The three questions that decide everything
First: at what moment do you stop being resident in the old jurisdiction — on the date of departure, on a day count, or on your centre of vital interests. Second: does leaving trigger tax on unrealised gains. Third: at what value will the new jurisdiction accept your assets onto your books.
Crypto exit tax
A number of jurisdictions tax unrealised gains at the moment residency is lost — as though you had sold the portfolio at market value on the day you left. For crypto assets this hurts particularly: the tax arises with no cash flow behind it and has to be paid out of your own pocket. A move of this kind has to be planned a tax period ahead, not in December.
Standard mistakes
- Relocating on paper. Formal registration while keeping your home, family and business in the old country does not break residency, and the dispute is lost on the facts.
- Selling immediately after the move. If the break in residency is not properly documented, the income may be attributed to the old jurisdiction.
- Failing to fix cost basis. Without documentary evidence of value on the date of arrival, the new jurisdiction may calculate the gain from zero.
- Open prior years. Relocating does not erase obligations: if periods were never declared, start with disclosure, not with packing.
What we do
We calculate the tax cost of each relocation scenario, build the evidence base for the break in residency (documents, chronology, factual ties) and fix the value of the portfolio on the date of arrival so that the new jurisdiction accepts it without argument.
Frequently asked questions
Do I owe tax on relocating if I never sold anything?
In jurisdictions with an exit tax, yes: the loss of residency is treated as a disposal at market value. It has to be checked for the specific pair of countries.
Do old liabilities disappear after I move?
No. Liabilities for prior periods survive, and information exchange between revenue authorities makes discovery a matter of time.
What proves a break in residency?
A combination of facts: days present, housing, family, and your centre of business interests. A residence permit or registration alone is weak evidence.
Discuss your situation with a lawyer
Initial assessment of prospects is free. We reply within one business day, confidentially.
Calculating the tax cost of your move
Where you are moving from and to, the scale of the portfolio, and the timing — we will model the scenarios and identify the risks.
Submitting this form places you under no obligation. We reply within one business day and never share your data with third parties.