Services, clients and facilities

Home page > Additional information > Services, clients and facilities

Useful things to know about safe deposit boxes, bonded warehouses, storing precious metals, cash or cryptocurrencies and much more

This collection of articles provides you with comprehensive information on the different types of storage offered in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. Both these non-EU countries offer clients from Switzerland and prospective international clients many geographic and practical advantages, which can be explored here. This information is equally relevant for private clients, companies, institutions and high net worth individuals.

Find out the type of property and particular requirements for which private, non-bank safe deposit boxes are most suitable. You can also read about the most effective, tax-efficient way to store white precious metals. Are you looking for somewhere to deposit cash and/or cryptocurrencies securely and discreetly? Then you will also find relevant articles on that topic. All relevant information covering each of these themes can be found by simply clicking on a link:

The Gotthard region: safe storage of valuables

As early as the Middle Ages, and certainly during the Second World War, the Gotthard mountains in Switzerland proved to be an impregnable protective wall. Today, many former military bunkers in the mountain massifs now serve as highly secure depositories for precious metals and other valuables. Swiss Gold Safe’s own Gotthard vaults offer clients from all over the world private safe deposit boxes or warehouse facilities for individual custody.

Why choose a Swiss Alpine Vault?

History has consistently demonstrated that Switzerland’s rugged Alpine terrain is an impregnable barrier. Find out more about these unique geo locations, and learn why the country’s high-security vaults remain so attractive to international institutions and private investors. Also discover how the Swiss people, their political system, commitment to individual rights, reputation for absolute discretion and much more, have helped to forge Switzerland’s unrivalled reputation for fiscal stability.

Store gold safely in Liechtenstein

Due to their high-value density, gold investment products require a special level of protection. Swiss Gold Safe’s privately managed high-security facilities in the easily accessible Principality of Liechtenstein are ideal for this purpose. Bank-independent asset storage is also suitable for white precious metals and other assets. These facilities are insured, discreet, and guarantee that property-ownership will be preserved and respected.

Silver storage: Top precious-metal options

Anyone who wants to store or arrange the storage of physical silver must make a number of decisions. In our concise guide, we outline what you should consider and how you can even save on VAT and customs duties when storing silver, without ever compromising on security.

Private offshore vaults and their benefits

Precious metals such as gold or silver can be conveniently stored abroad in private offshore vaults. Switzerland or Liechtenstein are highly recommended locations for this purpose. Swiss Gold Safe offers its clients offshore private vaults with unique benefits. The focus is on security, discretion, independence from banks, and full protection of property.

Bank-independent storage of valuables

Bank-independent storage of precious metals or other valuables is possible via safe deposit boxes or segregated storage at Swiss Gold Safe in Switzerland or Liechtenstein. It is suitable for storing gold, silver, jewellery, cash, works of art or watches. Valuables storage can be used by private individuals and business customers alike and offers many advantages.

Bank-independent asset storage

Bank-independent precious metal or asset storage can be arranged with Swiss Gold Safe Ltd via safe deposit boxes or secure warehouse facilities in Switzerland or Liechtenstein. Such locations are suitable for storing gold, silver, jewellery, cash, works of art and much more. These facilities for the storage of valuables, which can be accessed by private clients and business institutions alike, offer many advantages.

Safe deposit box or bank-independent storage?

Which is better for storing precious metals, jewellery, cash, securities or crypto assets? A classic safe deposit box or a privately run, bank-independent high-security facility such as those offered by Swiss Gold Safe in Switzerland or Liechtenstein? No bank account is required, and there are no statutory reporting obligations to any authorities.

Rent a safe deposit box without a bank account? But how is that possible?

In today’s financial world, anyone who wishes to rent a bank safe deposit box anywhere within the EU will need to open a bank account for that purpose. This effectively creates a safe deposit box register. Alternatively, clients who wish to protect their personal data can rent safe deposit boxes from Swiss Gold Safe in Switzerland or Liechtenstein, which will thus be outside EU jurisdiction. Swiss Gold Safe Ltd. is a privately run company which operates outside the banking system and is also completely independent of precious-metal dealers. This arrangement requires no statutory reporting.

Safe deposit box or individual storage – A comparison of storage options

Different types of storage may be appropriate for storing assets and valuables according to your personal requirements and the values and quantities involved. For example, safe deposit boxes may offer certain advantages, or potential disadvantages, in comparison with individual custody arrangements. Our article provides you with information about various options for the proper, professional storage of physical valuables and offers a comparison of these two types of storage to help you decide.

Safe deposit boxes in Switzerland: costs and prices

International clients can rent bank-independent safe deposit boxes in Switzerland from the private storage company Swiss Gold Safe Ltd. Such arrangements do not involve opening a bank account. They are available in many sizes, without quantity limits, and your assets can be fully insured. Clients are not required to make content declarations, and there is no reporting to government agencies.

Rent a safe deposit box in Switzerland in five easy steps

At Swiss Gold Safe, clients from Switzerland and other countries can rent safe deposit boxes which are guaranteed bank-independent and tailored to their needs. Opening a safe deposit box can be completed in five simple steps. Our straightforward guide will show you how this works. In addition, our short explanatory video guides you through each individual step.

A safe deposit in Switzerland or Liechtenstein?

It’s very important to know your assets are safe. So, a safe deposit box can be a very good choice. But is it better to rent a safe deposit facility in Switzerland, or in Liechtenstein?

Safe deposit boxes for unbanked clients

Valuable assets such as precious metals, jewellery and cash are ideally stored in a safe deposit box. However, the available supply of bank safe deposit boxes has been declining for several years. In many cases, these are now reserved exclusively for existing customers. The practical alternative is a bank-independent safe deposit box for non-bank clients available from independent specialist providers in Switzerland or Liechtenstein.

The secure safekeeping of safe deposit keys

Clients often ask whether they can arrange to leave their safe deposit box key on-site at the safe deposit facility. Swiss Gold Safe cannot accommodate such requests for important security reasons. A viable alternative is to securely deposit your safe deposit box keys with external service providers. These depository services offer many advantages though there are also some disadvantages.

Safe deposit boxes in Liechtenstein: costs and prices

As a professional storage company, Swiss Gold Safe provides clients worldwide with facilities to deposit their valuables in private safe deposit boxes in the Principality of Liechtenstein. Bank-independent safe deposit boxes are available in many sizes and automatically include a basic insurance. No bank account in Liechtenstein or Switzerland is required to access these facilities. The contents of each safe deposit box are known only to the keyholder.

Store silver VAT-free in a bonded warehouse

When buying classic silver products or other white metals, investors have to pay the statutory value-added tax in the country of purchase. But if you plan to store it in a duty-free warehouse, you can immediately save on VAT when you buy your silver, and thus get more silver for your available capital. This can be achieved via a precious metal dealer, for example, or through the private storage provider Swiss Gold Safe in Zurich. Silver coins or bars are insured while in storage, and all stocks are monitored by Swiss customs.

Bonded warehouse: Asset storage in Switzerland

Investors wishing to invest capital in silver, platinum or palladium should be aware of the option to store these white precious metals in a Swiss bonded warehouse (ZFL). Value added tax and customs duties are only payable upon import from the bonded warehouse but not before. Purchases can be arranged via independent dealers in Switzerland who then deliver to your chosen bonded warehouse. Swiss Gold Safe can provide segregated storage.

Open customs warehouses (OCW) in Switzerland and Liechtenstein

Open customs warehouses (OCW) in Switzerland and Liechtenstein are an alternative to a duty-free warehouse (ZFL). These facilities are provided by private storage companies such as Swiss Gold Safe, who will assume responsibility for inspecting stored goods. OCW facilities are particularly suitable for storing platinum, palladium or silver, because they enable the VAT-free purchase and/or sale of white metals.

Storing cash as a private individual

Above a certain threshold, account balances may be subject to negative interest. So, as an alternative arrangement to prevent your assets shrinking year after year, you can choose to store your money at Swiss Gold Safe instead. Bank-independent safe deposit boxes are available in Switzerland and Liechtenstein for the purpose of storing cash – including 100% retention of ownership, and without any kind of counterparty risk.

Storing cash: Information for corporate clients

If they are to remain competitive and be able to service ongoing costs, companies need access to liquid funds at all times. Thus, it is important to protect company capital and avoid negative interest rates. Business clients can store unlimited amounts of cash in Swiss Gold Safe Ltd.’s high-security facilities in Switzerland. The advantages of this arrangement include: bank-independence, full insurance cover, and state-of-the-art property protection.

Keep your bitcoin and crypto assets safe

Our specialist article offers detailed information about the secure safeguarding of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies stored on hardware wallets, paper wallets, or USB sticks: Private access keys make it possible to secure and move your crypto assets. Swiss Gold Safe’s bank-independent safe deposit boxes in Switzerland or Liechtenstein are particularly suitable for this purpose.

Services for family offices and HNWI (high net worth individuals)

Swiss Gold Safe offers family offices and high net worth individuals (HNWI) bank-independent protection of precious metals, cash or other valuables in Switzerland. All storage locations are private high-security facilities not subject to state controls – such as CRS or FATCA. Our wealthy clients receive a comprehensive service package which includes in-depth advice.

Services for UHNWI (Ultra High Net Worth Individuals)

As a specialist storage company, Swiss Gold Safe can offer ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWI) bank-independent safe deposit boxes or asset depository facilities in Switzerland. These are suitable for the safe storage of cash or gold investment products as well as many other tangible assets. The service is complemented by a partner network of independent precious metal dealers, cash-in-transit logisticians, and art storage experts.

Secure alternative gold custodian & silver custodian services

Using a dealer or custodian bank to store gold and silver acquisitions may seem convenient. But how do these solutions compare with secure alternative gold & silver custodian services?

Choosing Swiss Gold Safe Ltd.

Depending on the arrangements you have agreed with your present storage provider, switching to Swiss Gold Safe can be a sensible move. Our article will enable you to compare prices and services. You will also discover how you can buy or sell precious metals, and how we can support you in reallocating your assets. A short introductory video summarizes the most important points.

FAQ – Answers to frequently asked questions

On this page you will find answers to some frequently asked questions about safe deposit boxes, other types of storage, and our various client services. You can also learn more about precious metals, physical investment products made of gold, silver, platinum or palladium, and precious metal securities.

Protect assets via safe deposit boxes or individual custody storage in Switzerland

High net worth individuals fear special surtaxes imposed as a consequence of financial crises or geopolitical incidents. In the past, many countries have introduced burden equalization measures in order to prevent state bankruptcies – but never in Switzerland. Swiss democratic independence prohibits such encroachments on private assets. So what options does the state offer for asset protection?

Flexible payment concepts at Swiss Gold Safe

Swiss Gold Safe offers bank-independent safe deposit boxes or allocated & segregated storage to secure your precious metals or other assets. This means you do not need a bank account and can use different payment methods for the fees. Accepted are cash in different currencies, various cryptocurrencies or even postal deposit slips.

Storing gold – an overview

Gold has a high value density, so investors should prioritise keeping their gold investments secure. Gold can be stored in various ways, though not all solutions offer an appropriate level of protection. The article compares the different storage options available at home, in a bank safe deposit box, and with a specialist provider. It also explains the differences between safe deposit boxes, collective storage and individual storage.

Collaboration between Swiss Gold Safe and Echtgeld means better service

Private investors value good in-house customer service which operates seamlessly. That’s why the specialist storage provider Swiss Gold Safe and the specialist retail expert Echtgeld have been working together so successfully for years. Clients can purchase precious metals and have them delivered direct to their storage location with the greatest of ease. And it’s just as easy to sell these gold and silver assets later.

A safe deposit box abroad as an alternative to a bank safe deposit box

Physical gold coins and bars are suitable for minimising risk within an investment portfolio. And for really secure storage, experts also recommend geographical diversification. A bank-independent safe deposit box in a safe jurisdiction such as Switzerland or Liechtenstein is very suitable for this purpose. So what potential advantages does this arrangement offer over a bank safe deposit box?

Discreet safe deposit boxes for cash in Switzerland or Liechtenstein

Many people use cash as an alternative to securing assets with jewellery or a precious metal holding. However, the theft risk is extremely high, so keeping cash at home is out of the question. High-net-worth individuals who value genuine privacy will discover bank safe deposit boxes have significant limitations. So a bank-independent safe deposit box for cash outside the EU represents an optimal solution.

Safe deposit boxes for precious metals with high-level discretion and anonymity

Gold coins and bars are the ideal tangible assets for wealth preservation. However, home-safe storage rarely offers sufficient protection. Meanwhile, those who choose storage in a bank safe deposit box must take into account the banks’ financial reporting obligations. Maximum discretion is only possible outside the EU with bank-independent safe deposit boxes in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Discreet storage via safe deposit boxes for jewellery

High-value assets such as gemstones, diamonds and other jewellery items require secure safekeeping and customised protective storage. Home safes cannot usually meet such criteria, while bank safe deposit box customers must accept financial reporting obligations and automated retrieval procedures. Only privately run safe deposit box systems in Switzerland and Liechtenstein can still offer the necessary level of business discretion.

Private safe deposit boxes for documents in Switzerland and Liechtenstein

Important documents and valuable assets are not suitable for keeping in a home safe, where the burglary protection is rarely adequate. Meanwhile, customers who value discretion feel let down by bank safe deposit box facilities. Privately run safe deposit boxes for documents in Switzerland or Liechtenstein are a practical alternative. These bank-independent storage solutions are both secure and discreet.

How to store luxury watches securely

In addition to precious metals and jewellery, many of today’s investors also include wristwatches in their investment portfolio. But these valuable timepieces need to be stored in a secure, climate-controlled environment to preserve their inherent value. Special safe deposit boxes for watches in Switzerland, which maintain ideal conditions all year round, are ideal for this purpose.

A safe deposit box authorisation gives contractual clients enhanced flexibility

Whenever safe deposit box owners are unable to manage content themselves, they can alternatively empower trusted individuals to handle the task. However, a power of attorney will be required to gain access to a safe deposit box in Switzerland or Liechtenstein. Swiss Gold Safe’s contractual partners can choose between individual or collective authorisation to effect this enhanced security option.

A comparison: Bank safe deposit box vs. bank-independent storage

At first glance, bank safe deposit boxes appear ideal for storing documents, precious metals, or cash, with geographical proximity being an especially practical consideration. However, upon closer inspection, bank safe deposit boxes in Switzerland also have some disadvantages. Bank-independent storage with a privately run company is a better alternative. Swiss Gold Safe in Liechtenstein and Switzerland offers discreet storage with no external reporting requirements.

Precious metals in flexible allocated & segregated storage

A safe deposit box can quickly become too small for storing precious metals. Flexible allocated & segregated storage in Switzerland represents a viable alternative. This option imposes no restrictive limits and fully protects a client’s original stored goods. Furthermore, this special form of storage offers many advantages over other methods such as gold certificates, precious metal deposits or dedicated investment accounts.

Asset storage

About us

Services, clients and facilities

Useful things to know about safe deposit boxes, bonded warehouses, storing precious metals, cash or cryptocurrencies and much more