Capital Gains Tax by Country: Global Comparison 2026

KEY INSIGHT

Capital gains tax ranges from 0% (UAE, Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Switzerland on private shares) to 33% (Ireland), 34.5% (France combined), and 50%+ combined in the USA (federal + California). Most countries tax long-term gains at lower rates than short-term gains. The UK charges 18%/24% on residential property, 10%/20% on other assets.

At a glance

Key Facts

Lowest CGT (Major Economies)

UAE 0%, Singapore 0%, Hong Kong 0%, New Zealand 0% (no formal CGT)

EU Lowest

Cyprus 0% on shares; Belgium 0% on shares (private investors); Hungary 15%

Highest CGT

Denmark up to 42%; France 34.5% (PFU 30% + social levies 4.5%); USA federal 20% + state up to 13.3% (CA)

UK Rate (2024+)

18% (basic rate) / 24% (higher rate) on residential property; 10%/20% on other assets from Oct 2024

US Long-Term Rate

0% / 15% / 20% federal depending on income; add state tax (up to 13.3% California)

Introduction

Capital gains tax (CGT) is charged on the profit from selling an asset — shares, property, business interests, crypto, and other investments. Rates vary enormously: from 0% in UAE and Singapore to over 33% in France and Ireland. For investors planning asset sales, business exits, or relocations, understanding CGT rates by country is essential.

This guide provides a comprehensive comparison of capital gains tax rates across major economies, covering rates for shares, property, and business exits, with special attention to long-term vs short-term treatment and notable exemptions.

Section 01

Countries With No Capital Gains Tax

Country	CGT on Shares	CGT on Property	Notes
UAE	0%	0%	No personal income tax of any kind
Singapore	0%	0%	Trading income may be reclassified as income; genuine investment gains exempt
Hong Kong	0%	0%	Profits tax only on HK-source business income; no CGT
New Zealand	0%	0% (mostly)	No formal CGT; bright-line test taxes residential property sold within 2 years
Switzerland	0%	Cantonal rate	Private individuals: 0% on share sales; property has cantonal CGT; wealth tax applies
Belgium	0%	0% (after 5 years)	Private investors not engaged in professional trading; government has repeatedly attempted to introduce CGT
Cyprus	0%	20% (Cyprus property)	Shares exempt; immovable property in Cyprus subject to 20% CGT
Malaysia	0%	Varies	Real Property Gains Tax on property (0–30%); shares generally exempt

Section 02

Major Economy CGT Rates 2026

United States

Short-term gains (held <1 year): Ordinary income rates (10–37% federal)
Long-term gains (held 1+ year): 0% / 15% / 20% federal depending on income bracket
Net Investment Income Tax: Additional 3.8% on investment income for high earners (above $200,000 single / $250,000 married)
State Tax: California: 9.3–13.3%; New York: up to 10.9%; Florida/Texas/Nevada: 0%
Maximum combined (California): Federal 23.8% + California 13.3% = 37.1%

United Kingdom

Residential Property: 18% (basic rate) / 24% (higher/additional rate) — from October 2024
Other Assets (shares, business): 10% (basic rate) / 20% (higher rate) — from October 2024
Business Asset Disposal Relief: 14% on first £1M of qualifying business gains (from April 2025, up from 10%)
Annual Exempt Amount: £3,000 (2024/25)

Germany

Abgeltungsteuer: 25% flat tax on capital gains from financial instruments (shares, bonds, funds)
Solidarity Surcharge: 5.5% on the tax (not on gains) — effectively 26.375% for most taxpayers
Property: 0% on residential property sold after 10+ years holding; taxed as income (up to 45%) if sold within 10 years
Business Sale: Up to 42% income tax on business asset sales (half-income method provides some relief)

France

Prélèvement Forfaitaire Unique (PFU): 30% flat on financial income (12.8% income tax + 17.2% social levies)
Property: 19% income tax + 17.2% social levies = 36.2% standard; abatements reduce CGT after 6 years of holding (100% exempt after 22 years income, 30 years social)

Australia

CGT Rate: Taxed at marginal income tax rate (up to 45%)
50% Discount: Assets held 12+ months receive 50% CGT discount (so maximum effective rate is 22.5% for assets held over 1 year)
Superannuation: Assets in superannuation accumulation phase taxed at 10% on gains (15% in accumulation)

Canada

Inclusion Rate (2024): 50% inclusion for individuals on first $250,000 of gains annually; 66.67% above $250,000 — taxed at marginal rates (up to 33.7% effective for top earners)
Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption: $1,016,602 (2024) on qualifying small business shares and farm/fishing property

Section 03

CGT on Crypto Assets

Cryptocurrency is treated as a capital asset in most jurisdictions and subject to CGT on disposal:

Country	Crypto CGT Rate	Notes
UAE	0%	No tax on crypto gains
Singapore	0%	Long-term holders; frequent traders may be classified as trading income
Germany	0% (after 1 year)	Crypto held 1+ year is fully exempt; <1 year taxed as ordinary income
Portugal	28% (or IFICI rate)	Changed in 2023; crypto gains now taxable; 28% flat or include in progressive rates
UK	10%/20%	Same CGT rates as shares; £3,000 annual exempt amount
USA	0%/15%/20%	Federal long-term rate; add state tax; each transaction is a taxable event
Australia	Up to 22.5%	50% discount for 12+ months holding; taxed at marginal rate

Germany's 0% after 1-year holding rule for crypto is one of the most generous globally and attracts crypto investors who can establish German residency.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has the highest capital gains tax?

Denmark has one of the highest statutory CGT rates — up to 42% on share gains for high earners. France's combined PFU of 30% (12.8% income + 17.2% social levies) is high but relatively simple. The United States combined federal + California rate (23.8% + 13.3% = 37.1%) is among the highest in the world for shares. For property: France's property CGT of 36.2% (before holding period abatements) is high. For business sales: Germany can tax business gains at up to 45% income tax (though the half-income method reduces this). Ireland's 33% CGT rate is the highest flat CGT rate in the EU (outside of income-inclusive countries like Denmark).

Does Germany really have 0% capital gains on crypto after 1 year?

Yes — Germany's tax treatment of cryptocurrency is uniquely favourable for long-term holders. Under German tax law (Einkommensteuergesetz §23), private sales of assets held for more than 1 year are exempt from income tax — this applies to cryptocurrency. If you buy Bitcoin and hold it for more than 365 days before selling, the gain is completely tax-free in Germany regardless of the amount. This rule applies to major cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH) held as private investments. Important caveats: (1) Staking rewards and DeFi income may be treated differently; (2) Crypto sold within 1 year is taxed at your marginal income tax rate (up to 45%); (3) Staked crypto may have a 10-year holding period requirement under some interpretations. This rule has made Germany surprisingly popular for crypto holders planning large exits.

Can I legally move country to avoid capital gains tax on a planned asset sale?

It depends on the country you're leaving and the timing. Some key considerations: (1) Exit taxes — some countries (Germany, Canada, Australia, France) impose a deemed disposal exit tax when you become a non-resident, crystallising any unrealised gains at that point; (2) Timing — if you move BEFORE selling, many countries lose the right to tax gains accrued before the move plus gains after; (3) UK: Capital assets are subject to UK CGT for 5 years after departure for temporary non-residents; (4) USA: US citizens cannot escape US CGT by moving overseas — they remain taxable on worldwide income. The most common strategy: establish genuine residency in a 0% CGT country (UAE, Singapore) for at least the required period before executing the sale. Professional advice from both home and destination country is essential.

What is the capital gains tax in the UK in 2026?

UK CGT rates from October 2024 (following the Autumn Budget): Residential property: 18% (basic rate taxpayers) / 24% (higher and additional rate taxpayers). Other assets (shares, investment bonds, business assets): 10% (basic rate) / 20% (higher/additional rate). Business Asset Disposal Relief: 14% on the first £1 million of qualifying gains (increased from 10% in the October 2024 Budget, with further increase to 18% from April 2026). Investors' Relief: 14% (up from 10%), capped at £1 million lifetime gains on shares in unlisted trading companies held for 3+ years. Annual Exempt Amount: £3,000 for 2024/25 (reduced from £12,300 in 2022/23 following years of cuts).

Are capital gains on property taxed differently from shares in most countries?

Yes — most countries treat property CGT differently from share CGT. Common patterns: (1) Principal residence exemptions: most countries exempt gains on your primary home (UK, Canada, Australia, USA — up to $250,000/$500,000 exclusion); (2) Holding period discounts: France reduces property CGT with long holding periods (100% exempt after 22 years for income tax portion); Germany exempts property held 10+ years; Australia provides 50% discount after 12 months; (3) Higher rates for residential property: UK charges 24% on residential property but only 20% on shares; (4) Some countries separate the tax category: Switzerland has no CGT on shares but does charge cantonal property CGT; Cyprus has no CGT on shares but charges 20% on Cyprus property.

Disclaimer:This guide provides general tax information for educational purposes only. CGT rates and rules change frequently — the UK made significant changes in October 2024; Canada changed inclusion rates in 2024. Always consult a qualified tax professional before making investment or relocation decisions based on CGT rates.

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