How Cypriots Access Cryptocurrency Exchanges in 2025
Dec, 26 2025
When you live in Cyprus and want to buy Bitcoin or trade Ethereum, you’re not fighting the system-you’re working inside it. Unlike some countries where crypto is banned or buried under red tape, Cyprus has built a clear, legal path for residents to use cryptocurrency exchanges. But that doesn’t mean it’s simple. The rules are strict, the checks are thorough, and the platforms you can use are limited to ones that play by EU rules. If you’re a Cypriot trying to get into crypto, here’s how it actually works in 2025.
It’s Legal-But Only Through Licensed Platforms
Cryptocurrency isn’t illegal in Cyprus. It’s not money, though. You can’t pay for coffee with Bitcoin at the local bakery, and no bank will cash it out like cash. But you can buy, sell, and hold it-just not anywhere you want. Since December 30, 2024, all crypto exchanges serving Cypriots must be licensed under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. That’s when Cyprus shut down its old national licensing system and fully switched to the EU-wide standard.Before MiCA, some local firms tried to operate under Cyprus’s old rules. Now, only platforms registered with the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) as Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) can legally offer services to residents. That means if you’re signing up for an exchange, it has to be on CySEC’s official CASP register. If it’s not there, you’re risking your money-and your compliance.
How to Pick a Platform You Can Trust
You have two main options: EU-wide exchanges that are MiCA-licensed, or local Cypriot firms that got their CASP license before the transition. Most Cypriots use the big names that already operate across Europe-like Bitstamp, Kraken, or Binance (which restructured its EU operations under MiCA). These platforms are already licensed, so they don’t need to start from scratch.There are a few local players too, like Crypto.com’s Cyprus entity or smaller firms that applied early. But they’re rare. Most Cypriots don’t care if the exchange is based in Malta or Estonia-they care if it works, has low fees, and doesn’t freeze their account for no reason. The key is checking CySEC’s register. Go to their website, search for the exchange name, and look for the CASP license number. If it’s not listed, walk away.
The KYC Process Isn’t Optional-It’s Invasive
You can’t skip identity verification. Every exchange serving Cyprus requires full KYC. That means your passport, a selfie holding it, proof of address (like a recent utility bill), and sometimes even a video call. It’s not just for show. CySEC requires every CASP to verify your identity before you can deposit more than €1,000. Even if you’re just buying €200 of Bitcoin, they’ll still ask for your ID. Why? Because of MOKAS-the Unit for Combating Money Laundering.MOKAS is the watchdog. Every transaction over €1,000 gets flagged, monitored, and reported. If you suddenly start sending crypto to a wallet in Russia or Venezuela, MOKAS will get a notification. If you’re just buying and holding, you won’t get flagged-but if your behavior looks odd, your account could get locked for weeks while they review it. That’s why most Cypriots stick to one exchange, keep their records, and avoid mixing crypto with unregulated platforms.
Payment Methods: Bank Transfers Dominate
Credit cards? Rare. PayPal? Almost never. Most Cypriots fund their crypto accounts through bank transfers. SEPA transfers are fast, cheap, and trusted. You log into your bank app, send euros to the exchange’s bank account, and wait 1-2 business days. Some exchanges offer instant SEPA deposits, but they’re the exception.Local banks like Bank of Cyprus or Hellenic Bank don’t officially block crypto deposits, but they’re not enthusiastic either. If you deposit €5,000 into an exchange one day and withdraw €4,800 the next, your bank might call you asking, “What’s this for?” You don’t have to lie-but you do need to be ready to explain. That’s why many Cypriots use dedicated crypto-friendly banks like Revolut or N26, which are based outside Cyprus but accept SEPA transfers from local accounts.
Taxes? None on Gains-That’s the Big Draw
Here’s where Cyprus stands out. If you sell Bitcoin for a profit, you don’t pay capital gains tax. Not a cent. That’s true for any crypto you hold as an asset. Cyprus doesn’t tax capital gains at all-whether it’s stocks, property, or Ethereum. That’s a huge incentive for locals to trade, hold, or even start small crypto businesses.But here’s the catch: you still need to keep records. If MOKAS ever audits you, you’ll need to show proof of purchase price, sale date, and profit amount. Even if you don’t owe tax, you need to prove you didn’t earn it through illegal activity. Most Cypriots use free tools like Koinly or CoinTracker to log their trades automatically. No one wants to dig through 200 transactions by hand.
What You Can’t Do
You can’t use unlicensed peer-to-peer apps like LocalBitcoins or Paxful to buy crypto directly from strangers. Those platforms don’t meet MiCA’s requirements, so they’re blocked from operating legally in Cyprus. You can’t use non-EU exchanges like Binance.com (the global version) unless you’re physically outside the EU when you sign up-and even then, your account could be frozen if CySEC flags it.You also can’t use crypto to pay bills, buy property, or get a loan from a Cypriot bank. Banks still treat crypto like high-risk assets, not currency. So while you can hold it, you can’t spend it easily. That’s why most Cypriots treat crypto like stocks: buy, hold, sell, and convert back to euros.
The Innovation Hub Is Your Hidden Ally
CySEC doesn’t just police. They also help. Their Innovation Hub offers free guidance to residents who want to understand crypto regulations. You can book a meeting, ask questions about compliance, or even get advice on how to structure a crypto-related business. It’s not well known, but dozens of Cypriots have used it to avoid costly mistakes.If you’re thinking of starting a crypto-related side hustle-like running a small exchange or offering wallet services-you can get legal clarity here before spending a euro. Most people don’t know it exists. But if you’re serious about crypto in Cyprus, it’s worth a visit.
What’s Next? MiCA Is Just the Start
MiCA is the baseline. It’s not perfect. It doesn’t protect you from scams. It doesn’t guarantee your crypto won’t crash. But it does mean that every exchange serving Cyprus has to follow strict rules on transparency, security, and reporting. That’s a big step up from 2020, when anyone could set up a website and take your money.Looking ahead, CySEC plans to introduce stricter rules on custody services-how exchanges store your crypto. They’re also pushing for better education campaigns to help people spot phishing scams and fake apps. In 2025, the goal isn’t to stop crypto. It’s to make sure when you use it, you’re not walking into a trap.
Can Cypriots use Binance?
Yes-but only Binance EU, which is licensed under MiCA and registered with CySEC. The global Binance.com platform is not allowed to serve Cyprus residents. If you’re signing up now, make sure you’re on the EU version and your account is verified under Cyprus’s rules.
Do I need to pay tax on crypto profits in Cyprus?
No. Cyprus does not impose capital gains tax on cryptocurrency sales or exchanges as of 2025. This applies to all crypto assets, whether held for a week or five years. However, you must keep detailed records of all transactions in case of an audit by MOKAS or CySEC.
Why can’t I use PayPal to buy crypto in Cyprus?
PayPal doesn’t offer direct crypto purchases through licensed CASPs in Cyprus. Even if you can buy crypto via PayPal in other countries, the platform isn’t registered as a CASP under MiCA in Cyprus. To stay compliant, Cypriots must use exchanges that are directly licensed by CySEC, which typically only accept bank transfers.
Are local Cypriot crypto exchanges safe?
Only if they’re on CySEC’s official CASP register. There are very few local exchanges left since MiCA took effect. Most are small and lack the security infrastructure of major EU platforms. For most users, it’s safer to use a well-established, MiCA-licensed exchange like Kraken or Bitstamp than a local startup with no track record.
What happens if I use an unlicensed exchange?
You risk losing your funds with no legal recourse. Unlicensed platforms aren’t required to follow AML rules, store your crypto securely, or refund you if they shut down. If CySEC finds out you used one, they won’t punish you directly-but if you’re flagged for suspicious activity, your bank account could be investigated. It’s not illegal to use them, but it’s extremely risky.