Spot crypto is legal and the service side is licensed: since MiCAR applies, crypto-asset service providers need an authorisation, and BaFin runs that procedure together with the Deutsche Bundesbank, with the national Kryptomärkteaufsichtsgesetz (KMAG) and the 2025 delegated and implementing regulations filling in the detail. Holding, buying and selling crypto as a retail investor is unrestricted.
Leveraged derivatives are treated as a consumer-protection problem instead. Under a product intervention BaFin ordered a general prohibition on marketing, distributing and selling contracts for difference to retail clients, lifted only where the provider meets all five protective conditions at once.
A perpetual on AAVE tracks price and does not confer ownership of the underlying — the same contract mechanics apply in every jurisdiction; what differs by country is legal status and funding rails.
12 venues open Aave perps to traders in Germany.
ApeX
Aster
Avantis
Ethereal
gTrade
Helix
Hyperliquid
Lighter
Pacifica
ParadexFour steps from sign-up to an open position.
Section 23 EStG taxes private sale transactions in "other assets" where less than one year passes between acquisition and disposal, at the taxpayer's personal income tax rate; a calendar year whose total private-sale gains stay under EUR 1,000 is exempt.
Trading Aave from Germany: legal.
Section 23 EStG taxes private sale transactions in "other assets" where less than one year passes between acquisition and disposal, at the taxpayer's personal income tax rate; a calendar year whose total private-sale gains stay under EUR 1,000 is exempt.
Crypto businesses in Germany fall under BaFin's supervision and must comply with all AML and KYC requirements.
Germany traders can fund Aave positions using SEPA Bank Transfer, Sofortueberweisung and Credit/Debit Card.
On Canborsa, Aave trading from Germany costs 0.07% per side.