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Is Gate.io accessible in France?
If you're wondering whether Gate.io is available in France , the answer is no . The exchange is on the list of cryptocurrency platforms banned in France due to regulations from the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF) . However, some users attempt to circumvent this restriction using solutions like VPNs. So, why is Gate.io blocked in France? What are the risks and alternatives? Let's break it all down.
Table of contents
Why is Gate.io banned in France?
Gate.io is a cryptocurrency exchange platform founded in 2013 in China and now based in several jurisdictions, including Hong Kong, Dubai, and Malta . It offers more than 3,600 digital assets in spot, futures, and other derivative products.
However, the AMF requires that any platform wishing to operate legally in France be registered as a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) . Gate.io does not hold this status and has therefore chosen to restrict access to French residents rather than comply with regulatory requirements.
French regulations require digital asset service platforms to register as Digital Asset Service Providers (DASPs) with the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF) to operate legally in France. This registration is mandatory for the following services:
- Digital asset custody on behalf of third parties
- Buying or selling digital assets in legal tender
- Exchange of digital assets for other digital assets
- Operation of a digital asset trading platform
To obtain PSAN status, platforms must meet several requirements, including:
- Combating money laundering and terrorist financing (AML/CFT) : Implementation of robust procedures to detect and prevent illicit activities.
- Resilient and secure IT systems : Ensuring the protection of customer data and assets against cyber threats.
- Adequate internal control system : Establish effective monitoring and risk management mechanisms.
- Conflict of interest management procedures : Guaranteeing the integrity and impartiality of the services provided.
- Public pricing policy : Provide transparent information on fees and commissions applied.
- Asset segregation : Separate client assets from platform assets to protect user funds.
- Customer complaint handling : Implement an effective process to manage and resolve customer complaints.
Although Gate.io complies with Know Your Customer ( KYC ) requirements and has strengthened its AML/CFT measures in partnership with specialized companies , the platform does not appear to meet all the requirements for registration as a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) in France. Therefore, Gate.io is not registered with the AMF (French Financial Markets Authority) and is not authorized to offer its services in France.
Gate.io Alternatives in France
Since Gate.io is not accessible in France due to the lack of PSAN approval, several regulated platforms allow French residents to legally trade cryptocurrencies.
You can invest in cryptocurrencies with Gemini.
The platform offers:
- Top-tier security, with "cold" storage of the majority of funds
- A dual interface: a simplified application for beginners and ActiveTrader , an advanced platform offering volume-dependent fees and a competitive order book.
- Access to over 60 cryptocurrencies, but also to a rare offering on the market: tokenized shares (Nvidia, Apple, etc.). These products replicate the price of real shares via tokens issued directly on the Gemini platform, allowing them to be bought and traded 24/7 like cryptocurrencies, without going through a traditional stockbroker.
- Strict regulatory compliance, with Gemini being one of the first platforms approved in the United States and holding the European license ( MiCA ).
- Additional services such as staking to generate returns on these cryptocurrencies.
Gemini therefore allows you to invest in both cryptocurrencies and tokenized shares, all within a secure and regulated environment.
If you don't know how to proceed, we offer our free, ultra-detailed step-by-step guide with screenshots.
What you will learn:
✔ Buying your first cryptocurrencies – A detailed tutorial to get started on a centralized exchange platform.
✔ Securing your transactions – Best practices for buying, selling, and trading cryptocurrencies while minimizing risk.
✔ Understanding stablecoins stablecoin Their usefulness, differences, and how to use them to stabilize your funds during periods of volatility.
✔ Mastering a decentralized wallet ( DeFi ) – Learn how to manage your assets without intermediaries and interact directly with the blockchain.
✔ Transacting via a decentralized wallet – A practical guide to trading cryptocurrencies independently.
✔ Exploring decentralized finance ( DeFi ) – Discover advanced concepts like staking and NFTs .
📥 Download your free guide by filling out the form below:
An alternative to Gate.io in France: secure your crypto without intermediaries
If you want to completely avoid the risks associated with centralized platforms, the best alternative is to buy your cryptocurrencies and store them directly on a cold wallet like Ledger or Trezor . Unlike software wallets (Metamask, Trust Wallet , Exodus), these hardware wallets guarantee optimal security by isolating your private keys offline.
✔️ Maximum security – Your assets are protected from hacks and unauthorized access.
✔️ Total control – You are the only one who holds the key to your funds.
✔️ DeFi compatible – Interact securely with DApp , staking platforms Web3 services .
Where is Gate.io accessible?
Gate.io is available in more than 165 countries , but some jurisdictions prohibit or restrict access to it due to local regulations .
Countries where Gate.io is available:
Although some restrictions may exist, the platform remains accessible in several regions:
- Latin America : Brazil, Peru, Mexico
- Asia : South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand
- Africa : Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria
- Europe (partially) : Italy, Poland, Portugal
Countries where Gate.io is restricted or banned:
According to Gate.io's terms of service, several jurisdictions are considered "Restricted Locations ," preventing their residents from accessing the platform's services:
- North America & Europe : United States, Canada, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Austria, Spain, Malta
- Asia & Middle East : Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Iran, North Korea, Syria, India, Indonesia, Japan
- Latin America & Africa : Venezuela, Bolivia, Argentina, Sudan
- Other conflict zones : Crimea, Luhansk, Donetsk, Myanmar, Uzbekistan, Cambodia
Gate.io reserves the right to update this list at any time , depending on regulatory changes .
Gate.io holds several regulatory licenses obtained in specific jurisdictions , allowing it to operate legally in those regions. These licenses are generally required to offer cryptocurrency services to residents of the corresponding countries. However, they do not automatically grant authorization to operate internationally. Each country or region has its own regulatory framework, and a license obtained in one jurisdiction does not guarantee compliance in another.
Here are the main licenses that Gate.io has obtained:
MFSA (Malta) : Class 4 license for virtual asset financial services, allowing Gate.io to provide digital asset exchange and custody services in Malta.
AUSTRAC (Australia) : Registration as a digital currency exchange service provider, ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing obligations in Australia.
SCB (Bahamas) : Authorization issued by the Bahamas Securities Commission to offer cryptocurrency trading
OAM (Italy) : Registration as a virtual asset service provider, allowing Gate.io to operate legally in Italy.
DMCC (Dubai) : License obtained from the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre to conduct cryptocurrency trading operations in the United Arab Emirates.
Is it possible to bypass the Gate.io restriction in France?
Although we do not recommend these methods, some people in France use the following solutions to access Gate.io:
1. Use a VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to mask your IP address and simulate a connection from another country where Gate.io is accessible. Here are the steps:
- Choose a reliable VPN (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN…).
- Connect to a server located in an authorized country (Spain, Portugal, Morocco…).
- Access the Gate.io without restrictions.
🚨 Risks : Gate.io sometimes detects the use of VPNs and may block or suspend your account if the terms of use are not respected.
Is Gate.io worth it?
Gate.io is one of the exchanges with the largest selection of crypto assets and offers several attractive features:
✅ 3,600 listed cryptos (including ltc coins)
✅ leveraged margin trading
✅ NFT Marketplace
✅ Copytrading and automated trading bots
✅ Passive returns (staking, yield farming, lending)
However, the platform also has drawbacks :
❌ Not regulated in Europe
❌ Customer service criticized
❌ The interface is not very intuitive for beginners
Conclusion: A regulatory context that needs close monitoring
Gate.io, while very popular internationally, currently lacks a PSAN registration in France and no clear European authorization. This does not necessarily mean it is an illegal platform, but it does imply a higher risk for French users, particularly in the event of a dispute or a sudden change in regulations.
This ambiguity isn't unique to Gate.io: other widely used platforms like Bitget , KuCoin , and MEXC are currently on the AMF's blacklist due to a lack of authorization to solicit the French public. Conversely, some platforms are strengthening their regulatory position. Kraken , for example, is registered as a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) , allowing it to operate legally in France. OKX , meanwhile, has just obtained MiCA registration in Europe , a strategic step in anticipation of the new regulatory framework coming into effect in 2025.
Cryptocurrency investments are risky. Crypternon cannot be held liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss resulting from the use of any product or service mentioned in this article. Readers should conduct their own research before taking any action and only invest within their financial means. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This article does not constitute investment advice.
Certain links of this article are sponsorship links, which means that if you buy a product or you register via these links, we will collect a commission on the part of the sponsored company. These commissions do not train any additional cost for you as a user and certain sponsorships allow you to access promotions.
AMF recommendations. There is no guaranteed high yield, a product with high performance potential implies a high risk. This risk taking must be in line with your project, your investment horizon and your ability to lose part of this savings. Do not invest if you are not ready to lose all or part of your capital .
To go further, read our pages legal notices , privacy policy and general conditions of use .
Yoann
Training engineer, I quickly became interested in the field of finance. Convinced that decentralized finance has a bright future ahead of it, I participate in its democratization by developing Crypternon.
