Best Crypto Exchanges in Croatia

Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges in Croatia

Our expert team tested the top exchanges available to Croatian users, focusing on platforms complying with the Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency (HANFA) regulations. This review considered EUR deposit options, trading fees, asset diversity, security features, and ease of use. Below is a detailed comparison of the five best platforms in Croatia.

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1. Bybit

Bybit is Croatia's leading crypto exchange, offering access to more than 1,500 cryptocurrencies for spot trading and over 440 derivative contracts with leverage options up to 200x. Serving over 55 million users, the platform can be used in 22 languages and accepts deposits in Euros. This platform provides unique features, such as trading bots, copy trading services and a demo account. 

One of the key features is the transparent asset holdings, which allows users to check the balances of Bybit’s proof-of-reserves, highlighting that users' funds are always withdrawable. Additional services and products include an NFT marketplace, crypto loans, TradeGPT, liquidity mining, staking, a Bybit crypto card and an OTC desk with a dedicated account manager. 

• Fees: Maker and taker fees of 0.02% and 0.055% for futures, plus a 0.1% spot trading fee
• Supported Assets: Over 1,500 digital assets.
• Regulation & Licensing: Regulated by CySEC across Europe and is available in Croatia.‍
• EUR Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, Apple Pay, Google Pay, SEPA, iDEAL, Easybank, Zen and credit or debit cards.

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2. Uphold

Uphold offers a comprehensive platform supporting over 300 cryptocurrencies, alongside traditional assets like precious metals and fiat currencies. This enables seamless conversions between different asset classes, facilitating diversified investment strategies. It provides tools such as automated dollar-cost averaging (DCA) and limit orders to optimize trading strategies.

The exchange provides a range of services, including the Uphold Card, which allows users to spend their crypto holdings directly. The platform emphasizes security and transparency, maintaining a 100% reserve policy and publishing real-time asset and liability information. A key feature is its attractive staking options, enabling investors to earn up to 25% APY on 30 digital currencies.

• Fees: A trading fee of 1% and a spread fee of 1%.
• Supported Assets: Over 300 digital assets, 4 precious metals, and 27 fiat currencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Aligns with European regulations and is operational in Croatia.‍
• EUR Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, Apple Pay, Google Pay and credit or debit cards.

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‍3. Kraken

Kraken offers users access to over 290 digital assets with advanced trading options such as spot trading, margin trading with up to 5x leverage, and futures contracts. In addition to trading, it offers staking services, allowing users to earn up to 28% APY on their crypto holdings. It has over 10 million customers across Croatia and 180 other countries.

The platform takes security seriously, employing industry-leading measures and conducting regular Proof of Reserves audits to ensure transparency in its asset holdings. Kraken also provides 24/7 global multilingual customer support and a range of Euro funding options, including bank transfers, SEPA and credit/debit card deposits.

• Fees: Maker fees starting at 0.16% and taker fees at 0.26%.
• Supported Assets: Over 290 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Registered as a VASP across Europe.
• EUR Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, SEPA, and credit or debit cards.

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4. Gate.io

Gate.io supports over 2,700 cryptocurrencies for spot trading, making it the most extensive crypto selection globally. The exchange supports various trading options, including spot trading, margin trading with leverage, and over 500 futures contracts. It also provides automated trading bots and a copy trading feature, enabling users to replicate successful trading strategies.

The Startup platform allows users to participate in token sales and airdrops from emerging and established crypto projects, often at discounted rates or even for free. It also offers services such as staking, lending, borrowing and an NFT marketplace, allowing users to earn rewards and explore digital asset opportunities. 

• Fees: Maker fees start at 0.1% and taker fees at 0.2% for futures.
• Supported Assets: Over 2,700 digital assets.
• Regulation & Licensing: Based offshore in Seychelles but available in Croatia.‍
• EUR Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, SEPA and debit or credit cards.

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5. OKX

OKX provides Croatian users with a multi-layered platform with over 350 cryptocurrencies available for trading. Users can engage in spot, margin, and derivatives trading with up to 100x leverage, all supported by professional-grade analytics through a direct integration with TradingView. Operating out of Seychelles, it has acquired licensing in Croatia and across Europe.

For those interested in decentralized finance, OKX has a range of Web3 offerings anchored by the OKT Chain, including an NFT marketplace and a native token, OKB Coin. Through the OKX Wallet, users can securely interact with a range of decentralized applications and manage multi-chain assets, all while keeping control over their private keys. 

• Fees: Trading charge of 0.08%.
• Supported Assets: Over 350 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Adheres to international standards and is available in Croatia.‍
• EUR Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, Apple Pay, Google Pay, debit cards and credit cards.

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Is Crypto Regulated in Croatia?

Yes, Croatia has implemented regulatory measures to oversee cryptocurrency activities, primarily through the Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency (HANFA). Under these regulations, crypto businesses such as exchanges and custodial wallet providers must adhere to strict AML and Know Your Customer (KYC) practices. 

However, while HANFA monitors these intermediaries, it does not directly regulate cryptocurrencies as legal tender, similar to most EU countries. Crypto companies must notify HANFA of their activities and register within 30 days of formation. 

As Croatia aligns with the forthcoming EU Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation expected in late 2024, investors will benefit from European regulatory safeguards.

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How is Crypto Taxed in Croatia?

In Croatia, crypto taxation is overseen by the Croatian Tax Administration. The tax treatment for crypto varies based on the individual’s activity and tax residency. Profits from the sale of digital assets by individuals are subject to a capital gains tax at a rate of 10%, with an additional municipal tax based on the taxpayer’s location. 

Meanwhile, businesses are subject to Corporate Income Tax, which is 18%, or 10% for small enterprises with annual revenues under €1,000,000. Croatian residents are taxed on their global income, whereas non-residents are only taxed on income earned within Croatia.

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How to Buy Bitcoin in Croatia

Investing in Bitcoin is a simple process for Croatian residents, using crypto exchanges that support Euro deposits and operate within the regulatory framework set by the Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency (HANFA). Here’s a quick guide to get started:

1. Create an Account: Choose an exchange that complies with Croatian regulations. Begin by signing up with your basic details, like your name and email, and complete identity verification by submitting a government-issued ID.
2. Deposit Euros (EUR): Navigate to the deposit section of the platform, enter the amount of Euros you want to invest, and select your preferred payment method, such as bank transfer or credit card.
3. Find Bitcoin: Head to the trading section, search for "BTC" to locate Bitcoin, and select the EUR/BTC trading pair. Specify the amount of Bitcoin you'd like to purchase.
4. Execute the Trade: Confirm the transaction details, review the Bitcoin amount, and complete your purchase.

By following these steps, Croatian investors can easily acquire Bitcoin while adhering to local regulatory requirements.

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Bottom Line

Choosing the right crypto exchange in Croatia depends on your trading objectives that best support your investment style. We suggest using platforms that operate transparently and comply with Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency (HANFA) standards, such as Bybit, Kraken, Gate.io, OKX, and Uphold.

These platforms provide a wide range of tools and services, including high-leverage derivatives, user-friendly interfaces, and advanced trading options.