The taxman moves your number.
Two countries, the same pot, very different freedom. A capital-gains tax charges you when you sell. A wealth tax charges your pot just for existing — and across an exit that runs for decades, that difference is enormous.
Where You Live
A 3.33% draw before any tax.
Same life, two countries
Taxed when you sell
€900k
Capital gains only — no wealth tax.
Taxed for existing
€1.3M
+1.0% a year on the whole pot.
That 1.0% a year means €385,714 more to save — 1.4× the pot for the same life. That’s the difference a border makes.
These are shapes, not countries. The real rules, country by country: The Europe atlas
Illustrative only — not tax advice, and not current rates. Wealth taxes, capital-gains rates and exit taxes vary by country and region and change often; check properly, and talk to a professional, before you move anything or anyone. The point here is the shape of the problem, not the number.
Regime presets last checked: July 2026 — tax rules move with national budgets.
The link carries these exact numbers — nothing about you is stored.
Nothing here is financial or investment advice — it’s arithmetic and education. Every tool runs in your browser; nothing you type is sent anywhere or saved. Decisions about your money are yours, ideally with a licensed adviser. I’m happily not one.
Bring me a challenge.
The Exit Audit, then ninety minutes: a straight verdict, real alternatives with their pros and cons, and your first move. If you want someone to nod along, I’m the wrong person to pay.