Ireland to Exclude Crypto From New 2027 Investment Accounts

Ireland is preparing to exclude cryptocurrencies from a new government-backed personal investment account scheduled to launch in 2027, while allowing savers to invest in assets such as listed stocks, bonds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

The initiative forms part of Ireland’s roadmap for retail investment and is designed to encourage households to move more savings into financial markets. Under the proposed framework, investments held in the accounts would not be taxed below a threshold that has yet to be determined.

Amounts above the threshold would face a low annual flat tax calculated on the account’s average value, including contributions. The Irish government is expected to announce the tax rate, exemption threshold and annual contribution limit as part of Budget 2027 in October.

Ireland’s proposed investment accounts broadly follow recommendations issued by the European Commission in September 2025 for savings and investment accounts across the European Union. The EU guidance recommends excluding products considered highly risky or complex, including cryptocurrencies and certain derivatives.

As a result, cryptocurrencies and derivatives are expected to be barred from Ireland’s new accounts. An exception could apply to tokenized versions of traditional financial instruments that would otherwise meet eligibility requirements.

Permitted investments are expected to include listed shares and bonds, securities traded on regulated markets, retail investment funds such as ETFs and certain insurance-based investment products.

The new structure would also remove the existing “deemed disposal” tax regime for qualifying assets held inside the accounts. Ireland’s current rules treat certain investments as if they were sold every eight years, requiring investors to pay a 38% tax on unrealized gains.

Instead, investment account providers would calculate, report and pay applicable taxes directly to Ireland’s Revenue Commissioners on behalf of customers. Investors would face no minimum contribution requirement, mandatory holding period or lock-up. Accounts could also be transferred between providers without creating an immediate tax liability.

The government hopes the investment accounts will encourage greater participation in capital markets. Central Bank of Ireland research shows Irish households currently keep about 38% of their financial assets in cash and deposits, compared with an EU average of 30%.