Can You Own Gold in Switzerland?

Switzerland’s stable economy and privacy laws draw gold investors. But can you own gold in Switzerland?

Moreover, this guide covers legal rules, tax implications, storage choices, and steps to hold gold safely.

Legal Requirements for Swiss Gold Ownership

First, Switzerland imposes few barriers to owning gold:

  • No residency or permit is needed.
  • Dealers require valid ID for identity checks.
  • Also, purchases above CHF 10,000 must be reported at Customs.

Forms of Gold You Can Own

Next, choose among these options:

  • Bars: From 1 g up to 1 kg Good Delivery bars.
  • Coins: Swiss Vreneli and popular global bullion coins.
  • Allocated Accounts: Bank accounts backed by specific bars or coins.
  • Digital Notes: Certificates representing Swiss-refined gold.

Registering and Declaring Your Gold

Besides that, you must register and declare your holdings:

  • Declare purchases over CHF 10,000 when leaving Switzerland.
  • Keep invoices and assay certificates for proof.
  • Also record each bar’s serial number.

Tax Rules for Gold Owners

Additionally, know the Swiss tax rules:

  • No VAT on investment-grade gold (≥ 99.5% purity).
  • No capital gains tax on private bullion sales.
  • However, frequent trading could trigger an income tax review.

Storage Choices for Swiss Gold Ownership

Then, consider where to keep your bullion:

  • Allocated Vaults: Specific bars or coins under your name.
  • Unallocated Vaults: Shares of pooled holdings.
  • Safe Deposit Boxes: Bank boxes for smaller amounts.
  • SWP Cayman Services: Premium vaulting with audit rights.

Selling or Moving Your Gold

Moreover, you can sell or transfer easily:

  • Sell back to the original or a competing dealer.
  • Also sell through Swiss banks or the Zurich Bullion Exchange.
  • Transfer via direct vault-to-vault services.
  • Finally, export by declaring to Customs.

Conclusion & Next Steps for Owning Gold

Now you know you can own gold with minimal restrictions in Switzerland. By following the rules and understanding taxes, you safeguard your investment.

Ready to store your gold securely? Learn more about SWP Strategic Wealth Preservation for top-tier vault solutions.