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Hub · EuropeEuropean employee equity — the instrument guide
European equity isn't one thing — it's a different instrument in every country, with different tax and different rules on whether you can sell. Start with what you actually hold.
By country & instrument
- France — BSPCE — the founder/early-employee warrant, its tax treatment and what happens when you leave.
- Germany — VSOP — virtual/phantom shares, why they're common, and how (and when) they pay out.
- UK — EMI options — the tax-advantaged scheme, qualifying vs disqualifying events, and CGT/BADR.
- Netherlands — STAK — depositary receipts, the split between economic and voting rights, and transferability.
Liquidity & the sell decision in Europe
- How employee-equity liquidity works in Europe — the realistic routes, and why they differ from the US.
- Getting liquidity from European startup equity — the overview for founders and ex-employees.
- Should I sell my VSOP or BSPCE? — whether a sale is even possible for what you hold.
Frequently asked questions
Can European startup employees sell their equity like in the US?
Why is European employee equity so different from US stock options?
Get the numbers before you decide
Free, no sign-up: estimate what your stake is worth, the cost to exercise, and whether you can sell.
Value my equity (free) → · All free tools → · Glossary →
When you're ready to go deeper, there's an optional Equity Toolkit and Report.
Read next
Should I sell VSOP/BSPCE? · Liquidity in Europe · EU unicorns · Equity A–Z glossary
Sources & further reading
Primary references: IRS, US SEC / Investor.gov, gov.uk / HMRC and national authorities, cross-checked against our PTS Open Framework. General information, not advice.
Educational information only — not financial, tax or legal advice, and not an offer to buy or sell any security. Your own documents and local law govern your situation. PrivateTechShares is independent and not a broker or marketplace.