Best Countries to Store Gold: 13 Locations for Your Precious Metals

Last Updated on June 5, 2025

The two best countries to store gold, in my view, are Singapore and New Zealand. Of course you will need to determine what is right for your personal situation but these two countries are widely considered premier destinations.

Gold has been a store of value for thousands of years and nothing has changed. It is still an incredibly effective way to protect against downside risk and preserve capital.

But how deeply have you thought about the “store” part of store of value?

The decision as to where you store your gold is a close second to the decision to buy gold in the first place. It matters.

As the financial landscape becomes more uncertain, investors are turning to gold not just as an investment, but as financial insurance against the systemic risk inherent in the global monetary system. Gold has performed this role in every financial and political crisis in history.

Every jurisdiction carries some risk. Therefore it is wise to consider whether diversifying some of your gold holdings to another country makes sense.

The right storage location can significantly impact your security, privacy, accessibility, and tax implications. Somewhere that offers strong property rights protection, political stability, and financial privacy can be the difference between preserving wealth for generations and losing it overnight.

In this post, I’ll explore the world’s premier gold storage locations. I’ll consider what makes each location unique and it’s key benefits. But naturally it will be up to you to determine which might be right for your personal situation.

Whether you’re a seasoned gold investor or just beginning to consider offshore storage options, this post will provide the information you need to make an informed decisions about where to keep your gold.

Comparing International Gold Storage Options: What to Consider

Before we get into the specific countries and which is best, it’s crucial to understand the key factors that differentiate gold storage options around the world. Here’s what savvy investors evaluate when selecting the best country to store their gold.

1. Security Standards

The primary purpose of professional gold storage is security, but standards vary dramatically worldwide. Elite facilities employ multiple security layers including:

• 24/7 armed guards
• Advanced biometric access systems
• Seismic sensors
• Redundant surveillance systems
• Faraday cages to prevent electronic tampering
• Discrete, unmarked buildings or underground facilities

The world’s premier vaults often exceed the security standards of government facilities, with some built to withstand natural disasters or even military attacks.

2. Insurance Coverages and Limitations

Comprehensive insurance is non-negotiable for professional gold storage. The best facilities offer full replacement value insurance through Lloyd’s of London or other A-rated providers.

However, policies differ in coverage limits, exclusions, and the claims process. Always verify if your metals are insured during transit as well as storage, and understand any force majeure exclusions.

3. Accessibility and Liquidity

Consider how quickly can you access your gold. Some facilities offer 24/7 access with minimal notice, while others require appointments days or weeks in advance.

Similarly, facilities differ in their ability to arrange sales, transfers, or shipping. The best storage providers offer robust liquidity options, allowing you to sell metals or take delivery anywhere in the world without physically traveling to the vault.

4. Fee Structure

Storage fees may typically include:

• Setup/account opening fees
• Annual storage fees (flat fee or percentage of holdings)
• Fees for deposits and withdrawals
• Minimum account balances or storage requirements

Annual fees typically range from 0.5% to 2% of metal value, though some premium facilities charge more for enhanced services or security.

5. Privacy Regulations and Reporting Requirements

Privacy standards vary dramatically between jurisdictions. Some countries maintain strong financial privacy traditions with limited reporting requirements, while others participate in automatic information exchange programs. Understanding local privacy laws and how they interact with your home country’s reporting requirements is essential.

6. Geopolitical Considerations and Sovereign Risk

Political stability (or rather instability) is one of the main reasons people consider another country for gold storage. Even if your country does not seem particularly risky right now, it is prudent diversification.

While I don’t think that we are going to a repeat of the gold confiscation of the 1930s, that is a factor that understandably weighs on people’s minds and prompts the consideration of international options.

So if you are diversifying offshore to reduce sovereign risk then you probably want to think about the sovereign risk of where you store your gold. Ideally you want a country with:

• A track record of respecting property rights
• Rule of law and judicial independence
• No history of confiscation or extraordinary taxation
• Geopolitical security and neutrality
• Banking system stability

7. Storage Types: Segregated vs. Allocated vs. Unallocated

The specific storage method determines your legal rights to your gold:

• Segregated storage: Your exact bars/coins are stored separately, with serial numbers recorded. You have direct ownership of specific metal pieces.
• Allocated storage: You own specific gold, but it may be stored alongside others’ holdings. Your ownership is legally established but physical pieces may not be separated.
• Unallocated storage: You have a general claim on gold, but not specific bars/coins. This creates counterparty risk as you’re essentially a creditor of the storage provider. This is often offered as a way to buy gold is smaller units that a whole coin. It serves its purpose well for the beginner but not for the large stacker.

Always understand exactly which type of storage you’re using and the legal implications for ownership. The best is to make sure you have both allocated and segregated storage.

How to Choose the Best Country to Store Your Gold

Selecting the ideal jurisdiction for your gold storage is a personal decision that should align with your specific goals and circumstances.

Here are some things you might think about and some prompts to help you make a decision. But ultimately it’s up to you.

1. Evaluate Your Personal Risk Profile

Begin by honestly assessing what risks concern you most:

• Are you primarily worried about confiscation in your home country?
• Is financial privacy your main concern?
• Are you preparing for currency collapse or banking system failure?
• Are you concerned about physical security in your region?

Your specific concerns should drive your jurisdiction selection. Someone worried about domestic confiscation needs different solutions than someone primarily concerned with banking system stability.

2. Consider Your Citizenship and Tax Residency

Tax treatment of precious metals differs worldwide. Your citizenship and tax residency influence your reporting and tax obligations.

Some jurisdictions charge VAT or sales tax on purchases, while others impose wealth taxes on holdings or taxes on capital gains. Understanding the comprehensive tax picture and any tax treaties with your home country is vital before selecting a storage location.

For many countries it doesn’t matter where the assets are held, the obligation still remains. Make sure you seek professional tax advice.

3. Diversification Across Multiple Jurisdictions

The most robust protection comes from diversification across multiple storage locations. Consider splitting holdings between:

• A domestic location for emergency access
• A stable international jurisdiction with strong legal protections
• A more remote jurisdiction as ultimate insurance

This approach provides redundancy and protection against jurisdiction-specific risks.

4. Due Diligence on Storage Providers

The specific storage company often matters more than the country itself. Before entrusting your wealth to any provider:

• Research their ownership structure and financial stability
• Understand their specific security protocols
• Verify their insurance coverage with the underwriter
• Check independent audits and certifications
• Visit facilities in person when feasible

5. Verification and Audit Processes

Regular verification that your gold actually exists where it should is non-negotiable. The best storage programs offer:

• Independent third-party audits at least annually
• Client ability to audit/view holdings in person
• Real-time inventory tracking systems
• Bar lists with serial numbers for allocated storage
• Transparent chain of custody documentation

6. Exit Strategies and Repatriation Considerations

Always plan for how you might exit a storage arrangement before entering it. Consider:

• Procedures and costs for taking physical delivery
• Options for transferring to another facility
• Selling options through the storage provider
• Transport and customs issues for cross-border movement
• Potential exit taxes or restrictions in the jurisdiction

Now, let’s explore the best countries to store gold in and what makes each unique.

13 Best Countries To Store Gold

1. Singapore: Asia’s Precious Metals Hub

Singapore has rapidly emerged as “the Switzerland of Asia,” offering a compelling combination of political stability, regulatory clarity, and tax advantages that make it particularly attractive for gold investors.

It is my preferred location for storing precious metals. Specifically, I have chosen BullionStar.

Compared to many places around the world Singapore has low sovereign risk. Singapore’s legal system, based on British common law, provides strong protection for property rights and has demonstrated consistent respect for wealth stored within its borders. It is politically and financial stable with strong respect for the rule of law.

For investors seeking Asian exposure with world-class security standards, Singapore represents an ideal combination of accessibility, security, and favourable regulations.

One of Singapore’s advantages is its tax treatment of precious metals. Investment-grade gold, silver, and platinum are exempt from the country’s Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Read More: Best Gold Storage in Singapore

Read More: BullionStar Review

2. New Zealand: Remote Security in an Uncertain World

For investors concerned about global instability, New Zealand offers a compelling combination of geographic isolation, political stability, and strong property rights. Located far from the world’s geopolitical hotspots, New Zealand provides physical security through sheer distance from potential conflicts.

New Zealand is my second most favoured gold storage location and in my view is complimentary to an option like Singapore.

The country’s stable parliamentary democracy and British-based legal system have created a reliable environment for wealth storage with consistent respect for property rights.

New Zealand’s advantages extend beyond physical security to broader wealth protection strategies. The country offers residency-by-investment programs that can complement precious metals storage with personal relocation options – creating a comprehensive “Plan B” for those concerned about instability in their home regions. New Zealand has increasingly become a favoured bolthole for wealthy expats due to its remoteness.

The primary disadvantages include the logistical challenges of accessing a remote location and a smaller precious metals marketplace that may affect liquidity compared to major financial centres. However, for those prioritizing geographic diversification and ultimate catastrophe insurance, these trade-offs are often seen as acceptable.

Read More: Best Gold Storage in New Zealand

3. Switzerland: The Historic Gold Storage Gold Standard

When it comes to precious metals storage, Switzerland has always been the traditional favourite, although Singapore has emerged as a serious contender and arguably the better option.

Switzerland’s reputation isn’t by accident – it’s built on centuries of political neutrality, financial stability, and an unwavering respect for private property rights.

Despite some erosion of banking secrecy in recent years, Switzerland maintains exceptionally strong property rights protections that extend to precious metals holdings. The Swiss legal system draws a clear distinction between bankruptcy of a storage provider and the client assets they safeguard – your gold remains your property, not part of a bankruptcy estate.

For non-residents, Switzerland offers straightforward access with minimal regulatory hurdles. However, the country does participate in certain automatic information exchange programs, making it less private than in previous decades. Nevertheless, for pure security and stability, Switzerland remains a solid choice.

4. United States: Domestic Options with International Standards

While international storage often receives more attention, the United States offers sophisticated domestic storage options that meet international security standards while providing unique advantages for US citizens and residents.

Delaware, Nevada, Texas, and Utah have emerged as premier storage locations within the US due to their favourable business environments and strong property rights protections. Delaware in particular offers significant privacy advantages, with limited reporting requirements for certain types of holdings.

For retirement investors, the US offers unique options through IRA-eligible gold storage facilities. These allow tax-advantaged precious metals ownership within regulated retirement accounts, providing both physical metal ownership and potential tax benefits.

US storage offers simplicity for American citizens by eliminating certain international reporting requirements that apply to offshore holdings. However, domestic storage doesn’t provide protection against domestic confiscation risks, or US-specific political instability – considerations that lead many Americans to diversify internationally despite the added complexity.

5. Cayman Islands: Tax-Advantaged Caribbean Storage

The Cayman Islands offers a unique value proposition for gold investors seeking financial privacy combined with tax efficiency in a stable, British Overseas Territory.

As one of the world’s premier offshore financial centers, the Cayman Islands has developed sophisticated infrastructure for wealth protection across asset classes. For precious metals, this translates to purpose-built storage facilities operated with discretion and security as primary considerations.

The jurisdiction’s most compelling advantage is its tax system – or rather, the lack thereof. The Cayman Islands imposes:

• No income tax
• No corporation tax
• No capital gains tax
• No withholding taxes
• No sales taxes or VAT

This creates a truly tax-neutral environment for storing and potentially trading precious metals.

For North American investors, the Cayman Islands provides geographic proximity while remaining outside US and Canadian legal systems.

The jurisdiction also enables integration with broader wealth management structures, including trusts, foundations, and private investment companies that can enhance both privacy and asset protection.

However, investors should note that the Cayman Islands does participate in certain automatic exchange of information programs, meaning that absolute privacy isn’t guaranteed, particularly for those from countries with aggressive tax enforcement.

6. Austria: Central Europe’s Secure Vault

Austria combines Germanic efficiency with a deep cultural affinity for gold ownership, creating a jurisdiction uniquely suited for precious metals storage. The country’s extraordinary political stability and central European location make it easily accessible while providing strong legal protections.

Vienna has emerged as a world-class gold storage hub, with facilities like Das Safe offering private, anonymous vault boxes that require no identification for certain sizes – a level of privacy increasingly rare in today’s financial system. Gold storage in Austria operates under the country’s traditional banking secrecy principles, with greater privacy protections than many EU counterparts.

A key advantage for European investors is that Austria charges no Value Added Tax (VAT) on investment gold, making it tax-efficient for both acquisition and storage. The Austrian legal system provides exceptional property rights protections, with a clear distinction between stored customer assets and the assets of storage providers.

For investors concerned about EU-wide financial regulations or banking system risks, Austrian private vaults offer an alternative outside the banking system while remaining within the European economic zone. This combination of accessibility, privacy, and security makes Austria particularly attractive for European investors seeking storage options without venturing too far from home.

7. United Arab Emirates: An Emerging Gold Storage Power

Dubai has transformed from a regional gold trading hub to global precious metals powerhouse in recent years. The UAE now offers world-class storage infrastructure combined with significant tax advantages and a strategic location bridging East and West.

Tax benefits include:

• No VAT on investment-grade precious metals
• No income or capital gains taxes
• No reporting requirements for many holdings
• Duty-free zones specifically for valuable goods storage

The UAE’s strategic location provides accessibility from Europe, Asia, and Africa, typically requiring less travel time than more remote secure jurisdictions. This central position also creates natural trading opportunities with both Eastern and Western gold markets.

For investors concerned about Western financial systems, the UAE offers meaningful diversification outside traditional financial centers while maintaining sophisticated infrastructure.

However, the region’s geopolitical complexities and relatively recent emergence as a wealth storage destination suggest complementing UAE storage with locations in more historically stable jurisdictions.

8. Canada: North American Security with Global Standards

Canada offers a compelling middle ground between domestic US storage and more exotic international jurisdictions. With a stable political system, strong property rights traditions, and sophisticated financial infrastructure, Canada provides security with familiarity for North American investors.

Major Canadian cities including Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa host world-class storage facilities operated by both specialized precious metals companies and major security firms.

For US investors specifically, Canadian storage provides meaningful jurisdictional diversification without the complexity of overseas arrangements. The geographical proximity allows for personal visits without intercontinental travel, while still achieving legal separation from the US financial system.

Canadian tax treatment for precious metals varies by province, but generally offers advantages compared to many US states, with certain investment-grade precious metals exempt from sales taxes. The stable Canadian banking system and currency provide additional layers of financial security.

9. Liechtenstein: The Private European Principality

The tiny principality of Liechtenstein combines the security advantages of Switzerland with added privacy benefits and its own unique sovereign status. This microstate of just 160 square kilometers (62 square miles) has built a sophisticated financial infrastructure that includes specialized precious metals storage.

Liechtenstein’s extraordinary political stability stems from its constitutional monarchy, with the same family ruling since 1719 – providing policy continuity few democracies can match. The principality’s neutrality and non-EU status (though it participates in the European Economic Area) provide independence from broader European financial regulations while maintaining accessibility.

For European investors seeking alternatives to Switzerland with comparable security but enhanced privacy and asset protection benefits, Liechtenstein represents an elite option despite its small size and limited recognition among mainstream investors.

10. Australia: Southern Hemisphere Safe Haven

Australia combines political stability, strong property rights protections, and sophisticated precious metals infrastructure with geographic isolation that provides natural security through distance from global hotspots.

The Perth Mint, owned by the Western Australian government, offers one of the world’s most comprehensive precious metals programs, including storage with a government guarantee backing the metal. This level of government backing is rare among storage programs globally and provides additional security comfort for many investors.

Beyond government facilities, Australia hosts numerous private vault options in major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. These range from traditional bank services to specialized precious metals depositories with varying security and accessibility options.

Australia’s stable legal system, based on British common law, provides strong property rights protections with clear recognition of titled ownership for stored precious metals. The country’s resource-focused economy and gold mining heritage create a natural affinity for precious metals that permeates regulatory approaches.

The primary disadvantages include relative geographic isolation for non-Pacific investors and Australia’s comprehensive tax reporting systems, which provide less financial privacy than certain alternative jurisdictions.

11. United Kingdom: Traditional Financial Center Security

London has served as the heart of the global gold market for centuries, and despite changes in the international financial landscape, continues to offer sophisticated infrastructure for precious metals storage.

The city hosts numerous storage options ranging from traditional bank vaults to specialized facilities, many built around the needs of the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and its good delivery system. These facilities maintain exceptional security standards with the backing of London’s financial infrastructure.

The UK’s primary advantages include:

• Liquid local precious metals markets with global connectivity
• The London Gold Fix pricing mechanism centered in the city
• Sophisticated insurance markets through Lloyd’s of London
• Strong legal system with centuries of precedent regarding property rights
• Deep expertise in wealth management and metals handling

Post-Brexit, the UK maintains its own regulatory framework distinct from the EU, creating both challenges and opportunities for international investors.

For investors already maintaining financial relationships with UK institutions, integrating precious metals storage can provide synergies with broader wealth management strategies. However, the UK’s participation in automatic information exchange programs and historical willingness to implement currency controls during crises suggests complementing UK storage with more private jurisdictions.

12. Hong Kong: Gateway to Asian Markets

Hong Kong occupies a unique position as a meeting point between East and West, with financial infrastructure reflecting both Chinese and British influences. Despite recent political changes, Hong Kong maintains sophisticated precious metals storage options with strong security protocols.

The jurisdiction’s primary advantages stem from its position as a gateway to Asian gold markets, particularly mainland China. This creates exceptional liquidity opportunities, with the ability to access the world’s largest gold-consuming market directly. Storage facilities range from traditional Chinese gold banks to modern international security companies with purpose-built vaults.

Hong Kong’s legal system, though evolving, continues to provide strong property rights protections based on British common law traditions. For metals stored in Hong Kong, ownership rights remain clearly established with strong distinction between customer assets and custodian assets.

However, changing political dynamics between Hong Kong and mainland China create uncertainty that may affect long-term storage decisions. Many investors now view Hong Kong as a trading hub rather than a permanent storage location, often complementing Hong Kong positions with metals held in more politically stable jurisdictions like Singapore.

13. Germany: Central European Economic Powerhouse

Germany combines economic might with a cultural affinity for precious metals ownership.

The German population maintains one of the highest per-capita private gold ownership rates globally, reflecting deep cultural skepticism toward fiat currency systems after the Weimar hyperinflation disaster.

Major cities including Frankfurt, Munich, and Hamburg host sophisticated storage infrastructure ranging from traditional bank vaults to specialized precious metals facilities. These combine Germanic precision with extraordinary physical security measures including multi-ton doors, seismic sensors, and comprehensive surveillance.

German storage offers significant advantages for European investors:

• No Value Added Tax (VAT) on investment-grade gold bullion
• Strong property rights with clear legal protection
• Strict privacy and data protection laws
• Central location with excellent transportation connections
• Anonymous purchase options under certain thresholds
• Options outside the banking system for those concerned about financial institution risks

The country’s remarkable political stability and economic strength provide additional security, with Germany serving as the anchor of the Eurozone financial system. The Bundesbank maintains one of the world’s largest official gold reserves, demonstrating institutional commitment to precious metals as a financial foundation.

For investors concerned about European monetary stability but wanting to maintain assets within Europe, German storage offers a compelling compromise between accessibility and security.

Conclusion

As we’ve explored, the best country to store gold ultimately depends on your unique circumstances, concerns, and goals. For me, Singapore and New Zealand are the best options. New Zealand is remote and stable, Singapore is the modern powerhouse with the best infrastructure.

When making this crucial decision, remember that diversification across multiple storage locations often provides the most robust protection. The experienced investor rarely puts all their precious metals in a single jurisdiction, instead creating redundancy that protects against location-specific risks.

Take action now to evaluate your current storage arrangements against the criteria discussed. The time to implement secure storage solutions is before crisis strikes, when options remain plentiful and transportation pathways open. Whether you’re securing a small collection or substantial holdings, the peace of mind that comes with proper international diversification is invaluable in today’s uncertain world.