Talking about gold often evokes safety, tradition, and a safe-haven value. But as soon as taxation comes into play, the brilliance of the yellow metal quickly fades… especially in France. Investors know it well: buying or selling gold on the other side of the Jura mountains is anything but a golden path. Yet, just a few kilometers away in Switzerland, a completely different fiscal tune is being played.
🇫🇷 In France: Taxation that weighs heavy
In the Hexagon, gold taxation resembles a true administrative labyrinth. Capital gains can be taxed up to 36.2% of the profit — a significant portion for those hoping for a solid return. Furthermore, the famous precious metals tax of 11.5% adds an extra layer of complexity.
The rules differ depending on the type of gold held:
- Investment gold (bullion, listed coins): Subject to a flat-rate tax on capital gains, unless exempt after a holding period of more than 22 years.
- Collector’s gold: Taxed more severely, often without the possibility of deducting losses.
This system, considered a deterrent, pushes many buyers to look toward more favorable horizons. And it must be admitted: European competition certainly doesn’t hesitate to shine a little brighter.
🇨🇭 In Switzerland: Simplicity is the law
Conversely, Switzerland cultivates a much more serene relationship with gold. Here, there is neither tax on purchase nor on resale for coins and bullion. A true fiscal Eldorado! This incentive policy attracts not only local investors but also many French, Italian, and Belgian citizens, charmed by the clarity of the Helvetic system.
However, everything is not entirely tax-exempt. Gold remains included in the calculation of wealth tax, which can represent an indirect charge depending on the municipality of residence. Swiss holders must therefore declare their gold holdings to the tax administration, even if it remains far less restrictive than in Paris or Rome.
📊 A comparative glance
| Country | Purchase Tax | Resale Tax | Wealth Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | Up to 11.5% | Up to 36.2% | No |
| Belgium | 0% | 0% | No |
| Switzerland | 0% | 0% | Yes (by municipality) |
💡 The little Swiss “plus”
Swiss banks go even further by offering secure bullion storage services. In exchange for reasonable custody fees, foreign investors can store their gold with total peace of mind, without risking the administrative hassles of their home country. This model, both pragmatic and attractive, has favored the emergence of numerous gold counters in Geneva, Zurich, or Lausanne.
✨ A golden summary
Between the French fiscal weight and the Swiss lightness, it is clear that gold does not shine the same way depending on which side of the border you are on. While France continues to tax its investors, Switzerland attracts precious metal enthusiasts with its stability, discretion, and much softer taxation. In short, a small piece of paradise for those who prefer to grow their gold… without the burden of paperwork.
