Best Crypto Exchanges in Belgium

Top Crypto Trading Platforms in Belgium

Our team tested the 21 digital asset platforms accessible to Belgian investors to identify the best options. This assessment considered compliance with the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) guidelines, Euro deposit options, supported cryptocurrencies, trading fees, and key features. Below is an overview of the five best exchanges in Belgium.

‍

1. Kraken

Kraken, established in 2011, has become a leading crypto exchange, serving over 10 million clients across Belgium and 180 other countries. As a global platform, it can be used in English, French, German and Dutch, making it perfect for Belgian investors. There are more than 290 digital assets for trading on spot markets and over 100 derivatives contracts to trade with 5x leverage.

The exchange is renowned for its robust security measures, such as advanced cold storage solutions and regular Proof of Reserves audits. In addition to its trading services, it provides institutional-grade features like Kraken Pro, an advanced trading platform, an OTC desk and a dedicated staking feature for institutions that offer up to 26% APY on 30 cryptocurrencies.

• Fees: Maker fees start at 0.16% and taker fees at 0.26%.
• Supported Assets: Over 290 spot markets and more than 100 markets with margin trading options.
• Regulation & Licensing: Registered as a VASP in Belgium on a cross-border basis using registration with the CBI.
• EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA, bank transfers, credit cards, debit cards, and Apple Pay.

‍

2. Bybit

Bybit is a crypto exchange offering over 1,500 digital assets for spot trading and provides access to more than 400 derivatives contracts with leverage options up to 200x. It has 55 million customers globally, and the platform can be used in Dutch, French, and German, providing live customer support in all three languages. Bybit has a daily trading volume exceeding $10 billion across both order books. 

There are various trading tools, such as copy trading services, TradeGPT for AI-driven market insights, spot and futures trading bots, and a demo account for practice. Bybit also offers various financial products, including staking options like Dual Asset and Smart Leverage, as well as lending and borrowing services. There is also an NFT marketplace and a crypto debit card.

• Fees: Maker fee of 0.02% and a taker fee of 0.055%, plus a spot trading fee of 0.1%.
• Supported Assets: More than 1,500 digital currencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Regulated by CySEC and available in Belgium.‍
• EUR Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, credit cards, debit cards, Easybank, Zen, SEPA, Apple Pay, Google Pay, iDEAL and Sofort.

‍

3. Uphold

Uphold is ideal for beginners in Belgium as it offers a straightforward platform to buy, sell, and hold over 300 cryptocurrencies and other financial instruments, such as fiat currencies and precious metals. Beyond basic trading, it offers features like staking and a debit card linked to users' Uphold accounts, allowing them to spend their crypto assets directly. 

The platform emphasizes security and transparency, publishing its assets and liabilities every 30 seconds to ensure full backing of customer funds. This level of clarity and accountability positions Uphold as a highly secure and trustworthy exchange. This platform operates under the oversight of reputable European financial authorities like the Bank of Lithuania. 

• Fees: 1% trading fee and 1% spread fee.
• Supported Assets: More than 300 cryptocurrencies, 27 fiat currencies and 4 precious metals.
• Regulation & Licensing: Licensed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and available in Belgium.‍
• EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA, bank transfer, credit cards, debit cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.

‍

4. OKX

OKX serves over 50 million users worldwide, offering a comprehensive suite for Belgian investors. The platform supports spot trading for 350 digital assets and hundreds of futures contracts with up to 50x leverage. It also offers a DeFi aggregator that enables users to participate in liquidity pools, yield farming, and crypto staking across multiple networks and protocols.

In addition to its trading services, it features an NFT marketplace where users can explore, buy, and sell non-fungible tokens. The platform's commitment to transparency is evident through its Proof of Reserves, demonstrating that all customer and corporate assets held by OKX are fully reserved. Users who hold the exchange’s native token, OKB Coin, get access to reduced trading fees.

• Fees: 0.1% maker and a 0.2% taker for futures, with a 0.1% fee for spot trading.
• Supported Assets: Over 350 digital assets.
• Regulation & Licensing: Regulated in Europe and available in Belgium.
• EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA transfers, debit cards, credit cards, and Apple Pay.

‍

5. Gate.io

Gate.io has established itself as a premier platform for altcoin trading, with a user base exceeding 19 million. The exchange offers access to over 2,900 cryptocurrencies, providing traders with a vast selection of digital assets. In Q3 2024, Gate.io reported a total trading volume of approximately $720 billion, providing deep liquidity to its users.

To enhance user experience, Gate.io provides a suite of trading tools, including Spot Grid, Futures Grid, and Martingale bots. It also features copy trading services for both spot and futures markets, allowing users to replicate the trades of successful investors. Additionally, it offers financial products such as Simple Earn, Auto-Investment plans, crypto loans, and staking options.

• Fees: 0.1% for maker orders and 0.2% for taker orders.
• Supported Assets: Over 2,900 digital assets.
• Regulation & Licensing: Based offshore in the Seychelles but available in Belgium.‍
• EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA transfers, debit cards and credit cards.

‍

Is Crypto Regulated in Belgium?

Belgium has emerged as a global leader in crypto regulation, setting benchmarks for transparency, compliance, and innovation. The Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) oversees cryptocurrency activities in the country, ensuring adherence to anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) protocols. 

The country plays a central role in the European Union's regulatory advancements, including implementing the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, set to take effect in December 2024. MiCA establishes a harmonized framework for digital assets across EU member states, enhancing market stability and investor confidence. 

Beyond regulation, Belgium is at the forefront of innovative blockchain initiatives, including cross-border payment pilots and the expansion of blockchain infrastructure through the EUROPEUM-EDIC consortium. Additionally, Belgium champions sustainability in the blockchain sector by introducing ESG standards aligning technological growth with global environmental goals.

‍

How is Crypto Taxed in Belgium?

In Belgium, cryptocurrency taxation is managed by the Federal Public Service Finance. While cryptocurrencies are not considered legal tender, profits derived from them are taxable under specific circumstances. For private individuals, crypto gains are categorized based on the nature of the activity. 

Speculative gains resulting from high-risk trading are taxed at 33%, while income deemed professional, such as mining or consistent trading, is subject to standard income tax rates, which can reach up to 50%. For casual, non-speculative investors, crypto gains may be exempt from taxation if deemed part of normal asset management. 

However, businesses or entities dealing in cryptocurrencies must comply with corporate tax obligations, including VAT, where applicable. Belgian authorities have also integrated international standards, including exchange reporting requirements under AML directives.

‍

How to Buy Bitcoin in Belgium

For Belgian investors, purchasing Bitcoin is an easy process. Belgium supports a range of platforms that accept Euro deposits and comply with the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) regulations. Below is a quick overview of how to purchase BTC through an exchange:

1. Choose a Trusted Exchange: Select a reputable cryptocurrency platform that accepts EUR deposits and aligns with FSMA's compliance requirements. 
2. Set Up Your Account: Register by providing personal details such as your name, email address, and password. Complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) verification by submitting a government-issued ID and proof of address.
3. Deposit Euros (EUR): Navigate to the deposit section of the exchange. Choose your preferred deposit method. Enter the desired deposit amount in euros and follow the platform’s instructions to complete the transfer.
4. Find Bitcoin (BTC): Once your funds are credited, access the trading section and search for Bitcoin (BTC). Select the EUR/BTC trading pair to trade euros for Bitcoin.
5. Make Your Purchase: Specify the amount of Bitcoin you want to buy or the euro amount you wish to spend and confirm the transaction.

For added security, consider transferring your Bitcoin to a private wallet after purchase. Always use an exchange that is compliant with Belgium's regulatory framework to ensure your investment is protected.

‍

Bottom Line

Belgium’s cryptocurrency scene continues to evolve, driven by strong regulatory oversight from the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA). Kraken, Bybit, Gate.io, Uphold, and OKX provide exceptional services for Belgian investors seeking reliable investment platforms.

These exchanges stand out for their features, including user-friendly interfaces, advanced trading tools, secure EUR deposit options, and comprehensive staking programs.