How capital gains tax works in Malaysia
Malaysia does not have a broad personal capital gains tax regime. For individuals, gains on many assets such as listed shares, funds, crypto and collectibles are generally not taxed as capital gains, although real property can still fall under RPGT.
Real Property Gains Tax applies to gains on real estate and shares in real property companies. For citizens and permanent residents, RPGT can fall to 0% after the fifth year on some disposals, but non-citizens and some companies still face 10% after year six.
Companies, LLPs, co-operatives and trust bodies face a separate capital gains tax on unlisted shares in Malaysian companies and section 15C shares. The standard rate is 10% on net gains, while a 2% gross disposal option may apply to shares acquired before 1 January 2024.
Tax rates at a glance
- Personal capital gains tax
- 0%No broad CGT
- RPGT
- 0% - 30%
- Corporate CGT
- 10%
- Gross disposal option
- 2%
- Foreign capital asset gains
- 24%
Who benefits most
These profiles tend to benefit most when the rules match their real residence, payroll and business setup.
InvestorsFoundersCrypto holdersProperty ownersFamily offices
Watch out for
- { "Most people searching for Malaysia capital gains tax actually need two different rules": "RPGT for property and CGT for unlisted shares held by companies and other entities." }
- Budget 2026 proposed widening the list of disposal events for CGT and extending the foreign capital asset exemption window to 2030, but those changes still depend on enactment.
- Gains that are revenue in nature can be taxed as ordinary income instead of CGT, so the label on the contract is not the only thing that matters.
Frequently asked questions
Does Malaysia have capital gains tax?
Not as a broad personal tax. Malaysia does have RPGT on real property and shares in real property companies, plus a separate CGT regime for unlisted shares held by companies and similar entities.
Are stock gains taxed in Malaysia?
Listed share gains are generally not taxed as capital gains for individuals, but unlisted-share disposals can trigger corporate CGT if the seller is a company, LLP, co-operative or trust body.
Are crypto gains taxed in Malaysia?
There is no broad personal CGT on crypto, but the facts matter. Trading-like activity can be treated as income, and banks or exchanges may still ask for source-of-funds records.