Taxation of Gold and Silver in Switzerland: VAT, Wealth Tax & Declaration
All about precious metals taxes in Switzerland: VAT exemption (Art. 18 LTVA), wealth tax reporting and zero capital gains tax for individuals.
Key facts
- Investment Gold VAT
- 0% VAT (Art. 18 LTVA) for bars (≥995‰) and official coins
- Capital Gains Tax (Private)
- Exempt from capital gains tax for Swiss private individuals
- Wealth Tax
- Mandatory reporting at official Dec 31 rate (Federal Tax Admin)
- Silver VAT
- 8.1% VAT in Switzerland (Exempt in duty-free bonded storage)
At a glancePrecious metals taxation in Switzerland is among the most favorable worldwide for investors, but strictly follows rules regarding VAT and wealth tax reporting.
Zero VAT on Investment Gold: Under Article 18 LTVA, gold bars with a purity of 995‰ or higher and official legal tender gold coins are 100% exempt from Swiss VAT (0% VAT).
Zero Capital Gains Tax for Individuals: In Switzerland, capital gains realized from reselling gold or silver by private individuals resident in Switzerland are exempt from income and capital gains taxes (provided trading is private asset management).
Wealth Tax Reporting (Vermögenssteuer): Precious metals held on December 31 must be declared in annual tax returns. The Federal Tax Administration (ESTV) publishes official year-end valuations for gold, Vrenelis, and bars for cantonal wealth tax calculations.
Buy Investment Gold in Switzerland (VAT-Exempt)
Buy and store physical gold in secure Zurich or Geneva vaults at direct live LBMA spot rates.
Swiss VAT impact
Swiss VAT Impact (8.1%)
Investment Gold
Considered a currency, it is VAT-exempt in Switzerland (purity >995 for bars, or >900 for coins).
Silver / Platinum / Palladium
Considered industrial metals, they are subject to the standard VAT rate (8.1%).