ID and Cash Limits for Buying Silver in France
In France you can pay a dealer or jeweller at most €1,000 in cash for silver (up to €15,000 if your tax home is abroad). When you sell silver to a professional, cash is banned at any amount: you're paid by bank transfer or crossed cheque, you must show ID, and for bars and coins the flat tax on precious metals is deducted.
Facts checked 31 October 2026 · Not financial, legal or tax advice
At a glance
| Situation | Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buying | Dealer AML checks for transactions of €10,000 or more, single or linked. | Precious-metals dealers are supervised by customs (DGDDI) and the ACPR. |
| Paying cash | Maximum €1,000 to a professional. | €15,000 for buyers whose tax home is abroad, for personal purchases. |
| Selling | No cash: bank transfer or crossed cheque only. | ID required; signed contract; 24-hour right to withdraw. |
| Reported | Suspicious transactions to Tracfin. | Dealers keep a register of transactions. |
The rules in detail
- The general cash limit (article L112-6, Code monétaire et financier) caps cash payments to a professional at €1,000. If your tax home is abroad and the purchase is personal, the cap is €15,000. A breach can cost a fine of up to 5% of the cash paid, shared between payer and seller.
- Purchases of silver, gold and other precious metals by professionals can only be paid by bank transfer or crossed cheque, at any amount. Cash buy-backs were banned in 2011 and the rule was tightened in 2014; in June 2025 the government said it has no plans to relax it.
- Precious-metals dealers must apply AML due diligence for transactions of €10,000 or more, single or linked, and report suspicions to Tracfin at any amount.
- From 10 July 2027 the EU sets a €10,000 cash cap, but existing lower national limits such as France's €1,000 continue to apply.
When you sell
- You must be 18 or over and show an ID document.
- The dealer signs a contract with you stating weight, purity and price; you can withdraw within 24 hours, and the dealer can't pay you or take the silver in that time.
- For silver bars and coins, the 11.5% flat tax on precious metals applies as it does to gold, and the dealer deducts it from the price (see our tax page).
Gold and travel
- The no-cash rule covers precious metals of every kind, so gold is treated the same.
- Carrying €10,000 or more in cash into or out of the EU must be declared. Gold coins (at least 90% gold) and bars (at least 99.5%) count as cash; silver doesn't, so it isn't part of this declaration, though normal customs rules for goods still apply.
Silver ID and Cash Limits in France: FAQ
Can I buy silver with cash in France?
Only up to €1,000 if you live in France, or €15,000 if your tax home is abroad. Above that you must pay by card, cheque or transfer.
Can a buyer pay me in cash for silver in France?
No. A professional buying silver, gold or other precious metals from you must pay by bank transfer or crossed cheque, whatever the amount.
Do I need ID to sell silver in France?
Yes. You must be at least 18, show an ID document and sign a written contract with the buyer.
Sources (6)
- Service-Public: paiement en espèces (June 2026)
- Assemblée nationale: question no. 6239 and answer on L112-6 (2025)
- Douane: négociants en pierres et métaux précieux (AML)
- Familles de France: revente de métaux précieux
- JeChange: taxe forfaitaire de 11.5% (Sept 2026)
- Achat Or et Argent: la fiscalité sur l'or et l'argent en France (11.5% flat tax covers silver)
General information for individuals buying or selling silver, checked October 2026. Rules change and dealers may ask for more than the legal minimum; check with the dealer or the regulator. Not legal advice.