Capital Gains Tax: Frequently Asked Questions
Capital gains tax (CGT) on investment, property, and crypto profits varies enormously across jurisdictions — from 0% in Singapore, Switzerland, and most zero-tax countries, to 40%+ in some European systems. The CGT regime often matters more than the income-tax regime for investors.
Data as of 2026. Sources: OECD, PwC, KPMG, Tax Foundation. Not advice.
Which countries have no capital gains tax?
TaxAtlas tracks 24 jurisdictions with 0% CGT for individuals: Anguilla, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Georgia, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Isle of Man, and Jersey. Each has specific carve-outs — short-term trading is sometimes treated as business income, real-estate CGT can apply even where general CGT doesn't.
Does Singapore have capital gains tax?
No CGT on capital gains in Singapore. The catch: if your activity looks like trading rather than investing, gains can be treated as business income and taxed at progressive rates. The IRAS "badges of trade" test determines characterisation.
Is Switzerland really 0% CGT?
For individual investors holding listed securities, yes — federal CGT for private capital gains is zero. But Switzerland has wealth tax (cantonal) and dividend/interest income is fully taxed. Real estate is taxed at the cantonal level when sold.
How does CGT work for crypto?
Treatment varies widely. Some countries (Portugal historically, Germany after 1-year hold, Singapore for personal use) exempt crypto gains. Others (US, UK, Australia, Japan) tax crypto as property or income. Zero-tax countries generally have 0% on crypto. Always check current rules — crypto taxation is changing fast.
Do holding periods matter?
In many countries yes. Germany: 1-year hold exempts private securities sales. Australia: 50% CGT discount after 12 months. US: long-term (1+ year) rates of 0/15/20% vs short-term ordinary rates. Plan around holding periods where they matter.
How does CGT interact with treaty residency?
Most OECD model treaties give CGT taxing rights to the country of residence at the time of sale — with real estate as the main exception (taxed where the property is located). Moving residence before a sale can change which country taxes the gain — subject to exit-tax rules.
What's an exit tax?
A tax triggered when you cease tax residency, treating you as if you sold your assets at market value on the way out. Common in: France, Germany, Norway, Canada, the Netherlands, the US (for "covered expatriates"). Plan around exit tax before changing residency — often the biggest single tax bill of a move.
Are losses deductible?
In most countries yes — but only against capital gains, not against ordinary income (with limited exceptions). Carry-forward of unused losses is usually allowed for several years. Wash-sale and similar anti-abuse rules can block harvest-then-rebuy strategies.
Need help turning the data into a plan?
TaxAtlas covers the rates and rules. For the personal side — exit planning, residency strategy, business structure, or filings — request a response and we'll point you to relevant research or a vetted specialist.
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