Criptoloja Crypto Exchange Review: Portugal’s First Regulated Crypto Platform

What Is Criptoloja and Why Does It Matter?

Criptoloja is Portugal’s first officially licensed cryptocurrency exchange, approved by Banco de Portugal in October 2021. Unlike most crypto platforms that operate in a legal gray zone, Criptoloja is fully regulated, meaning it follows strict financial rules set by Portugal’s central bank. This makes it one of the few crypto exchanges in Europe with a government-backed license.

Before Criptoloja, Portuguese users had to rely on international platforms like Binance or Kraken, which aren’t licensed in Portugal. That meant less protection and more risk. Criptoloja changed that. It was built to serve local users who wanted to buy crypto with euros, safely and legally. Today, it supports over 200 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and smaller altcoins, all tradable in EUR.

Who Owns Criptoloja Now?

In 2023, Criptoloja was acquired by 2TM, the Brazilian company behind Mercado Bitcoin - Brazil’s largest crypto exchange. This wasn’t just a name change. It was a strategic move. 2TM wanted to enter Europe, and Portugal was the perfect gateway. Why? Because Portugal requires a license to operate, and getting one is hard. By buying Criptoloja, 2TM didn’t just get a platform - they got legal access to the entire European market.

Roberto Dagnoni, CEO of 2TM, said it plainly: “Portugal is a strategic market for us because it requires a specific license, is becoming an important cryptocurrency hub in Europe and opens a gateway to the large European market.” This acquisition turned Criptoloja from a local startup into part of a major international crypto player. That means better funding, more tech upgrades, and possibly deeper integration with Mercado Bitcoin’s systems in the future.

How Is Criptoloja Different From Other Exchanges?

Most big exchanges compete on low fees, fast trading, or advanced tools like copy trading and APIs. Criptoloja doesn’t. It competes on one thing: regulation.

While platforms like Binance or Coinbase boast features like 0.02% trading fees, staking rewards, and 24/7 customer support, Criptoloja’s public details are thin. There’s no official breakdown of its fees. No public info on cold wallet storage. No mention of two-factor authentication methods or insurance coverage. That’s not because it’s bad - it’s because it’s new, and its priority is compliance, not marketing.

Here’s what we know for sure:

• It’s licensed by Banco de Portugal - the only exchange in Portugal with this status alongside Mind the Coin.
• It allows euro deposits and withdrawals via bank transfer.
• It supports over 200 cryptocurrencies.
• It’s designed for retail users, not institutional traders.

What’s missing? No mobile app yet. No API access. No staking program. No crypto debit cards. If you want advanced features, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But if you want to know your money is protected by a national financial regulator, Criptoloja is unmatched in Portugal.

Is Criptoloja Safe?

Safety in crypto isn’t just about hacking prevention - it’s about legal protection. Criptoloja’s biggest security feature isn’t a fancy cold wallet system - it’s its license.

As a regulated financial institution, Criptoloja must follow strict rules: customer identity checks (KYC), anti-money laundering procedures, capital requirements, and regular audits. These aren’t optional. They’re enforced by Portugal’s central bank. That’s more than most crypto platforms offer - even big ones.

Compare that to unregulated exchanges. If one gets hacked or shuts down, you’re out of luck. With Criptoloja, you have legal recourse. If something goes wrong, you can file a complaint with Banco de Portugal. That’s huge.

There’s no public data on whether Criptoloja uses multi-signature wallets or holds insurance. But since it’s required to meet the same standards as banks, it’s safe to assume its security practices are solid - even if they’re not flashy.

What’s the Tax Situation in Portugal?

Portugal used to be the crypto paradise of Europe. No capital gains tax on personal crypto trades. No VAT on crypto purchases. That changed in January 2023.

Now, if you trade crypto for profit, you pay a 28% capital gains tax. But here’s the twist: that’s still lower than most EU countries. Germany charges up to 45%. France charges 30%. Spain charges 26%-45% depending on income.

Also, if you’re a non-EU citizen, Portugal’s Golden Visa program still lets you qualify for residency by investing €500,000 or more in assets - including crypto. Criptoloja could be part of that process, since it’s a legal channel to buy and hold digital assets.

So yes, you pay tax. But you’re paying it in one of the most stable, transparent, and crypto-friendly legal environments in Europe.

Who Is Criptoloja For?

Criptoloja isn’t for traders chasing 10x gains with leverage or automated bots. It’s not for crypto developers needing API access. It’s not for people who want to earn interest on their Bitcoin.

It’s for:

• Portuguese residents who want to buy crypto legally with euros
• People who value regulation over features
• Those who want to avoid the risks of unregulated platforms
• Non-EU citizens using crypto as part of a Portugal residency strategy

If you’re looking for the cheapest fees or the most advanced trading tools, look at Binance or Kraken. But if you want peace of mind - knowing your exchange is monitored by a national bank - Criptoloja is the only real option in Portugal.

The Future of Criptoloja

With 2TM’s backing, Criptoloja isn’t standing still. The company plans to expand its services in Europe. That could mean:

• A mobile app (currently missing)
• Staking or earning programs
• Integration with Mercado Bitcoin’s infrastructure
• Support for more fiat currencies beyond EUR

Right now, Criptoloja feels like a foundation. The license is in place. The regulatory framework is built. Now, 2TM will likely add the features that make it competitive - but without sacrificing compliance.

That’s rare in crypto. Most platforms grow fast, then get shut down. Criptoloja is growing slowly, but legally. That’s the kind of growth that lasts.

Final Thoughts

Criptoloja isn’t the flashiest crypto exchange in the world. But it’s one of the most trustworthy - especially if you live in Portugal or plan to move there.

It’s the first and only regulated exchange in the country. It’s backed by a major international player. It’s built for safety, not speculation. And it’s part of Portugal’s larger plan to become a European crypto hub.

If you want to buy crypto in Portugal without risking your money on an unlicensed platform, Criptoloja isn’t just a good choice - it’s the only safe one.