From 10 July 2027, an EU-wide cap of 10,000 euros applies to cash payments to businesses (Regulation EU 2024/1624). Because member states are allowed to maintain stricter rules, the situation varies across different countries. The obligation to verify customer identity for cash payments of 3,000 euros or more also applies EU-wide.

• Belgium: Already applies a limit of 3,000 euros for cash payments to businesses. The new European rule does not change this.
• Netherlands: Keeps its 3,000-euro limit. This has applied to goods since 2026 and will be extended to services as of 10 July 2027. Additionally, the government aims for a general obligation to accept cash in 2027.
• Spain: Retains its stricter limit of 1,000 euros for transactions involving businesses (penalty for violations: 25% of the amount paid). Non-residents/tourists may pay up to 10,000 euros in cash between individuals or for specific transactions.

International comparison and non-EU countries:

• Germany & France (EU): Germany currently has no hard limit (only an identification requirement from 2,000 euros), so the European cap of 10,000 euros will apply there from July 2027. France already has a stricter limit of 1,000 euros (for residents) and will maintain it.
• United Kingdom & United States (Non-EU): Since the UK and the US are not EU member states, the European regulation has no impact here. In the UK, there is no general legal maximum for cash payments (though traders must report payments over €10,000/£8,800). In the US, there is also no general cash maximum, but businesses must report cash payments over $10,000 to the tax authorities (IRS).