Capital Gains Tax for Expats: A 20-Country Comparison

Capital gains tax (CGT) is one of the most variable taxes globally, and the country where you're tax resident when you sell determines your rate. A USD 100,000 gain on the same stock sale could cost you nothing in Singapore or USD 34,000 in Brazil.

The Global CGT Map

0% countries: UAE, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia (most gains), New Zealand (no general CGT), Belgium (most individual gains), Switzerland (private investors)

Low CGT (1-15%): Czech Republic (3-year hold = exempt), Turkey (equities generally exempt), Thailand (stock market gains exempt)

Mid CGT (15-25%): US (15-20% long-term), UK (10-24% depending on income and asset type), Germany (26.375% flat), Australia (50% discount for 1+ year holdings)

High CGT (25%+): France (30% flat PFU), Denmark (27-42%), Finland (30-34%), Brazil (15-22.5%), India (12.5% long-term, 20% short-term on listed securities)

Timing Your Sales

If you're planning to sell appreciated assets, the timing relative to your residency moves matters enormously. Selling USD 200,000 in stock gains while resident in Singapore (0%) versus France (30%) is a USD 60,000 difference. Some countries have anti-avoidance rules to prevent this — France's exit tax and Norway's 5-year trailing tax, for example — but many do not.

Cost Basis Rules

Different countries may calculate your gain differently. Some use the acquisition cost, others allow a "step-up" to the market value on the date you became resident. Understanding which cost basis applies in your residence country can significantly affect the taxable gain.

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