Thinking about making a move and taking your Bitcoin with you?
Portugal keeps coming up, and for good reason.
Over the past few years, it’s become one of the most straightforward places in Europe to live and invest as a crypto holder. The laws are clear, the taxes are light, and more local businesses are starting to accept digital assets.
If you’re looking to relocate to Europe or just want to stop losing a chunk of your gains to capital taxes, Portugal checks a lot of boxes.
But before making any big decisions, it’s important to understand exactly how Bitcoin fits into everyday life in Portugal – what the tax rules are, how business regulations work, and how far along local adoption actually is.
Unlike many EU countries still stuck in policy debates, Portugal already has the basics in place: no capital gains tax on crypto for individuals, and clear guidance for businesses using or accepting it. In this guide, we’ll lay out how crypto works in Portugal, from buying and selling, to taxes, to where you can actually spend it.
Is Bitcoin Legal in Portugal?
Yes, Bitcoin is completely legal in Portugal. The Portuguese authorities officially recognize Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as legitimate means of exchange and investment, classifying them as digital assets rather than traditional currency.
What does this mean in practice?
- Bitcoin transactions and holdings are fully legal and regulated.
- Portuguese banks allow you to deposit and withdraw funds linked to Bitcoin exchanges.
- You can freely buy, sell, and trade Bitcoin without legal uncertainties or gray areas.
Portugal has proactively established clear guidelines through the Portuguese Tax Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira), confirming that cryptocurrencies are not subject to VAT and, importantly, individuals pay no capital gains taxes on crypto trading gains.
Portugal Bitcoin Taxes: What You Need to Know
A big reason crypto investors are drawn to Portugal is the way taxes are handled. The rules are clear, and in many cases, incredibly favorable, especially for individuals. Knowing how the system works can help you structure your moves wisely and hold on to more of your gains.
Individual Crypto Taxes: Capital Gains and Income
For everyday investors, Portugal offers one of the most favorable tax setups in the world when it comes to crypto. The rules are simple:
- Capital gains: If you’re buying and selling Bitcoin as a private individual, not as a business, you pay 0% tax on your profits.
- Income tax: If crypto is your main income source (like day trading or mining professionally), then it may be taxed as personal income. But if you’re trading occasionally or cashing out long-term gains, you’re in the clear.
Example:
Let’s say we have Alex, a digital nomad who moved to Lisbon in 2022. If he potentially sold €50,000 worth of Bitcoin he’d been holding for a few years, in most EU countries, that would have triggered capital gains taxes of 20-30%, slicing €10,000-€15,000 off his total.
In Portugal, Alex would have kept the full amount, not a cent paid in tax.
Crypto Taxes for Businesses in Portugal
For companies dealing with crypto, taxation is straightforward but different:
- Business Income Tax (IRC): Profits made through crypto trading or from accepting Bitcoin as payment are taxed as corporate income, at the standard corporate rate (currently 17%-21%).
- VAT: Bitcoin transactions are exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT), making crypto transactions simpler for businesses.
How to Buy Bitcoin in Portugal: Best Exchanges and Methods
Buying Bitcoin in Portugal is simple and flexible, with plenty of options depending on how you prefer to trade. Low fees, fast access, or an easy-to-use app, there’s a platform that fits.
Popular Crypto Exchanges in Portugal
Top exchanges trusted by crypto users in Portugal include:
- Kraken:
- Fees: Low
- EUR deposits: SEPA transfer
- Pros: Highly secure, strong European presence
- Cons: Complex interface for beginners
- Binance:
- Fees: Very low (approximately 0.1% per trade)
- EUR deposits: SEPA transfer, debit/credit cards
- Pros: Largest crypto exchange worldwide, extensive coin options
Cons: The interface can overwhelm beginners
- Coinbase:
- Fees: Moderate (around 0.5%-3.99% per trade)
- EUR deposits: SEPA transfer, debit/credit cards
- Pros: Beginner-friendly, highly trusted, insured funds
- Cons: Higher fees compared to others
- Bitstamp:
- Fees: Low (0.1%-0.5%)
- EUR deposits: SEPA transfer
- Pros: Long-standing, trusted exchange in Europe
- Cons: Limited crypto pairs compared to Binance
Pro tip: Most Portuguese banks, including Millennium BCP and Caixa Geral de Depósitos, support SEPA transfers to major crypto exchanges without issue. That said, it’s smart to label your transfers as “investment” or “deposit” rather than “crypto” to avoid delays or extra scrutiny from compliance teams.
Best Apps to Buy Bitcoin in Portugal
Mobile-friendly apps make buying Bitcoin convenient on the go:
- Binance App: Excellent all-in-one solution, great for trading and staking crypto assets.
- Coinbase App: Intuitive interface perfect for beginners or casual buyers.
- Kraken: Offers diverse crypto assets plus stocks and commodities.
Bitcoin ATMs in Portugal
If you prefer cash-to-Bitcoin, Portugal has a growing number of Bitcoin ATMs:
- Locations: Mainly in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve regions.
- Fees: Usually higher than online exchanges
- Limits: Often capped at around €2,500-€3,000 per transaction.
| City | Popular Bitcoin ATM Locations |
| Lisbon | Colombo Shopping Center, LX Factory |
| Porto | NorteShopping Center, Porto city center |
| Algarve | Faro city center, Albufeira area |
Check Coin ATM Radar for the latest ATM locations.
Bitcoin Adoption in Portugal: Spending and Withdrawing Crypto
While Portugal offers great crypto tax benefits, the real test is how easy it is to spend or cash out your Bitcoin. Let’s look at where you can use it and how simple it really is to convert it into euros on the ground.
Where You Can Spend Bitcoin in Portugal
While tax benefits get the spotlight, practical adoption of Bitcoin in Portugal is quietly gaining traction, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and other expat-heavy areas. Crypto is starting to move beyond the wallet and into real-world use.
Where can you use Bitcoin in Portugal
- Real estate: A growing number of agencies now accept Bitcoin for property purchases, especially in high-demand regions like Lisbon, Cascais, and the Algarve.
- Restaurants & cafés: Digital nomad hotspots such as Chiado, Alfama, and Bairro Alto have several venues that accept crypto directly at checkout.
- Tech stores & coworking spaces: Businesses geared toward startups and remote workers often support crypto payments, particularly through platforms like BitPay or Coinbase Commerce.
Example
In 2022, a Braga apartment was sold entirely for Bitcoin – the first fully crypto-funded property deal recorded in Portugal. The transaction, facilitated by a local real estate agency and legal support, marked a turning point in how crypto can be used for major purchases under Portuguese law.
Adoption is still in early stages, but the infrastructure is in place and growing steadily, especially for those who are proactive about using or spending their crypto.
Bitcoin Withdrawals in Portugal: Practical Guide
Cashing out Bitcoin in Portugal is straightforward with multiple safe methods:
Exchange to Bank (SEPA Transfer):
- Speed: Usually 1-3 business days
- Best Platforms: Binance, Kraken, Coinbase
- Fees: Typically low (under 1%)
Bitcoin ATMs (cash withdrawal):
- Speed: Instant
- Limits: Usually up to €2,500-€3,000
- Fees: High
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) platforms:
- Platforms: LocalBitcoins, Binance P2P
- Speed: Varies (minutes to a few hours)
- Fees: Moderate (depends on negotiation)
| Method | Speed | Fees | Recommended For |
| Bank withdrawal (SEPA) | 1-3 days | Low (<1%) | Regular use, larger amounts |
| Bitcoin ATM | Instant | High (5-10%) | Small amounts, immediate cash |
| Peer-to-peer platforms | Instant-hours | Moderate (2-5%) | Flexible, private transactions |
Bitcoin Market in Portugal
The Bitcoin market in Portugal is experiencing steady growth, largely driven by its favorable tax environment, clear regulations, and increasing interest from both international investors and local startups.
Trading Volumes and Activity
Portugal is quietly climbing the ranks when it comes to global crypto engagement. According to recent trends, the country has shown consistent improvement on the Global Crypto Adoption Index and is now ranking in the 14th position, pointing to stronger participation from both investors and institutional players.
Trading volume tends to surge during periods of global market volatility, mirroring patterns seen across other European markets. This signals an increasingly active investor base that’s responsive to international crypto trends, not just local tax incentives.
Local Infrastructure and Regulations
Portugal’s regulatory clarity is drawing both local and international crypto-focused businesses:
- One of the biggest milestones was the acquisition of Criptoloja, Portugal’s first fully licensed crypto exchange, by Mercado Bitcoin, Brazil’s largest digital asset platform. That move signals strong institutional confidence in the Portuguese market.
User Demographics and Market Behavior
Understanding local sentiment toward crypto is essential:
- Younger Portuguese demographics show high interest but relatively lower trust, highlighting the need for more educational resources and trustworthy exchanges.
- The most active crypto communities are concentrated around Lisbon, Porto, and other major urban hubs, particularly within international and tech-savvy circles.
Portugal Bitcoin Market Snapshot (2025)
Here are the most recent and relevant figures for Bitcoin and crypto in Portugal as of 2025:
- The number of Crypto holders is expected to reach 3.40m users by 2026, according to Statista, with a 12.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). This is a substantial rise from the rate observed in prior years.
- Portugal now ranks among the top 14 countries globally in crypto adoption, reflecting rapid penetration in the market.
- The estimated market value of the Portuguese crypto sector is $294.2 million for 2025, with an average revenue per user of $91.9.
Why These Numbers Matter
| Metric | Significance for Investors |
| 12% CAGR | Indicates strong momentum in local crypto uptake |
| Smart demographic | Adoption driven by tech-savvy, urban users, especially expats |
| Growing market value | Reflects increasing ecosystem activity and economic opportunity |
Market Outlook
The future of the Bitcoin market in Portugal appears strong, driven by:
- Continued growth in licensed crypto exchanges, improving investor confidence.
- Stable regulatory framework, positioning Portugal as a secure EU crypto hub.
- Rising adoption among tech-savvy locals and international crypto investors signals potential for increased mainstream usage.
Bitcoin and the Portugal Golden Visa: How Crypto Investors Can Gain EU Residency
Did you know that you can live in Portugal, obtain EU residency and even citizenship?
One of the most strategic routes? Investing in a Portugal-based investment fund, such as the Unbound Fund, through services like Bitizenship.
Why Portugal’s Golden Visa Appeals to Bitcoin Holders
Portugal’s Golden Visa is one of the most flexible and secure residency-by-investment programs in Europe. It allows non-EU citizens to gain residency in exchange for a qualifying investment, often without relocating full-time.
Key benefits:
- Only 7 days per year minimum stay required
- Full EU residency rights (including visa-free travel in the Schengen zone)
- Eligibility for permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years*
- No worldwide taxation on crypto or other income (unless you become a tax resident)
For Bitcoin investors based in high-tax jurisdictions or politically unstable environments, the Golden Visa offers not only mobility and security but a legal and tax-efficient way to reinvest crypto wealth.
*At the time of writing this article, the Portuguese Government has proposed changes to the Nationality Law, which may mean longer residency before gaining citizenship (from 5 to 10 years).
Using Crypto to Fund a Golden Visa (Legally)
Portugal doesn’t accept Bitcoin directly for visa investment, but here’s how many crypto holders are securing their residency:
- Realize capital gains from crypto trading while resident in Portugal (0% capital gains tax for individuals).
- Convert crypto to EUR using a compliant exchange (e.g., Kraken or Coinbase with SEPA transfers).
- Invest in a qualifying venture capital fund, such as Unbound Fund, with a minimum of €500,000.
- Apply for the Golden Visa through a licensed legal partner like Bitizenship, who handles the paperwork and compliance.
Because Portugal doesn’t tax crypto-to-fiat conversions (if you’re an individual and not a professional trader), this method offers a clean, compliant way to use Bitcoin wealth for legal EU residency.
Why Choose the Unbound Fund
Unbound is one of the standout venture capital funds approved under Portugal’s Golden Visa program. Managed by a team with experience in tech, finance, and international law, Unbound targets high-growth Portuguese startups and sustainable companies.
Unbound Fund highlights:
- Qualifies for the €500,000 Golden Visa investment requirement
- Focuses on Portuguese innovation sectors, including tech, sustainability, and health
- Fully regulated and vetted under CMVM (Portugal’s securities authority)
- Transparent fee structure and investor-first governance
- Strong historical returns and low volatility compared to real estate-based options
For crypto investors used to high-risk, high-reward markets, Unbound offers a more stable, diversified portfolio while unlocking residency and future EU citizenship.
Why Work with Bitizenship
Navigating visa paperwork, fund requirements, and legal processes in a foreign country can be overwhelming. Bitizenship simplifies the process by offering a full-service solution tailored to crypto investors and globally mobile entrepreneurs.
Bitizenship provides:
- Golden Visa support (legal, financial, compliance, translation, SEF appointments)
- Crypto-friendly legal structuring for clean capital conversion
- Partnerships with top-tier Golden Visa funds like Unbound
- Support in opening bank accounts and setting up a Portuguese NIF (tax ID)
Benefits of Living in Portugal as a Bitcoin Investor
Portugal isn’t just tax-friendly for Bitcoin – it’s lifestyle-friendly too. Crypto investors moving to Portugal don’t just protect their wealth, but they also gain access to a stable, affordable, and internationally connected life in one of Europe’s most livable countries.
0% Capital Gains Tax on Bitcoin
This is the headline advantage. If you’re classified as an individual (not operating a trading business), Portugal doesn’t tax capital gains from selling Bitcoin. That means:
- You can sell large amounts of BTC without triggering a tax event.
- Rebalancing your portfolio is clean and straightforward.
- There’s no annual crypto tax reporting obligation for personal investments.
This benefit alone saves investors thousands or even hundreds of thousands, compared to jurisdictions like the U.S., Germany, or the U.K.
No Wealth Tax or Inheritance Tax on Crypto
Portugal doesn’t impose a wealth tax or inheritance tax, which is especially important for long-term holders and crypto-native families. You can store your wealth in Bitcoin without worrying about asset-based taxation or losing value across generations.
Stable Banking and SEPA Access for Conversions
Portugal’s traditional banks are increasingly crypto-tolerant, and the country’s integration with the SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) zone makes it easy to:
- Withdraw funds from exchanges like Kraken, Binance, or Coinbase.
- Move euros into local bank accounts for everyday spending.
- Convert Bitcoin to euros with minimal fees and friction.
Unlike many regions where banks flag or freeze crypto-linked transfers, Portuguese banks are generally cooperative if your documentation is clean.
Residency Options with Minimal Physical Presence
Portugal’s Golden Visa program allows you to become a resident (and work toward citizenship) while spending as little as 7 days per year in the country. Crypto investors can:
- Base themselves elsewhere but gain a backup EU residency.
- Use crypto profits (converted to fiat) to invest in qualifying funds like Unbound.
- Apply for citizenship after 5 years with minimal disruption to their lifestyle.
There’s also the D7 and Digital Nomad visas for those earning passive crypto income or working remotely while holding Bitcoin.
Crypto-Friendly Culture and Growing Adoption
Portugal’s major cities, especially Lisbon, have become hubs for Web3 professionals, blockchain startups, and international crypto conferences. That means:
- A strong community of like-minded investors and builders.
- Coworking spaces, cafés, and events tailored to the crypto crowd.
- Businesses are increasingly accepting Bitcoin or stablecoins for payments.
Lisbon, in particular, hosts major events like Web Summit and Lisbon Blockchain Week, helping investors stay plugged into the latest developments.
High Quality of Life at a Lower Cost
- Climate: Over 300 sunny days a year in places like Lisbon and the Algarve.
- Cost of Living: 30-40% lower than Western Europe or U.S. urban centers.
- Healthcare: Affordable private care or high-quality public options.
- Safety: Consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world.
Crypto wealth stretches further here. Portugal delivers comfort and value without requiring financial sacrifice.
Why Bitcoin Investors Are Moving to Portugal
There are a lot of reasons why every Bitcoin investor should invest in dual citizenship and why Portugal is one of the best choices.
| Benefit | What It Means for You |
| 0% capital gains tax | Sell BTC freely, no hidden tax costs |
| No wealth/inheritance tax | Long-term asset security and generational planning |
| Friendly banking infrastructure | Easy BTC-to-euro conversions, smooth SEPA transfers |
| Flexible residency programs | EU residency with minimal stay requirements |
| Web3 community & events | Connect with builders, investors, and early adopters |
| High quality of life | Warm weather, low crime, affordable lifestyle |
Access to Portugal’s Public and Private Healthcare
With the Golden Visa, you and your family get access to Portugal’s national healthcare system (SNS), which is:
- Publicly funded, universal, and affordable
Ranked among the top 20 healthcare systems globally - Supported by a strong network of hospitals, clinics, and specialists
- Known for low out-of-pocket costs and well-trained staff
For those who prefer private care, Portugal also has an excellent private healthcare sector with world-class clinics, short wait times, and monthly insurance plans starting at around €50-€100.
A Safe, High-Standard European Lifestyle
Golden Visa holders can live anywhere in Portugal, from cosmopolitan hubs like Lisbon and Porto to relaxed coastal towns like Cascais, Lagos, or Madeira.
What you get:
- Safety: Portugal consistently ranks among the top 5 safest countries in the world.
- Education: Access to public and international schools (many with English-language instruction).
- Mobility: Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area (26 European countries).
- Cost of living: Lower than Western Europe or the U.S., with excellent food, transport, and services.
As a Bitcoin investor, this means you can secure your crypto wealth while living in a country that’s economically stable, geopolitically neutral, and logistically efficient.
Path to Permanent Residency and EU Citizenship
The Portugal Golden Visa gives you a direct pathway to both permanent residency and citizenship, without the need to live full-time in the country.
Timeline:
- Year 0: Invest €500,000 in a qualifying fund (like Unbound)
- Years 1-5: Maintain the investment and visit Portugal for just 7 days per year
- Year 5: Apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship
- Post-citizenship: Full rights as an EU citizen, including free movement and work across all EU countries
There are no language or culture tests required to maintain residency, only to obtain full citizenship.
Bitcoin Portugal News and Resources
Wondering where you can find out more? Besides our blog that covers all things related to Portugal, Bitcoin and Golden Visa, here’s where you can keep updated on Bitcoin Portugal trends, regulatory changes, and local news.
Top Resources for Bitcoin News in Portugal
To follow reliable, timely Bitcoin news specific to Portugal, bookmark these sources:
- Portugal Resident: Regular updates on crypto regulations and local business adoption.
- Jornal de Negócios: Trusted Portuguese financial newspaper, reporting regulatory shifts, taxation news, and crypto industry analysis.
- Cointelegraph PT: Portuguese branch of the international crypto news platform with comprehensive coverage of local crypto developments.
Must-Join Crypto Communities and Groups
Connecting directly with the local crypto community gives you first-hand insights. Popular communities include:
- Telegram Groups
- Facebook Groups
- Meetups and Conferences
Conclusion: Why Bitcoin and Portugal Are a Natural Fit
Portugal isn’t just friendly to crypto on paper; it actually works in real life. You can sell Bitcoin without getting buried in taxes, move your profits into the real economy, and live in a place that’s safe, affordable, and genuinely enjoyable.
The country’s clear legal framework, strong banking infrastructure, and growing crypto community make it one of the most practical jurisdictions in the world for Bitcoin holders. Add a stable economy, affordable living, and access to EU citizenship, and it’s clear why so many have already made the move.
And with more people moving here each year for exactly these reasons, Portugal’s Bitcoin ecosystem is only getting stronger. If you’re serious about building a future around crypto, this isn’t just a good place to park your wealth – it’s a smart place to live.
And if you’re planning your retirement, find out if Portugal is a good place to retire.
FAQs
Portugal charges 0% capital gains tax on crypto trading for individuals, as long as it’s not a professional or business activity.
While adoption among locals is still growing, Portugal is increasingly popular among expats, digital nomads, and startups for its crypto-friendly environment and favorable tax laws.
Yes, Portugal applies an exit tax if you become a tax resident and later give up your residency, but it typically affects company shares and doesn’t apply to crypto held by individuals.
Yes, real estate purchases with crypto are possible in Portugal through select agencies and legal channels, but typically you have more freedom when converting Bitcoin to euros before closing the deal.
