Private Vault Storage for Precious Metals: Compare Gold Vaults & Freeports
Independent directory of trusted private vault storage providers — from Brinks and Loomis to Freeports in Switzerland and beyond.
Looking to protect your gold, silver, or other precious metals with maximum security and discretion?
Explore secure, fully insured, and professionally managed gold vault storage options tailored for private investors, family offices, and institutions.
What Is Private Vault Storage?
How Private Vaults Differ from Bank Lockers
Private vault storage refers to non-bank facilities designed specifically to store high-value assets like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Unlike traditional bank safety deposit boxes, private vaults offer:
- Full operational independence from the banking system
- Greater access flexibility, including 24/7 or scheduled entry
- Transparent ownership structures and full legal title
- Optional anonymity and offshore arrangements
While banks prioritize financial services, private vault providers specialize in physical asset protection — offering superior infrastructure, advanced surveillance, and climate-controlled environments for precious metals.
Why Investors Choose Private Gold Storage
Investors who hold physical gold often seek storage that balances security, privacy, and control. Private vaults allow clients to:
- Diversify away from banking risk and systemic exposure
- Retain legal title over allocated or segregated holdings
- Protect wealth confidentially, especially in stable jurisdictions like Switzerland or Liechtenstein
- Store assets in geopolitically safe regions with strong private property laws
In an era of economic uncertainty and expanding regulation, private storage gives investors a secure, off-the-grid solution for long-term precious metals protection.
Secure, Insured, and Fully Owned Storage Solutions
Most professional vault providers offer fully insured storage, often underwritten by global insurers like Lloyd’s of London. Depending on the provider, clients may choose between:
- Allocated storage: specific metal bars or coins held in your name
- Segregated storage: physical separation of your holdings from others
- Gold lockers: secure, access-controlled safe deposit boxes
- Freeport storage: tax-free zones ideal for long-term wealth preservation
These solutions offer peace of mind for investors who prioritize direct ownership, physical access, and legal clarity over their metals — often with auditability, video access, and zero co-mingling.
Top Private Vault Storage Providers
Looking for a trusted and secure place to store your gold and precious metals in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, or Austria?
Below is a curated overview of established private vault storage providers, including globally recognized names and specialized regional operators. All providers listed here are non-bank facilities offering professional vaulting services to private individuals, wealth managers, and institutional clients.
Directory of Gold Vault Locations
Use the interactive grid below to explore trusted private vault storage providers in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria.
All listed companies offer secure gold storage solutions for private clients, investors, and institutions — including gold lockers, segregated vaults, and Freeport storage options.
Switzerland – Zurich, Geneva, Ticino
Switzerland remains the global benchmark for private gold storage, thanks to its political neutrality, strong property laws, and long-standing tradition in precious metals handling.
Key locations include:
- Zurich: Major hub for gold vault storage and home to Brinks, Loomis, and several Freeport facilities
- Geneva: Offers secure non-bank gold locker services and Freeport-based storage
- Ticino: Preferred by private clients and family offices for discreet, border-proximate storage
These regions offer everything from individual gold lockers to large-scale allocated and insured vault storage.
Liechtenstein – Discreet Gold Locker and Vault Options
Liechtenstein is ideal for clients seeking secure, confidential private vault storage in a stable European microstate with favorable asset protection laws.
Highlights include:
- Independent non-bank gold storage providers
- High-security vaults and lockers with Swiss standards
- Attractive jurisdiction for asset protection and estate planning
- Personalised services for HNWIs and wealth advisors
Austria – Vienna-Based Vaults and Logistics Providers
Austria offers well-regulated, centrally located gold vault storage with close ties to the broader EU region.
What to expect:
- Gold lockers and safe deposit boxes in Vienna
- Providers offering secure private vaults for bars, coins, and bullion
- Seamless logistics across EU borders
- Storage under Austrian legal framework with client-focused services
Each listing in our vault directory includes contact details, available storage types (e.g. gold locker, segregated vault, Freeport access), and whether the provider offers allocated or unallocated gold storage.
Types of Gold Storage Solutions
When choosing a private vault storage provider for your precious metals, understanding the types of storage offered is essential.
Whether you’re storing gold bars, coins, or bullion — selecting the right setup can impact ownership clarity, security level, and even tax implications.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common gold vault storage types available across Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria.
Allocated Gold Storage
Allocated storage means that specific gold bars or coins are assigned to you directly — under your name, with full legal title.
- No third-party claims — you own your metals outright
- Items are individually numbered and recorded
- Available in most high-security private vaults and gold lockers
- Ideal for long-term investors who value clear ownership and transparency
This type of storage is typically available in both vault space and personal gold locker formats.
Segregated Gold Storage
Segregated storage keeps your metals separate from other clients’ assets, even if it’s not individually assigned.
- Still physically isolated, often in sealed containers or lockers
- Popular among clients with mixed holdings or multiple metals
- Common in both vault storage facilities and Freeports
- Offers easier access and efficient audits
This storage is a preferred middle-ground between cost and clarity of control.
Gold Locker Storage (Safe Deposit Box Format)
A gold locker is a dedicated safe deposit box inside a private, non-bank vault — often accessed personally or via power of attorney.
- Full discretion and exclusive access rights
- Store coins, bars, or even documents and jewels
- Available in multiple sizes and pricing tiers
- Excellent for private clients, estate planners, and international holders
Gold lockers combine high security with a more personal, controlled format.
Freeport Storage for Gold & Precious Metals
Freeports — such as the well-known Zurich Freeport or Geneva Freeport — are customs-free zones offering long-term, tax-efficient storage for tangible assets.
- Often used by HNWIs, art collectors, and bullion investors
- Assets can be stored without triggering VAT or import duties
- Maximum discretion under tight security
- Only available through licensed partners
Note: Freeport access typically comes with higher storage minimums and may not suit small retail investors.
Each storage type has distinct benefits. Use our directory filters to choose a provider offering the gold locker, segregated vault, or Freeport solution that fits your needs — always with secure, insured private vault storage at the core.
How to Choose a Private Vault Storage Provider
Choosing the right private vault storage partner is about more than just security — it’s about finding a facility that matches your financial strategy, legal needs, and personal comfort.
Here are the key factors to consider:
Jurisdiction & Legal Protection
Where your precious metals are stored matters.
Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria each offer:
- Robust legal systems that respect private property
- Strong banking secrecy traditions (especially in Liechtenstein)
- Asset protection laws beneficial for estate planning and wealth preservation
Private vaults in these countries are outside the banking system, giving you more control and discretion.
Storage Type & Ownership Clarity
Ask whether the provider offers:
- Allocated or segregated gold vault storage
- Fully insured storage with direct ownership
- Options for gold lockers or Freeport vault access
Clear documentation, inventory records, and audit capabilities are essential for wealth security and compliance.
Access & Client Service
Top-tier vault providers should offer:
- Multilingual client support
- Personal access or POA-based retrieval
- Flexible hours and responsive communication
- Logistics for delivery or pick-up
Some clients prefer direct access via gold lockers, others prefer managed storage through trusted intermediaries.
Insurance & Risk Mitigation
Every professional private vault storage provider should include:
- Full insurance against theft, loss, or damage
- Underwritten by reputable global insurers
- Transparent terms and conditions
- Optional additional coverage for high-value holdings
Never compromise on insured storage — even in the most secure facility.
By comparing these factors across providers, you’ll be able to choose the secure gold storage solution that matches your risk profile and privacy needs.
Use the SWSSCO Vault Directory to filter by:
- Country (Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria)
- Storage type (gold locker, vault, Freeport)
- Ownership model (allocated, segregated)
- Insurance, access, and reputation
Secure Your Private Vault Storage Today
Your gold and precious metals deserve the highest level of security and privacy.
At SWSSCO, we connect you exclusively with trusted private vault storage providers in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria — the safest jurisdictions for your valuable assets.
Take the first step now:
- Compare top-tier gold vault storage options — including gold lockers, segregated vaults, and Freeport facilities
- Ensure full ownership, insured protection, and easy access
- Get personalized recommendations from our vault storage experts
Limited availability: many vault providers require pre-registration. Don’t miss your chance to secure a premium storage solution today.
Request your vault storage guide now!
Learn how to buy, store, and protect physical gold like the world’s wealthiest investors
Read Our Insights on Swiss, Austrian & Liechtenstein Vaults
Do you want to know where the safest places in the world are to keep your money? In our blog we look into the distinct benefits of private vaults in Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein are among Europe’s most trusted jurisdictions to store precious metals. These jurisdictions are also favorable when it comes to protecting gold, silver, and other physical assets in regards to politics, property issues, vault security, and transparency in regulations.
Discover more about premium vault solutions from SWSSCO.CH in the DACH area only. Discover what makes each jurisdiction unique – and select the correct vault for your peace of mind.
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