Is crypto legal in Romania?

Cryptocurrency is legal in Romania and taxed at 10% on gains. Exchanges and wallet providers must register and meet Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) rules. Romania is also aligning its laws with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation.

Crypto taxes in Romania

According to Romanian legislation, any benefit, whether in physical or digital form (including cryptocurrency), is subject to a tax regime specific to the income category of the taxpayer. Cryptocurrency gains fall under this principle and are generally taxed at a 10% rate on net gains.

Factors affecting the taxation of cryptocurrency in Romania:

• The nature of the activity (for example, trading versus selling NFTs)
• The legal structure under which the taxpayer operates (individual, LLC, sole proprietorship)
• The volume of income generated

Main tax rules for companies:

• Corporate profits from crypto activities are subject to the 16% corporate tax.
• Microenterprises are taxed at 1% if at least one full-time employee is maintained.
• Dividends distributed are subject to 8% dividend tax.
• Companies must maintain accurate accounting records of all crypto-related transactions.

Here’s a brief overview of how crypto taxes apply to different activities in Romania.

Crypto regulations are subject to change and may vary by jurisdiction. This information reflects the legal framework as of the publication date and may not account for recent legislative developments.

This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or tax advice. For official guidance, consult
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Crypto regulations and compliance rules

Romania regulates crypto through national anti-money laundering (AML) laws and the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. Oversight is divided among several national authorities, each with specific responsibilities.

Main regulators in Romania:

• Financial Surveillance Authority (ASF) oversees and authorizes crypto-asset service providers (CASPs), conducts inspections, requests compliance information, and imposes sanctions.
• The National Bank of Romania (BNR) supervises credit and electronic money institutions offering crypto-related services, focusing on financial stability and coordination with the ASF.
• The National Office for the Prevention and Combating of Money Laundering (ONPCSB) acts as the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), receiving and analyzing suspicious transaction reports from crypto providers.
• National Agency for Tax Administration (ANAF) handles taxation of crypto-related income, ensuring proper reporting and compliance with fiscal obligations.
• National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC) safeguards consumer rights and ensures crypto-related products and services comply with consumer protection laws.

Under Romanian Law no. 129/2019, which aligns with EU directives, businesses must adhere to strict AML and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) rules when conducting crypto activities.

Here’s the list of key obligations:

Risk management. Internal and client-level risk assessments, plus ongoing monitoring of activities.

• Customer checks (KYC). Identity verification of clients and ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs), assessment of business purpose, and enhanced due diligence for high-risk cases such as politically exposed persons (PEPs).
• Transaction oversight. Reporting suspicious or large transactions (above €10,000) to ONPCSB and freezing flagged operations until cleared.
• Record-keeping and governance. Retaining identification and transaction data for five years, appointing an AML officer, and prohibiting dealings with shell banks.
• Internal safeguards. Establishing policies and controls, staff training, independent audits for medium and large entities, and a strict prohibition of “tipping off” clients about investigations.

Conclusion: is crypto legal?

Cryptocurrency in Romania operates under clear but still evolving rules. Individuals and companies must follow taxation and compliance obligations carefully. Staying informed about regulations, reporting requirements, and risk management practices is essential for lawful participation in the crypto market.

Besides, before participating in any crypto activity, it’s better to conduct thorough research and ensure a full understanding of the applicable laws and obligations.