Crypto staking and withdrawals have been reactivated in Hungary, while other crypto services remain suspended. Hungary’s strict new law, effective July 1, 2025, penalizes unlicensed crypto activity with prison terms—up to 5 years for users, and 8 years for providers.
Revolut conducted a legal review and confirmed that staking is not considered a “crypto-asset exchange”, making it compliant under the new rules. Buying, selling, new crypto deposits, and transfers into accounts are still restricted in Hungary.
Revolut is working toward EU-wide MiCA licensing (Markets in Crypto‑Assets) but hasn’t obtained it yet, which limits service availability across several EU countries.
What Is Crypto Staking?
Crypto staking lets you lock certain cryptocurrencies—such as Ethereum, Solana, or Cardano—in your wallet. By doing so, you help validate blockchain transactions and, in return, earn rewards. It’s a popular way to potentially earn passive income with crypto holdings.
Why Were Revolut’s Crypto Services Paused in Hungary?
On July 7, 2025, Revolut suspended most of its crypto features in Hungary. This move followed Hungary’s new legislation, which criminalizes trading and exchange-related activity on unlicensed crypto platforms regardless of EU-wide registration. Individuals risk severe penalties:
- Trades of 5M–50M forints (~€14,600–145,950): up to 2 years prison.
- Higher amounts can mean up to 5 years for individuals; Unlicensed service providers face even harsher penalties—up to 8 years.
To reduce legal risk, Revolut initially blocked all crypto features—including buying, selling, deposits, withdrawals, and staking.
Why Was Staking Allowed Back?
After careful legal clarification, Revolut determined that staking services—unlike trading or exchange—are not subject to the exchange-license requirement. Since staking does not involve buying or selling, it falls outside the activities penalized under the new Hungarian law. As a result, Revolut resumed staking and withdrawal capabilities for existing crypto assets in Hungary.
What Can Hungarian Users Do Now on Revolut?
Users can stake only assets previously held in the account. No new crypto funds can be added until further regulatory clarity or licensing.
How Does EU’s MiCA Fit In?
Revolut is in the process of securing approval under the EU’s Markets in Crypto‑Assets (MiCA) regulation. This licensing is required for crypto platforms to operate across EU member states. Until they receive approval, Revolut is limiting crypto access in several countries—including Hungary, Netherlands, Finland, Latvia, and Slovenia—to remain compliant.
Why It Matters
- Revolut’s move signals how companies adapt quickly to shifting crypto laws to remain compliant while offering safe services.
- For new crypto users, staking is a beginner‑friendly way to participate in the crypto ecosystem without trading risk.
- Hungary’s regulatory environment remains tough, but limited services like staking show there’s room for compliant innovation.
- This development underscores how essential legal clarity and licensing (like MiCA) are for crypto platforms operating in Europe.
Final Thoughts for Beginners
If you’re using Revolut in Hungary:
- You can now earn crypto rewards via staking on assets you already hold.
- You must wait—new purchases or deposits are unavailable for now.
- Keep an eye out for updates if Revolut secures MiCA approval. That’s when more crypto options may return across the EU.
