Countries with an exit tax

Ceasing Australian residency triggers a deemed disposal of most non-Australian-property assets (CGT event I1), with an election to defer until sale.

Emigrating to a non-EU/EEA country triggers tax on unrealised gains on shares and similar assets; moves within the EU/EEA can be deferred until actual sale.

Moving abroad can trigger tax on unrealised gains on substantial holdings and, since 2026, on certain financial assets under the new capital gains rules.

Leaving Canada triggers a deemed disposition of most assets at fair market value (departure tax), excluding Canadian real estate and certain other assets.

Leaving Denmark triggers tax on unrealised gains on shares (and on certain pensions and securities), partly deferrable.

The exit tax applies when moving abroad with a securities portfolio over EUR 800,000 or a stake of 50%+ in a company; it is automatically deferred within the EU/EEA.

Leaving Germany after 7 of the last 12 years as a resident triggers tax on unrealised gains on shareholdings of 1%+ (Wegzugsteuer, §6 AStG), deferred for EU/EEA moves.

Ceasing to be an Israeli resident triggers a deemed disposal of assets, with tax on gains accrued while resident that can be deferred until actual sale.

Leaving Japan with financial assets over JPY 100 million (and 5+ years' residence in the last 10) triggers tax on unrealised gains, deferrable with a tax representative.

A conserving assessment on substantial-interest (5%+) shareholdings taxes unrealised gains when you emigrate, with deferral in some cases.

Emigrating individuals are taxed on unrealised gains on shares and financial assets above NOK 500,000, with the tax deferred if they move within the EEA, and dividends paid after leaving can face very high rates.

An exit tax of 19% applies to unrealised gains on shares and other assets above a PLN 4 million threshold when you move abroad.

Ceasing South African residency triggers a deemed disposal of worldwide assets (excluding local immovable property) and gains are taxed as capital gains; exchange-control approval is also needed to emigrate financially.

An exit tax applies to large shareholders (listed shares above about KRW 10 billion) who emigrate after 5 of the last 10 years as residents.

An exit tax on unrealised gains applies to shareholders with holdings above EUR 4 million (or EUR 1 million with a 25% stake), with possible deferral inside the EU.

Covered expatriates (net worth over USD 2 million, high average tax liability, or non-compliance) pay tax on unrealised gains above an exclusion when renouncing citizenship or long-term green cards.