Seychelles Capital Gains Tax Guide: 0% CGT, No Separate Tax 2026
Seychelles does not impose a separate capital gains tax (CGT). Capital gains on shares, securities, and financial instruments are taxed at 0%. Gains from the sale of real estate and business assets may be treated as ordinary income subject to standard PIT or CIT rates. Here is how capital gains are treated in 2026.
Capital gains taxation in Seychelles is unique: there is no standalone CGT regime. The Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC) treats most capital gains as ordinary income if they arise from a business or speculative activity, while passive investment gains on financial assets are effectively tax-free. This makes Seychelles an attractive jurisdiction for investors compared to regional peers — Mauritius does not tax capital gains either, and Reunion (France) taxes gains at progressive income rates. Property tax guide →
Real-world example: An individual sells shares in a Seychelles company for SCR 500,000, realising a gain of SCR 200,000. Since Seychelles does not tax capital gains on shares, the tax is SCR 0. A property investor sells a rental apartment for SCR 2,000,000, realising a gain of SCR 500,000. If this is a one-off sale, the gain may be treated as a capital receipt (not taxable). If the individual is in the business of buying and selling property, the gain is treated as business income and taxed at PIT rates (0-30%). Investment income tax →
Capital Gains Treatment
- Shares and securities: 0% — gains on sale of shares, bonds, and other financial instruments are not taxable
- Real estate (personal): Generally not taxable if a one-off sale of personal residence. Gains from frequent property trading are treated as business income
- Business assets: Gains on disposal of business assets are treated as ordinary income and taxed at CIT rates (25%) or PIT rates (0-30%)
- Cryptocurrency: Treated as either capital gain (0% for long-term investment) or business income depending on trading frequency and intent
The absence of a separate CGT means taxpayers must carefully consider whether a gain is capital (not taxable) or revenue (taxable). The distinction depends on factors such as frequency of transactions, holding period, and intention at time of acquisition.
Real Estate Gains
Gains from the sale of real estate in Seychelles are treated as follows:
- Primary residence: Gain on sale of main home is generally not taxable (capital in nature)
- Investment property (single sale): May be treated as capital gain (not taxable) if held long-term
- Property development/trading: Gains treated as business income — taxed at PIT rates (0-30%) for individuals or CIT (25%) for companies
- Holding period: Longer holding periods strengthen the argument that the gain is capital in nature
Stamp duty of 0.5% applies on property transfers regardless of whether the gain is taxable. See property tax guide for transaction costs.
Exemptions and Reliefs
- Shares and securities: 0% tax on all share disposals — both listed and unlisted
- Personal assets: Gains from sale of personal use assets (vehicles, jewellery, art) are generally not taxable
- Inheritance and gift: No CGT on assets received through inheritance or gift
- Primary residence: Gain on sale of main home is generally exempt
Do non-residents pay tax on Seychelles asset sales?
Non-residents selling Seychelles shares generally face 0% tax. Non-residents selling Seychelles real estate may be subject to tax if the gain is treated as Seychelles-source income. The SRC examines whether the non-resident has a taxable presence or is engaged in a business activity in Seychelles.
Is there really no CGT on shares?
Yes. Seychelles does not tax capital gains on the sale of shares, bonds, or other securities for either residents or non-residents. This applies to both listed and unlisted securities. This makes Seychelles an attractive jurisdiction for holding and trading investments, alongside Mauritius which has a similar approach.
How are capital gains reported?
Capital gains that are not taxable do not need to be reported. If a gain is treated as business income, it must be declared in the annual tax return (individual March 31, corporate June 30). Taxpayers should maintain records of all asset acquisitions and disposals.