Belarus Capital Gains Tax Guide 2026

Belarus does not have a separate capital gains tax regime. Capital gains are included in ordinary income and taxed at the standard rates: 13% for individuals and 20% for companies. Certain exemptions apply including gains from the sale of a principal residence held for more than 5 years and shares held for more than 3 years. The Ministry of Taxes and Levies administers all CGT under the Tax Code.

Overview — CGT in Belarus

Belarus treats capital gains as ordinary income under the Tax Code. There is no separate CGT schedule or preferential rate for capital transactions. For individuals, gains from the disposal of assets are added to other income and taxed at the flat 13% IIT rate. For companies, capital gains are included in taxable profits and taxed at the standard 20% CIT rate. The gain is calculated as the difference between the disposal proceeds and the acquisition cost (plus allowable expenses). The tax year follows the calendar year, and gains are reportable in the year of disposal.

Individuals — 13% IIT Rate

Individuals pay tax on capital gains at the flat 13% IIT rate. The chargeable gain is calculated as: Sale proceeds minus (Acquisition cost + documented expenses of acquisition and sale). If the acquisition cost cannot be documented, a notional cost of 80% of the sale price may be used for certain assets. Allowable costs include the purchase price, legal fees, registration fees, and capital improvements. The gain is reported in the annual tax return due by 1 April of the following year. Gains from the sale of personal property (household goods, personal vehicles) may be exempt if the asset was held for more than 5 years.

Principal Residence Exemption

Gain from the disposal of an individual's principal residence is exempt from capital gains tax if the property has been owned and occupied for more than 5 years. If the property was held for less than 5 years, the gain is taxable at 13%. The 5-year rule applies to the main home only — additional properties (second homes, investment properties) are fully chargeable regardless of holding period. The exemption covers the building and the land on which it sits. Partial exemption may apply where the property was used partly as a residence and partly for business purposes.

Share Disposal — 3-Year Holding Exemption

Gains from the disposal of shares in Belarusian companies are exempt from tax for individuals if the shares were held for more than 3 years. This exemption applies to shares in open joint-stock companies (OAO) and closed joint-stock companies (ZAO) that are not listed on the Belarusian Stock Exchange. For shares held for less than 3 years, the gain is taxable at 13%. Gains from the disposal of shares listed on the Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange (BCSE) may also qualify for exemption under certain conditions. The 3-year rule does not apply to corporate shareholders — companies pay 20% CIT on all share disposal gains.

Companies — 20% CIT Rate

Companies include capital gains in their ordinary taxable income and pay the standard 20% CIT rate. There is no separate CGT computation for companies — capital gains and operating profits are aggregated. Capital losses may be offset against capital gains in the same year and carried forward for up to 10 years. The thin capitalisation rules (3:1 debt-to-equity) apply to financing costs related to asset acquisitions but do not directly affect CGT calculations. Companies must report all disposals of fixed assets and investments in their annual CIT return.

FAQs

How do I calculate my capital gain if I don't have the original purchase receipt?

If the acquisition cost cannot be documented, a notional cost of 80% of the sale price may be used for certain personal assets. For real estate, the cadastral value at the time of acquisition may be used. Professional advice is recommended for assets without clear cost records.

Can I offset capital losses against other income?

For individuals, capital losses generally can only be offset against capital gains in the same year. Unrelieved losses cannot be offset against salary or business income. For companies, capital losses may be offset against other income subject to certain restrictions.

Are gains from crypto trading taxable?

Yes, gains from cryptocurrency trading are treated as ordinary income and taxed at 13% for individuals (see the crypto tax guide for details).

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Belarusian capital gains tax for the 2026 tax year. Tax laws and rates may change. Always consult with a qualified Belarusian tax advisor or the Ministry of Taxes and Levies for advice specific to your situation. InvestmentKit does not provide tax advice.