Hungary Dials Back Strict Crypto Rules After EU Pressure

Hungary is softening its crypto rules after a 2025 crackdown created legal uncertainty for users and pushed platforms to restrict services. The government plans to decriminalize crypto trading, reversing restrictions introduced under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

The outgoing rules required approved validation for crypto-to-fiat and crypto-to-crypto conversions, with potential criminal penalties for violations. This created a transaction-level gatekeeper for exchange activity, making users exposed to unclear enforcement risk.

Revolut stopped crypto services in Hungary, blocking users from signing up for crypto services or making withdrawals. Existing customers were told to sell their assets before a December 2025 deadline.

The EU pressure came from the clash between Hungary's national validation system and the Markets in Crypto-Assets framework (MiCA). MiCA is designed to create common rules for crypto-asset issuers and service providers across the European Union.