futures trading
- Complicated Demo trading
Kraken Overview
Kraken stands out as one of the most beginner-friendly crypto exchanges. With an easy to understand UI, simple features, and a straightforward approach, Kraken has onboarded over 10 million users to its platform from all around the world.
Spot traders can access over 220 cryptocurrencies for buying and selling. For traders seeking more buying power, Kraken offers a leverage trading platform with up to 50x leverage on selected assets such as BTC.
In terms of fees, Kraken has a different approach for spot and futures trading. While spot trading fees are relatively high (0.25% maker and 0.4% taker), the futures fees are very low (0.02% maker and 0.05% taker). Based on your 30-day trading volume, you can obtain additional fee discounts.
What we love about Kraken is its comprehensive fiat support. You can deposit funds using your credit card or bank transfer. Once you are done trading, you can withdraw fiat currencies such as EUR or USD back to your personal bank account to lock in your profits.
5. KuCoin
Users:
30m
Free Demo:
Mobile App:
Bonus
$10,500
Cryptos:
800+
Leverage:
125x
Spot Fees:
0.1%
Futures Fees:
0.02%/0.06%
Pros
- Beginner friendly
- 800+ supported crypto assets
- 125x leverage and deep liquidity
- 20+ fiat currencies
- Great 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Lacks advanced features
- Not the best liquidity
- Regulatory issues in the US
- Variable spot fees
Overview
Kucoin focuses on offering the best spot trading experience. With over 800 supported cryptos on the spot market, Kucoin is one of the most versatile crypto exchanges when it comes to supported assets. You can trade popular cryptos such as Bitcoin or Ethereum but also less-known cryptos and even meme coins. If you are on the hunt for new and shiny coins that are not popular yet, Kucoin might be your best shop.
Spot fees on Kucoin are relatively average, ranging from 0.1% to 0.32% based on the liquidity of the asset. Futures trading on Kucoin starts at a maker fee of 0.02% and a taker fee of 0.06%.
Kucoin has integrated and ready-to-use crypto grid trading bots to automate your income. You can set up grid bots based on several parameters to trade for you 24/7.
Is Crypto Legal and Regulated in Belgium?
Cryptocurrency is legal in Belgium, and the country has established a regulatory framework to oversee crypto-related activities. The primary regulatory body responsible for crypto oversight is the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA). Belgium has implemented the European Union’s 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD5), which requires crypto service providers to register with the FSMA and comply with AML/CFT regulations.
In 2022, Belgium introduced specific regulations for crypto advertising, prohibiting aggressive marketing tactics and requiring risk disclosures. The National Bank of Belgium has also issued warnings about the risks associated with cryptocurrencies but has not imposed outright bans.
Belgian lawmakers are currently working on implementing the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, which aims to create a harmonized regulatory framework for crypto assets across the European Union. This development signals Belgium’s commitment to fostering a regulated and secure environment for cryptocurrency operations within its borders.
Is Crypto Taxable in Belgium?
Cryptocurrency taxation in Belgium is subject to specific guidelines set by the Federal Public Service Finance. The tax treatment of crypto assets depends on the nature and frequency of transactions:
1. Occasional transactions: Gains from sporadic crypto trading are generally considered as “diverse income” and taxed at a flat rate of 33%.
2. Professional trading: If crypto trading is deemed a professional activity, gains are subject to progressive income tax rates, ranging from 25% to 50%.
3. Long-term investments: Crypto assets held as long-term investments may be exempt from taxation under certain conditions, as per a ruling by the Belgian Ruling Commission.
It’s important to note that crypto-to-crypto transactions may also trigger taxable events. The Belgian tax authorities require detailed record-keeping of all cryptocurrency transactions for accurate reporting.
Disclaimer:
Tax laws are subject to change, and individual circumstances may vary. It is strongly advised to consult with a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for personalized guidance on cryptocurrency taxation in Belgium.
How to Buy Crypto in Belgium
Purchasing cryptocurrency in Belgium is a straightforward process, with several reputable exchanges catering to Belgian residents. We recommend using Bitget for its user-friendly interface, competitive fees, and support for EUR transactions. Whether you’re interested in buying Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other altcoins, follow these steps to start your crypto journey:
- Choose a Cryptocurrency Exchange: Select a platform that accepts EUR deposits, features the cryptocurrencies you want, and adheres to Belgian regulations. Make sure to check the exchange’s KYC protocols and security practices.
- Register and Confirm Identity: Set up an account with your chosen exchange. Finish the KYC process by submitting the required identification documents to meet AML regulations.
- Fund Your Account: Transfer money into your account using widely-used payment methods in Belgium. SEPA transfers are commonly accepted and typically come with lower fees. Some platforms also allow credit/debit cards and PayPal as funding options.
- Choose Your Cryptocurrency: Determine which crypto asset you want to buy. Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are favored by newcomers, while stablecoins such as USDT provide more price stability.
- Place Your Trade: Execute a market or limit order to acquire your selected cryptocurrency. Make sure to review all transaction details, including any applicable fees, before finalizing your purchase.
- Secure Your Holdings: Once you’ve made your purchase, consider moving your cryptocurrency to a secure wallet. Hardware wallets are ideal for long-term storage, while software wallets offer ease of access for regular trading.
By implementing these strategies and opting for a reliable exchange, residents of Belgium can effectively navigate the cryptocurrency landscape and engage in investment and trading with confidence.
Best Crypto Wallets in Belgium
Selecting a secure wallet is crucial for Belgian crypto enthusiasts to safeguard their digital assets. Here are some top wallet options available to users in Belgium:
-
- Ledger: A highly secure hardware wallet that stores your private keys offline, safeguarding your crypto assets from online hacks. The Ledger Nano S and Nano X are among the most popular options for Belgian crypto users.
- Trezor: A well-established hardware wallet offering secure offline storage. With intuitive features, Trezor’s models—Trezor One and Model T—are excellent for both novice and veteran cryptocurrency holders in Belgium.
- Trust Wallet: A convenient mobile wallet supporting various cryptocurrencies. It’s a great balance between security and accessibility, making it ideal for active crypto traders in Belgium.
- Exodus: A stylish desktop and mobile wallet that supports multiple crypto assets. Exodus is appreciated for its sleek interface and includes a built-in exchange for seamless trading.
- MetaMask: A browser-based wallet designed mainly for Ethereum and ERC-20 tokens. It’s an essential tool for Belgian users interacting with decentralized apps (dApps) and DeFi platforms.
When selecting a wallet, users in Belgium should evaluate key aspects like security, supported crypto assets, and user-friendliness. For significant amounts, it’s advisable to use a hardware wallet for long-term storage while relying on a software wallet for everyday transactions. It’s crucial to keep recovery phrases safe and never disclose private keys to anyone.
Bottom Line
For Belgian crypto enthusiasts seeking the best crypto exchanges in Belgium, Bitget and Bybit stand out as top choices. Bitget offers a user-friendly platform with competitive fees and a wide range of cryptocurrencies, ideal for both beginners and experienced traders. Bybit provides advanced trading features and strong liquidity, catering to more active traders. Both exchanges support EUR deposits and comply with Belgian regulations, ensuring a secure trading environment for users in Belgium.
