How to crypto 101: Poland

People in Poland are starting to look at crypto more seriously. It’s no longer just a tech trend - it’s becoming part of daily talk in finance and business. Still, when it comes to the rules, things aren’t that simple. The country doesn’t have one clear law for everything. Instead, there’s a mix of local rules and EU guidance. To work with digital assets here, you really need to understand Poland crypto regulations and where they stand right now.

Poland’s cautious embrace of digital assets

In Poland, the crypto scene is active but watched carefully by the government. People are allowed to use digital assets, but official support is limited. The law in Poland defines virtual currency in a clear way, but it also separates it from traditional financial tools. According to Polish law, a virtual currency is a digital representation of value. It is not considered fiat money or electronic money. It is also not a financial instrument, promissory note, or cheque. However, it can be stored and transferred electronically. People can also use it as a way to exchange value if both sides agree.

While this definition gives some clarity, there are still many unknowns. The government does not accept crypto as payment for taxes or other public fees. So, even if people want to use crypto to interact with the state, they cannot. The Polish government has no plans to issue its own virtual currency either. This means that digital assets stay in the private space, with no direct link to the public sector. For now, the role of crypto remains limited, especially when it comes to government use or wider adoption in official payments. Poland crypto regulations currently do not support any government-backed coin or digital currency.

The Polish Financial Supervision Authority, also known as the PFSA, has spoken about crypto many times. It is the main financial watchdog in the country. The PFSA warns people about the risks tied to digital assets. It also says that many parts of the market are not fully regulated. These warnings show that Poland wants to protect its citizens but is not ready to create full laws yet. Instead, the country is watching how the European Union handles crypto first. Poland crypto regulations, as they stand now, are shaped more by caution than by direct support for innovation.

The PFSA has pointed to the new EU law called MiCA, short for Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation. This law was approved in 2023 and will shape how crypto is handled across Europe. MiCA will give new rules for virtual currency service providers, or VCSPs. But in Poland, the law is not fully active yet. There is no clear deadline for when VCSPs must get a license under MiCA.

The latest possible date is July 1, 2026. Until then, service providers in Poland can work under the current legal structure if they meet the basic rules. This means that Poland crypto regulations are still in a transition stage, with much to be finalized.

It’s also important to understand that crypto businesses in Poland are not yet considered part of the official financial market. This is a big deal. It means they are not fully supervised by the PFSA like banks or traditional payment companies. Poland crypto laws are still forming, and the lack of direct oversight raises questions about investor safety and market stability. At the same time, many in the crypto space feel that too much regulation could stop growth. Finding a balance is hard, but it’s what Poland and other EU countries are now working toward. For this reason, ongoing discussions about Poland crypto regulations are closely linked to broader EU reforms.

MiCA aims to make that balance possible. It sets up rules that will work the same way in every EU country. This could help reduce confusion. It also may stop companies from moving to places with fewer rules. For Poland, joining this EU-wide effort will be key. The country will have to adjust its current approach and give crypto more legal clarity. For now, though, Poland crypto regulations remain in flux, and businesses must stay updated as the law evolves.

Regulatory status: Between innovation and oversight

Poland is taking steps to bring more order to its crypto market. The country does not yet have a full law just for digital assets, but the rules that do exist are becoming stricter. For now, crypto activity is mainly controlled through anti-money laundering laws. These rules apply to anyone offering virtual currency services. They include basic KYC checks, data protection, and reporting obligations. Even though there is no full license process, service providers still need to register. This helps bring more structure to the market while Poland works on long-term solutions.

To offer crypto services legally, a company or person must enter the Polish Register of Virtual Currency Activities. This register is run by the National Revenue Administration. Without this step, it is not allowed to provide crypto services in Poland. Even if a business meets the general AML rules under the EU’s 5th Directive, it still must register locally. That’s because Poland crypto regulations go a bit further. They require a clear local presence, proof of experience, and basic legal checks. This helps filter out providers who are not serious or safe for the Polish crypto market.

The government plans to introduce a new law for crypto assets. This law would fully reflect the EU’s MiCA framework. If approved, it will put the Polish Financial Supervision Authority in charge of the crypto space.

This would be a major change. Right now, the PFSA does not directly oversee virtual currency businesses. But with MiCA coming, that could shift.

Poland crypto regulations are slowly moving from basic registration toward deeper compliance rules. The idea is to allow innovation, but not without strong protections. That’s how Poland hopes to build a stable and trusted digital asset market.

Tax treatment of crypto transactions in Poland

In Poland, using or selling crypto is not tax-free. The government treats cryptocurrencies as digital assets that can bring profit. So, if someone earns income through crypto trading or payments, they need to report it. This applies to both individuals and businesses. Profits made from crypto transactions are seen as capital gains. These gains must be included in tax filings each year. The tax rate depends on the type of income and the person’s or company’s tax status. But no matter the rate, what matters is that the income is declared.

Crypto payments in Poland are becoming more common. Still, even small transactions can lead to tax duties. If someone uses crypto to buy a service or product and the value has gone up, the profit may be taxed. This adds extra responsibility for users. That’s why it’s important to keep clear records of each transaction. Businesses that accept digital currency must do the same. Poland crypto regulations make it clear that tax rules apply to the crypto space. As the market grows, tax reporting is likely to become even more detailed. Staying informed is key to following the rules and avoiding mistakes.

Anti-money laundering and user verification

In Poland, verifying crypto users is not just good practice - it is a legal rule. Every business offering virtual currency services must follow the country’s anti-money laundering framework. These rules come from both national law and the EU’s 5th AML Directive. Together, they form the base for how companies check who their users really are. Verification begins the moment a business relationship is formed. A provider must identify the customer, check their documents, and confirm that the information is correct. This applies to both individuals and legal entities.

If the customer is acting on behalf of someone else, that must be checked too. In some cases, service providers also need to confirm who owns or controls the business using crypto. If a person is a politically exposed person - like a government official - the rules are even stricter. In these cases, extra steps are needed to ensure the relationship is safe. Poland crypto regulations do not stop at sign-up. Businesses must also keep watching how users behave. They have to make sure that each transaction matches what is expected from that customer.

When something looks suspicious, it must be reported. But before that, companies should try to understand where the funds come from. This ongoing process is key in fighting money laundering. Businesses are also expected to keep records of who their customers are and how they were verified. These records must be available to authorities if needed. Poland crypto regulations are clear: knowing your customer is not optional - it’s required. And as EU rules expand, these checks will only become more detailed.