Binance and the EU: What Happened After 1 July 2026 and What to Do
Binance withdrew its MiCA licence application and restricted services and new sign-ups in the EU. What is confirmed, what is not, and how to move your crypto safely to a MiCA-licensed exchange or your own wallet.
In short: On 24 June 2026 Binance withdrew its MiCA licence application in Greece, and media reports say that from 1 July 2026 it stopped new registrations and deposits in the EU and restricted other services. Withdrawals remain possible. Binance says the impact depends on your country and account status. If you hold crypto there, check your account and consider moving to a MiCA-licensed exchange or your own wallet.
What happened
The EU's MiCA regulation requires a crypto-asset service provider to be authorised in at least one member state, which then lets it serve the whole EU. The transition period for firms with earlier national registrations ended by 1 July 2026 at the latest.
Binance applied for a MiCA licence in Greece. On 24 June 2026 it withdrew the application and said in its announcement that it will pursue authorisation in another member state. It also said "your assets remain safe and secure, and will remain accessible at all times" and that the impact on users depends on their country and account status.
According to media reports such as CoinDesk, Binance emailed EU users and stopped accepting new registrations. Other sources say new deposits, purchases and Earn and staking products also stopped, while withdrawals and closing positions remain open. Those details come from secondary sources, so treat them as indicative.
What is not yet clear
- The effect on your country. The first emails reportedly went to users in France, Italy, Poland and Spain. We found no official notice listing every country. What applies to your account is shown in your account and in Binance's emails.
- A new licence. Binance said it would seek authorisation in another member state. As of 29 October 2026 we found no confirmation that it has one.
Check Binance's regulatory blog and the ESMA register of crypto-asset service providers for updates.
What to do if you hold crypto on Binance
- Log in and read the notices in your account. Beware of phishing: Binance says it never asks for passwords, 2FA codes or private keys.
- Do not rush under pressure, but do consider moving. Restrictions on an unlicensed exchange can change.
- Choose a destination: a MiCA-licensed exchange (below) or your own wallet. For long-term holding see Trezor vs Ledger.
- Send a small test amount first. Check the network (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and so on) and the address. A wrong network often means lost funds.
- Export your trade history from Binance. You will need it for your tax return.
Exchanges with a MiCA licence
According to available sources, these exchanges hold MiCA authorisation. Always check which legal entity serves you and look it up in the ESMA register.
| Exchange | MiCA authorisation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kraken | Central Bank of Ireland (announced 25 June 2025) | Reportedly serves clients across the EEA. See our Kraken guide. |
| Bybit EU | FMA, Austria (May 2025) | EEA users except Malta; a narrower licence scope than global Bybit. See our guide. |
| Coinbase | CSSF, Luxembourg | Coinbase publishes Advanced fees after login. |
| OKX | MFSA, Malta | Reportedly authorised in January 2025. |
Taxes when you move
Sending crypto from one of your accounts to another of your accounts is generally not a sale, but tax rules depend on your country. If you sell or convert on the way, record it.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose my crypto on Binance?
Binance says funds remain safe and accessible, and media report that withdrawals stay open. An exchange without a licence offers no guarantees, so moving to a regulated exchange or your own wallet is a sensible step.
Can I still open a Binance account in the EU?
Media reports say Binance has not accepted new EU registrations since 1 July 2026. Availability depends on your country; we recommend a MiCA-licensed exchange.
Is Binance banned in the EU?
Crypto itself is not banned. Binance did not obtain MiCA authorisation and therefore may not offer certain services in the EU.
When will Binance get a licence?
We do not know. Binance says it will try in another member state. We found no confirmation as of 29 October 2026.
For information only, not investment or legal advice. The situation is developing; verify it with the sources above.
