The European Union restrictions on large cash payments
Published at: 01/10/2026 09:48 am
The European Union restrictions on large cash payments
From July 2027 the EU enters a unified 10,000 euros limit on large cash payments.
The move is part of the anti-money laundering package ( Regulation (EU) 2024/1624, Article 80)
upcoming EU-wide cash restriction is part of the European Union's major anti-money laundering package, which introduces a unified 10,000 EUR limit on large cash payments.
What does the new EU cash ban rule mean practically?
The new rule will enter in force from 10 July 2027 and it prohibits accepting payments equal to or exceeding 10,000 euros in commercial or professional cases. If the payment is a multiple transaction it can be still banned if the payments appear connected.
Moreover, the Member States can introduce even lower or stricter limits.
EU Countries with Existing National Cash Payment Limits
-
France: €1,000 for tax residents (transactions involving businesses/professionals). Non-residents have a higher threshold of €15,000.
-
Spain: €1,000 for business-to-consumer (B2C) or business-to-business (B2B) transactions when a professional is involved. Non-resident tourists have a limit of €10,000.
-
Belgium: €3,000 for both goods and services (cash is strictly prohibited for real estate purchases).
-
Netherlands: €3,000 for business transactions involving goods.
-
Italy: €5,000 (tourists from outside the EU/EEA can use cash up to €15,000 for retail goods and travel services).
-
Greece: €500 (historically one of the strictest, though thresholds vary by transaction type; general commercial caps are very low).
-
Portugal: €3,000 for cash payments involving commercial entities.
-
Slovakia / Slovenia: €5,000 for transactions between businesses or businesses and consumers.
The EU restriction does not apply to private individuals acting outside of a business or trade ( for example two private citizens selling a used item to each other directly).
The EU introduces several limits on foreign activities of its residents and citizens. It closes the visas exemptions for countries with citizenship by investment programs. Moreover, the European Union strictly bans foreign banks from opening bank accounts for EU residents. And finally, even cash payments will be limited.
If you wish to manage your business and wealth it is time to examine the chance of moving your tax residency in a country with lesser rules, and no or taxation. Our experts are waiting for your questions!