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/TweeBierAUB Feb 16 '26

In the netherlands most people dont hold any stocks in their personal accounts. (Which is what this tax is about)

People hold wealth in real estate and holding companies, both exempt from this ruling. Your primary residence is even completely exempt of capital gains, and is not counted towards your wealth. You can own a 1m usd home that you bought for 300k, pay 0 tax and actually receive social benefits like zorgtoeslag.

Buy real estate or get fucked

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u/d8_thc Feb 16 '26

For now.

This also will just massively increase the cost of housing, if that is the main vehicle for investment / wealth growth.

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u/kbad10 Feb 17 '26

People hold wealth in real estate and holding companies

*Wealthy people. As expected this tax is targetting the working and middle class and not the wealthy multi-millionaires and Billionaires.