Some countries do. They treat you as if you sold certain assets on the day you leave, and tax the gain built up while you lived there. These rules often target shares, especially significant holdings in companies.
How exit taxes tend to work
- The trigger is ceasing to be tax resident.
- The tax is on the gain to date, even though you have sold nothing.
- Payment can often be deferred, sometimes only with security such as a pledge or bank guarantee.
- The deferred tax may fall due if you later sell, receive dividends or move again.
Rules differ widely. Some countries have none, and others cover pensions or other assets too.
Two examples
Norway. The Norwegian Tax Administration says its exit tax covers shares, fund units and some other financial assets. When you move abroad, the first NOK 3 million of net latent gain is deducted and the excess is taxed. Outside the EEA, losses are ignored. You can pay at once, pay in instalments or defer, and deferral generally needs security for moves outside the EEA. You must also confirm your position each year.
The Netherlands. The Dutch Tax Administration says that on emigration, shares forming a substantial interest are treated as sold. It issues a protective assessment for the tax. If you move outside the EU, you must provide security. Payment can fall due if you sell the shares, receive a dividend or the company ends.
Plan before you move
Check the rules well before your departure date. The date you cease to be resident matters, so read I've moved to Dubai. Why does my old country still say I'm resident? as well.
An example
Erik, a Norwegian founder, owns most of a software company and plans to move to Dubai. His shares have risen well above what he paid. Before he leaves, he works out the gain, asks about deferral and the security he would need, and diarises the annual confirmation. He then sets his moving date with the tax in view.
Quick questions
Does an exit tax apply only to company owners?
Not only, though shares are a common focus. Each country sets its own list of assets and thresholds.
If I defer the tax, does it go away?
Not necessarily. Deferred tax can become payable on later events such as a sale or a dividend, under that country's rules.
Sources: Norwegian Tax Administration: Exit tax; Belastingdienst: Protective assessment in the case of emigration.
General information as at October 2026, not advice. The examples are fictional and simplified, and the rules have conditions and exceptions not covered here. Take advice on your own circumstances, in each country involved, before acting.