Last Updated: April 2026
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.
| 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 |
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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Transfer Sale Proceeds Internationally →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).
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.
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.
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).
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.