Crypto in the Netherlands.

In the Netherlands, the AFM supervises the conduct of crypto service providers, while DNB is responsible for prudential oversight and for granting MiCA licences. Before MiCA, providers only needed to register with DNB; that has now been replaced by the broader EU licensing regime.

A platform with a MiCA licence, even from another EU country, can passport its services into the Netherlands. That says something about capital requirements and client protection, but nothing about the price risk of any specific coin.

Crypto is usually taxed in the Netherlands as wealth under box 3, alongside savings and investments. The value on the reference date of 1 January generally determines what needs to be reported, regardless of the value at other points during the year.

The exact calculation of box 3 has been repeatedly adjusted in recent years through legislation and court rulings, including debates over actual versus notional returns. For the most current rules and how they apply to you, our box 3 guide and the Belastingdienst or a tax adviser are the best sources.

Even though crypto is volatile, your return typically reflects the value at a single point in time. Still, it is wise to keep a running overview during the year of purchases, sales, transfers between wallets and any staking or mining income, since these can sometimes need to be reported separately.

Keep exports or transaction statements from your platform, especially if you use more than one. This makes it much easier to respond quickly if the Belastingdienst asks for clarification.

Major Dutch banks such as ING, Rabobank and ABN AMRO generally do not offer crypto purchases themselves, but usually allow transfers to registered platforms. Bunq is known for engaging more actively with crypto-related payments, under its own terms.

iDEAL and standard SEPA transfers are the most common ways to fund a platform. Banks may ask about the source of larger transfers as part of their legal duty of care.

Choose a platform with a valid MiCA licence and compare fees and coin range before you start. For amounts you plan to hold long-term, a hardware wallet is usually safer than leaving funds on a platform.

Never store your seed phrase digitally and never share it with anyone. No legitimate platform or bank will ever ask for your seed phrase or password by phone, email or chat.

Guaranteed returns, pressure to act fast, and contact via social media or dating apps are classic signs of crypto fraud. The AFM and Dutch police regularly warn about new variants, including fake platforms that mimic real providers.

Always verify that a platform holds a valid MiCA licence before transferring money, and be extra cautious with offers that arrive through an unknown contact.

Anyone starting out in the Netherlands is generally well served by choosing a MiCA-licensed platform, testing with a small amount via iDEAL, and keeping simple records from the very first transaction.

If you're unsure about the impact on your tax return, for example with staking income or frequent trading, consult the Belastingdienst or a tax adviser familiar with crypto.