Slovenia is taking a big step toward regulating crypto income. The country’s finance ministry has proposed a new law that would introduce a tax on crypto profits at 25%. If passed, this tax will start in 2026 and will change how Slovenians report and pay taxes on digital assets.
This move is part of a broader plan to update the country’s tax system and treat crypto profits the same way as traditional investments like stocks and bonds.
Let’s take a closer look at what the new tax law means, who it affects, and why Slovenia is doing this now.
What the Crypto Tax Will Cover
Under the new ministry’s proposal, the 25% tax on crypto profits will apply to capital gains made when selling cryptocurrency for euros or using it to buy goods and services. For example, if you bought Bitcoin at €5,000 and sold it for €10,000, you would be taxed on the €5,000 profit.
However, if you trade one cryptocurrency for another—say, Bitcoin for Ethereum—you won’t be taxed. The government sees these trades as still being within the crypto ecosystem, and not as final profit-taking.
Importantly, any profits made before January 1, 2026, will not be taxed. This gives crypto holders a clear line: only gains made after that date will fall under the new law.
Why Slovenia Is Doing This
The Ministry of Finance says this law is meant to fix a gap in the current tax code. Right now, tax on crypto profits is not applied in the same way as traditional investments. Stocks, bonds, and other capital assets are already taxed, but digital currencies are not.
By changing this, the government hopes to make the tax system fairer and more modern. It’s also a way to generate extra revenue for the country. Preliminary estimates suggest the new tax on crypto profits could bring in between €2.5 million and €25 million each year.
How the Tax Will Be Calculated
The tax on crypto profits will be based on net profit, the difference between the purchase price and the selling price of the cryptocurrency. Here’s how it will work:
- You calculate the value of your crypto when you bought it and when you sold or spent it.
- Transaction fees will be included in the calculation.
- Losses can be carried forward to reduce future tax bills.
- Taxpayers will need to file a return by March 31 each year.
- Payments must be made within 15 days after filing.
This process is similar to how capital gains tax works for other investments.
Slovenia Leads the Euro Area in Crypto Ownership
Slovenia is one of the most crypto-friendly countries in Europe. According to the European Central Bank’s “Survey on Consumer Payment Attitudes in the Euro Area,” 15% of Slovenian adults owned cryptocurrency in 2023. That’s the highest rate in the euro area.
In comparison, only 8% of adults in Slovenia held crypto in 2022. This rapid growth shows how popular digital currencies have become in the country.
With so many people involved in crypto, the government believes it’s time to bring clear rules and a formal tax on crypto profits to the space.
The Public Has a Say
Before becoming law, the tax proposal will go through a public feedback period. This means citizens, businesses, and experts can give their opinions on the draft. The government will consider this input before making a final decision.
If the law is approved, it will come into effect on January 1, 2026. That gives crypto users time to prepare and adjust their financial plans.
A Balanced Approach to Regulation
Slovenia’s tax plan shows a balanced approach to regulating cryptocurrency. Instead of banning crypto or making it too difficult to use, the government is choosing to treat it like any other investment. The 25% tax on crypto profits is not extreme and gives people the chance to keep more of their profits while still contributing to public funds.
By excluding crypto-to-crypto swaps, the law also encourages continued use of digital assets and trading within the ecosystem. At the same time, taxing cash-outs and spending helps the government capture gains when users convert their crypto into traditional money or goods.
What Crypto Users Should Do Now
If you live in Slovenia or do business there, it’s a good time to:
- Keep better records of your crypto transactions.
- Talk to a tax advisor about how the new law could affect you.
- Understand that profits after January 1, 2026, will be taxable.
- Consider your investment strategies before the law takes effect.
- Being prepared now can help avoid surprises later.
Europe Watching Closely
Slovenia’s move could influence other countries in the EU. Many governments are still figuring out how to regulate crypto. By creating a clear and simple rule around the tax on crypto profits, Slovenia may set an example.
If successful, other nations may follow with similar tax models, especially as more people invest in digital currencies across Europe.
Slovenia’s proposal to introduce a tax on crypto profits at 25% starting in 2026 marks a major shift in how the country views digital assets. By aligning crypto with traditional investments, the government is modernizing its tax system and ensuring fairness across all asset classes.
The law is still in the draft stage, and public feedback will play a role in its final shape. But with clear guidelines, exemptions for crypto swaps, and a simple calculation method, this law could bring clarity to Slovenia’s fast-growing crypto community.
For now, crypto investors in Slovenia should stay informed, track their gains, and prepare for a new chapter in crypto regulation.
