# Mailfence

> Source: https://fuckyc.org/services/mailfence/
> Website: https://mailfence.com/
> Categories: Privacy email
> KYC: optional — Free tier requires only a username; paid tiers require payment but no government ID.
> Status: active
> Jurisdiction: Belgium (operator-disclosed)
> Fiat on-ramp: no
> Payment methods: crypto, card, paypal, bank-transfer
> Founded: 2013
> Open source: no
> Custodial: yes
> Last verified: 2026-01-01

## Verdict

Mailfence is the PGP-native alternative to Proton Mail for users who want IMAP/SMTP and openness over default encryption. Belgian jurisdiction is the operator-side caveat.

## Strengths

- PGP-native; integrates with OpenPGP keys directly.
- IMAP/SMTP supported.
- Belgian privacy law has historically protected smaller mail providers.

## Caveats

- Belgian jurisdiction is subject to EU cooperation.
- PGP-only encryption — outside-mail metadata is visible.
- Facts need re-verification by operator (last seeded 2026-01).

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## What Mailfence is

A Belgian PGP-native email provider with IMAP/SMTP support.

## Threat-model fit

When PGP and standard mail protocols matter.

## Sources

- [Mailfence home](https://mailfence.com/en/) — accessed 2026-01-01
- [Mailfence transparency](https://blog.mailfence.com/transparency-report/) — accessed 2026-01-01