Zollfreilager in Switzerland: VAT-free storage explained
How to use Swiss bonded warehouses to store silver and platinum without paying VAT.
At a glanceA Swiss Zollfreilager (bonded warehouse / duty-free freeport) represents the gold standard for secure, tax-optimized precious metals custody. Located in customs perimeters in Zurich-Embrach and Geneva Airport, these facilities allow investors to buy and hold silver, platinum, and palladium with 100% legal exemption from Swiss 8.1% VAT.
What is a Swiss Zollfreilager?
Bonded warehouses operate under the strict supervision of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS / BAZG):
- Statutory VAT Exemption: Bullion held in transit storage is legally outside the domestic Swiss fiscal territory.
- Maximum Security: Military-grade subterranean vault installations operated by global leaders like Loomis International and Malca-Amit.
- Direct Allocated Title: Investors retain full direct legal ownership of specific, serialized bars completely isolated from banking balance sheets.
Comparison: Home Storage vs. Swiss Bonded Freeport
| Feature | Home Delivery Storage | Swiss Bonded Freeport Vault |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss VAT | 8.1% paid upfront | 0% VAT (Legal exemption) |
| Insurance | Costly home rider required | 100% all-risk Lloyd's insurance included |
| Liquidity & Resale | Physical transport and testing delay | Instant 24/7 online trading at LBMA spot |
| Burglary Risk | Borne by homeowner | Entirely eliminated |
Physical Delivery Options
Owners retain the legal right to request physical delivery of their bullion at any time. When silver leaves the freeport into Switzerland, standard 8.1% VAT is assessed on the market value at customs clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions: Swiss Freeports
How much does bonded vault storage cost?
Annual all-inclusive vaulting fees (storage + insurance) via BullionVault run at approximately 0.48% per year for silver and 0.12% per year for gold.
Are bonded freeports fully legal and compliant?
Yes, they operate strictly within Swiss federal customs law and undergo daily inventory audits.
Buy Investment Gold in Switzerland (VAT-Exempt)
Buy and store physical gold in secure Zurich or Geneva vaults at direct live LBMA spot rates.