Catenaa, Thursday, February 18, 2026- Lawmakers in the Netherlands voted last Thursday to advance legislation imposing a 36% capital gains tax on savings, equities and cryptocurrencies, including unrealized gains, marking one of Europe’s toughest proposed tax regimes on digital assets, according to the Dutch House of Representatives’ official tally.
The measure cleared the lower chamber with 93 votes, well above the 75 required. If enacted, the tax would apply to bank deposits, crypto holdings, most shares and interest-bearing investments. Investors could face levies on paper profits even if assets remain unsold.
The bill now heads to the Dutch Senate. Lawmakers are targeting implementation for the 2028 tax year.
Critics warn the proposal could prompt capital flight. Some investors argue high-net-worth individuals may relocate within the European Union to jurisdictions with lighter tax treatment. Market participants have circulated projections showing long-term portfolio values would drop sharply under the 36% levy compared with current rules.
The debate comes as Dutch crypto exposure through securities climbed to about €1.2 billion by October 2025, according to data from De Nederlandsche Bank. Holdings stood near €81 million at the end of 2020, with gains largely driven by rising digital asset prices rather than fresh inflows.
Even with the increase, crypto-linked securities account for roughly 0.03% of the Netherlands’ total investment market, suggesting traditional assets still dominate.
The Senate’s decision will determine whether the Netherlands adopts a policy that could reshape its standing as a fintech and digital asset hub within Europe.
