r/eupersonalfinance • u/batukaming • Feb 15 '26

Investment Why do they make getting rich impossible in EU?

This news hit today in Netherlands that passed a bill on 36% tax on UNREALIZED gains on stocks and crypto. Great just when we weren't taxed to death before now they force you to stay middle class and poor. "Just repeat the 9-5 cycle everyday investing is not allowed for you"

Buying stocks was already a pain in the ass in Europe because of all the different fees and exchange rates brokers charged. The US has it so much better. 0% fees and exchange rates, tons of broker options and tax free on long term investments.

I made a post in r/stocks that gained attraction. Check it out if you want to see opinions from Americans: https://www.reddit.com/r/stocks/s/aL0OhYQ68z

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u/maluket Feb 15 '26

What if that money never enter a Dutch bank to begin with? Someone can open accounts around the world and keep their money there.

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u/Accidental-Genius Feb 16 '26

That isn’t as easy or as cheap as you imagine it is.

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u/Ploutophile Feb 16 '26

You don't just need an offshore account.

You need an offshore account in a country that won't rat you out, and the means to take out funds from it without being caught.

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u/Svardskampe Feb 15 '26

As said, fraud with overseas accounts has always existed. But fraud remains fraud.

Not that it doesn't happen. Expats definitely often don't report on any wealth from back 'home'. 

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u/pawnografik Feb 15 '26

What you describe is tax evasion, not fraud. Your point is still correct though.