Buy Bitcoin in France

France has structured its Bitcoin market seriously since 2019. The PSAN×PSAN (French crypto registration)French mandatory registration status with the AMF for crypto platforms. Progressively replaced by the European CASP authorisation under MiCA.See in the lexicon → status (digital asset service provider) enforced by the AMF has weeded out the field: only registered or licensed platforms can legally solicit French residents. In 2026, the transition to the European MiCA×MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets)European regulation 2023/1114 that frames crypto services across the EU since 2024. Creates the CASP status.See in the lexicon → status is complete for most of them.

For French users, the ecosystem is now clear: a few historic national players (Coinhouse, Paymium, StackinSat), about a dozen compliant pan-European exchanges, a network of Bitcoin tobacco shops via Keplerk, and a stabilised tax framework built around the flat tax. This guide gives concrete bearings to buy, pay, declare and hold.

The 100 % French platforms

Three national players dominate the French offering in 2026. All are PSAN×PSAN (French crypto registration)French mandatory registration status with the AMF for crypto platforms. Progressively replaced by the European CASP authorisation under MiCA.See in the lexicon →-registered with the AMF (French financial markets authority) and run a fully French-speaking support.

Coinhouse (Paris, founded 2014, originally as Maison du Bitcoin) is the historic player. First PSAN registered in France in March 2020. Entirely French interface, phone and in-branch support in Paris, included tax filing help for premium accounts, free online courses. Fees 1.49 to 2.49 % depending on payment method. Ideal for a French beginner wanting a clear interlocutor, or an older user uncomfortable with mobile apps.

Paymium (Paris, founded 2011) is the French dean: one of the oldest Bitcoin exchanges still operating in the world. Bitcoin-only, fees 0.5 to 1 %, more austere but serious interface. Appreciated by long-standing French bitcoiners for its ethics and exclusive Bitcoin focus.

StackinSat (Bordeaux, founded 2020) is the French reference for Bitcoin-only DCA×DCA (Dollar Cost Averaging)Buying a small fixed amount at regular intervals (for example 100 EUR a week), regardless of price. Smooths the average purchase cost and neutralises timing bias.See in the lexicon →. Model close to Relai: standing SEPA×SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area)Single euro payments area: standardised bank transfers, free or nearly so, within one business day (a few seconds for the instant version). The cheapest deposit method on European exchanges.See in the lexicon → order from your bank, automatic buy, direct delivery to your wallet×WalletSoftware or device that manages your Bitcoin keys and lets you sign transactions. A wallet does not really « hold » your bitcoins, it holds the keys that prove you own them.See in the lexicon →. Fees 1 to 1.5 %. Polished mobile interface, support based in Bordeaux. PSAN-compliant.

Note that several French neobanks (Lydia, Sumeria, Boursobank) offer Bitcoin purchases, but don't always allow withdrawal to an external wallet: use as a marginal placement, not real Bitcoin ownership.

Pan-European platforms relevant in France

MiCA×MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets)European regulation 2023/1114 that frames crypto services across the EU since 2024. Creates the CASP status.See in the lexicon →-licensed exchanges (and thus recognised in France) cover most needs beyond the pure beginner. Check the "PSAN×PSAN (French crypto registration)French mandatory registration status with the AMF for crypto platforms. Progressively replaced by the European CASP authorisation under MiCA.See in the lexicon →-registered" or "MiCA" notice on the official site before creating an account.

• Kraken has been PSAN-registered since 2024 and is MiCA-licensed via Ireland. The most competitive on fees above 500 EUR per purchase (0.16 to 0.26 % on Pro). Free SEPA×SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area)Single euro payments area: standardised bank transfers, free or nearly so, within one business day (a few seconds for the instant version). The cheapest deposit method on European exchanges.See in the lexicon → transfer in France. Recommended for the serious accumulator.
• Bitstamp is MiCA Luxembourg, accepted in France without issue. Fees 0 to 0.5 %, sober interface. Excellent choice for long-term hodl×HODLHolding bitcoins without selling, despite the volatility. The word comes from a typo, « I AM HODLING », posted on a forum in 2013 that turned into a joke and then a mantra.See in the lexicon →.
• Bitpanda is MiCA Austria and PSAN-registered, polished French interface. Fees around 1.49 %. Relevant for diversifying beyond Bitcoin (gold, ETFs, other cryptos) in a single app.
• Coinbase is accessible in France via its Irish MiCA subsidiary. Very polished but expensive on the classic interface: use "Advanced Trade" to bring fees down to 0.4-0.6 %.
• eToro and Bitvavo are also present in France via MiCA but with sometimes opaque spread models. Use if you already have a brokerage account there.

To avoid in France: platforms based in offshore jurisdictions (Seychelles, Bahamas, BVI), even if they accept you. No practical recourse via the AMF or DGCCRF.

Paying in EUR: SEPA transfer, card, cash at tobacco shops

France benefits from a very efficient SEPA×SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area)Single euro payments area: standardised bank transfers, free or nearly so, within one business day (a few seconds for the instant version). The cheapest deposit method on European exchanges.See in the lexicon → framework for Bitcoin purchases. Here's the 2026 landscape:

• Standard or instant SEPA transfer. The cheapest (often free on the platform side), 1 to 2 business days for standard SEPA, a few seconds for SEPA Instant now widespread. Most French banks (BNP, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, Crédit Mutuel, LCL, Boursobank, Fortuneo, Revolut) accept transfers to PSAN×PSAN (French crypto registration)French mandatory registration status with the AMF for crypto platforms. Progressively replaced by the European CASP authorisation under MiCA.See in the lexicon → platforms without friction.
• Debit card. Accepted by Coinhouse, Bitpanda, Bitstamp and most EU exchanges. Higher fees (1.5 to 3.5 %). Avoid credit card: Bitcoin on credit makes no financial sense.
• Apple Pay / Google Pay. Available on some apps (Bitpanda, eToro). Convenient for very small amounts on the go.
• Cash at tobacco shops via Keplerk. Network of more than 10,000 tobacco shops in 2026 selling Bitcoin vouchers (paper ticket convertible to BTC on the Keplerk app). Convenient for cash buys, no bank account, or as a gift. Fees around 7 % combined (purchase + conversion).
• Bitcoin ATM×Bitcoin ATM (BTM)Automated teller machine where you can buy (and sometimes sell) bitcoin against cash. Often subject to KYC from 1,000 EUR upwards.See in the lexicon →. Smaller network than Switzerland or Germany, but growing in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux. Fees 5 to 12 %.

For recurring purchases (DCA×DCA (Dollar Cost Averaging)Buying a small fixed amount at regular intervals (for example 100 EUR a week), regardless of price. Smooths the average purchase cost and neutralises timing bias.See in the lexicon →), setting up a SEPA standing order from your bank to StackinSat or Relai automates everything: no manual handling, no timing temptation, direct delivery to your wallet×WalletSoftware or device that manages your Bitcoin keys and lets you sign transactions. A wallet does not really « hold » your bitcoins, it holds the keys that prove you own them.See in the lexicon →.

Buying Bitcoin at the tobacconist: the French specificity

France is the only European country to have integrated Bitcoin buying into the tobacco shop network, via the company Keplerk since 2019. The model has expanded since 2023 to several competitors (Bitref, Easy Wallet×WalletSoftware or device that manages your Bitcoin keys and lets you sign transactions. A wallet does not really « hold » your bitcoins, it holds the keys that prove you own them.See in the lexicon →). It's a relevant answer for unbanked French citizens or those wanting an anonymous purchase up to a certain threshold.

How it works. You walk into any affiliated tobacco shop (look for the "Bitcoin Coupons" signage), ask for a voucher of a given amount (typically 50, 100 or 250 EUR), pay in cash or by card, and receive a ticket with a 12-digit code. On the provider's app (Keplerk for example), you enter the code and your wallet address: the bitcoins arrive within minutes.

Pros. Accessible without a bank account, anonymous up to 1,000 EUR per month (KYC×KYC (Know Your Customer)Mandatory identification procedure that regulated platforms apply to their users : ID document, proof of address, and so on.See in the lexicon → applies above), convenient for gifting, present throughout France (more than 10,000 points of sale). Ideal for one-off purchases or discovery.

Cons. High cost: between 5 and 7 % combined fees (tobacconist commission + Keplerk spread). Reserve for small amounts or cases where partial anonymity really matters. For serious monthly DCA×DCA (Dollar Cost Averaging)Buying a small fixed amount at regular intervals (for example 100 EUR a week), regardless of price. Smooths the average purchase cost and neutralises timing bias.See in the lexicon →, a SEPA×SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area)Single euro payments area: standardised bank transfers, free or nearly so, within one business day (a few seconds for the instant version). The cheapest deposit method on European exchanges.See in the lexicon → transfer to StackinSat or Relai is 3 to 5 times cheaper.

French Bitcoin taxation: 30 % flat tax and form 3916-bis

The French tax framework for Bitcoin has been stable since 2019, with some adjustments in 2024 and 2026. Three things you absolutely need to know:

1. 30 % flat tax on capital gains (PFU×PFU (Prélèvement Forfaitaire Unique)French 30 percent tax on capital gains, including crypto gains. Also called the « flat tax ». Made up of 12.8 percent income tax and 17.2 percent social levies.See in the lexicon →, single flat rate). When you sell Bitcoin for euros (or use it to pay for a good), the gain is taxed at 30 % (17.2 % social contributions + 12.8 % income tax). Option for the progressive scale if you're lightly taxed, to be reviewed each year.
2. 305 EUR yearly exemption threshold. If the sum of your taxable disposals over the year is below 305 EUR, you're exempt. Convenient for exploratory micro-buying and micro-selling.
3. Mandatory declaration of foreign crypto accounts (form 3916-bis×3916-bisFrench tax form used to declare crypto accounts held abroad. Omitting it is fined at 750 EUR per undeclared account.See in the lexicon →). Any French tax resident must declare each account opened with a foreign platform (Kraken, Coinbase, Bitstamp, Bitpanda, etc.) on the 3916-bis form attached to the income tax return. Forgetting costs 750 EUR per undeclared account (1,500 EUR if value exceeds 50,000 EUR). A simple formality not to skip.

Note: since 2024, France has aligned its definition of "taxable disposal" with the European standard. Crypto-to-crypto swaps (swapping BTC for ETH for example) no longer trigger immediate taxation as long as you don't return to fiat×Fiat (fiat currency)State currency with legal tender status (euro, Swiss franc, dollar), issued by a central bank and not backed by a physical asset. By contrast, Bitcoin has an issuance capped at 21 million units, with no central issuer.See in the lexicon →. You pay tax only when you exit to euros or pay for a good in crypto.

Professional trader case. If you trade actively (high volume, daily frequency, leverage), the administration may reclassify you as BNC (non-commercial profits) with a different tax regime. Criteria codified in the BOFIP. Request a tax ruling (rescrit fiscal) if in doubt.

Disclaimer: general information. For complex cases (mining×MiningProcess of validating blocks through proof of work. Consumes electricity by design : that is what secures the network.See in the lexicon →, corporate holding, expatriation), consult a tax lawyer specialised in crypto.

Special cases: students, expats, succession

A few specific situations that often come up on the French side.

Students and young professionals. No age restriction from 18 to open an account on PSAN×PSAN (French crypto registration)French mandatory registration status with the AMF for crypto platforms. Progressively replaced by the European CASP authorisation under MiCA.See in the lexicon → platforms. For minors over 16, some providers (Coinhouse Junior for example) offer supervised accounts with parental consent. Plan to keep traceability from day one (date, amount, platform) because the 305 EUR threshold can be quickly exceeded over a few years.

Self-employed and freelancers. You can accept Bitcoin payments from your clients (legal status since 2019). The amount received is valued in EUR at the daily rate and enters your turnover like any other payment. Later reselling the Bitcoin stays under the private capital gains regime if you're not BNC crypto trader.

French expats. If you're a tax resident outside France (check the bilateral convention), you leave the PFU×PFU (Prélèvement Forfaitaire Unique)French 30 percent tax on capital gains, including crypto gains. Also called the « flat tax ». Made up of 12.8 percent income tax and 17.2 percent social levies.See in the lexicon → and 3916-bis×3916-bisFrench tax form used to declare crypto accounts held abroad. Omitting it is fined at 750 EUR per undeclared account.See in the lexicon → scope. But beware: returning to France and repatriating bitcoins acquired abroad must be documented to avoid reclassification as undeclared income.

Succession and gifts. Bitcoins are part of the estate at the daily rate at the date of death. Heirs must be able to access the keys, otherwise the bitcoins are lost forever. A clear setup (digital will, sealed envelopes with a notary, multisig×Multisig (multi-signature)Configuration where a transaction must be signed by several independent keys to be valid (for example 2 of 3). Reduces the risk that a single key theft causes loss of funds.See in the lexicon → with a family member) has become essential beyond a few thousand euros held. Several French notaries are now training on crypto succession.

Mining×MiningProcess of validating blocks through proof of work. Consumes electricity by design : that is what secures the network.See in the lexicon → and undeclared work. Personal mining remains possible but barely profitable in France due to electricity cost. Income is to be declared as BNC. The "undeclared worker" paid in bitcoins commits the same offence as one paid in cash: don't do it.