Survey data show 12.8% of German adults own crypto, with 4.9% having abandoned Bitcoin and 11.4% considering entering the market; a large majority still own no crypto.

Germany is considering a major tax reform for crypto, proposing to tax profits from cryptocurrencies like stocks and remove the one-year holding period that currently grants tax-free gains for private investors.

Under current law, private crypto gains are tax-free if held for more than one year, a provision that also applies to assets like gold and art.

The government’s proposal would include Bitcoin and other cryptos, potentially scrapping the holding period and moving to a standard tax treatment for private gains.

Public sentiment shows high perceived risk: about one-third of adults see crypto as highly speculative, with roughly 38% of active investors viewing their involvement as speculative.

Only around 5% view crypto as a reliable store of value, highlighting widespread skepticism among the general public and investors alike.

There is ongoing uncertainty about the reform and possible coalitional or political hurdles, along with the broader economic implications of removing the holding period.

A Bundestag petition advocates preserving the holding period, inviting broad participation and allowing signatures from neighboring countries under campaign rules.

Bitcoin and other cryptos have traded in a narrow range around 60,000 to 65,000 USD after retreating from last autumn’s highs.

Industry experts warn that changing tax rules could undermine market reliability and Germany’s competitiveness, emphasizing the need for trust, clarity, and a stable institutional framework.

Public support for the holding-period petition began August 4, 2026, aiming for at least 30,000 signatures by mid-September.

Public opinion is divided on scrapping the holding period, with about 40% fearing reduced crypto attractiveness and a minority seeking more favorable tax treatment for long-term investors.