French Exit Tax on Crypto: Thresholds, Calculation, and Legal Strategies
Everything you need to know about the French exit tax: why crypto held directly is not subject to it, the cases where it applies (crypto held through a company), how it's calculated, deferral options, and legal strategies to manage it.
Written by Cheminaud Damien
Digital asset enthusiast
What is the French exit tax?
The exit tax (article 167 bis of the French Tax Code) is a tax on unrealised capital gains triggered when a French tax resident moves abroad. It applies to securities and company rights (shares, company stakes), not to crypto-assets held directly by an individual. The tax aims to prevent investors from relocating solely to avoid French taxation on gains built up while living in France.
Who is subject to the exit tax on crypto?
The exit tax applies to individuals who have been French tax residents for at least six of the ten years preceding their departure. It is triggered when the total value of your securities exceeds 800,000 euros, or when your holdings represent at least 50% of a company's social profits. Crypto held directly (on an exchange or a personal wallet) is outside the scope of article 167 bis; it is only indirectly concerned when held through a company, in which case it is the company's shares that count towards the threshold.
How the exit tax is calculated on crypto
The exit tax is calculated as if the securities concerned were sold on the day of departure: the difference between their market value on that day and your total acquisition cost. The applicable rate is the flat tax (PFU): 30% for 2025 gains (12.8% income tax and 17.2% social contributions), rising to 31.4% from 2026 (12.8% income tax and 18.6% social contributions). For 200,000 euros in unrealised gains, the 2025 exit tax would amount to 60,000 euros.
Deferral and exemption mechanisms
When relocating within the EU or EEA (or to a State that has signed a mutual recovery-assistance treaty with France), you obtain an automatic deferral of payment — the tax is calculated but not collected immediately. The income-tax portion is then relieved if you keep your securities: after two years if their value is below 2,570,000 euros, or after five years if it is 2,570,000 euros or above. Selling during the deferral period triggers immediate payment on the gains realised.
Legal strategies to manage the exit tax
Directly-held crypto is not subject to the exit tax, so these strategies concern company securities. Realising some gains before departure (paying the 30% flat tax) reduces the unrealised gain subject to the exit tax. Strategic timing of your departure date can optimise the calculation. Consulting a specialised tax advisor before moving is strongly recommended to structure your departure correctly.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is failing to declare the exit tax at all, which constitutes a tax offence. Another pitfall is selling crypto during the deferral period without notifying the French tax authorities, which triggers penalties. Finally, maintaining strong ties to France after departure (home, family, professional activity) can lead the authorities to challenge your change of tax residency entirely.
Legal strategies to minimize exit tax
Several strategies exist for the company securities concerned (directly-held crypto is not subject): realize gains before departure, split disposals, wait for the relief period, or choose an EU/EEA country for the automatic payment deferral.
Conclusion: plan ahead for a better departure
Exit tax should not be a barrier to expatriation, but it must be anticipated. Use Taxes Crypto to simulate different scenarios and optimize your departure timing.
Official legal sources
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for your personal situation.
Cheminaud Damien
Digital asset enthusiast
Cheminaud Damien is a digital asset enthusiast. He built Taxes Crypto to help European investors calculate and report their cryptocurrencies, drawing on each country's official tax sources. His content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional tax advice.
Digital assets · Taxation · DAC8 · MiCA
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