Tax on Selling Gold in Hong Kong
Hong Kong does not tax capital gains, so an individual selling gold held as an investment pays nothing on the gain. Only profits from a gold trading business are taxed, under profits tax at 7.5% on the first HK$2 million and 15% above that for unincorporated businesses.
Facts checked 30 October 2026 · Not financial, legal or tax advice
At a glance
| What you sell | How the gain is taxed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gold bars, coins and jewellery held as an investment | Not taxed. | No VAT, GST or sales tax when you buy. |
| Gold bought and sold as a business | Profits tax: 7.5% on the first HK$2 million, 15% above (sole proprietors). | Trading vs investment depends on the facts. |
| Silver | Same rules. |
How gold gains are taxed
- Hong Kong taxes individuals under three separate taxes: salaries tax, profits tax on business profits, and property tax on rent. There is no capital gains tax.
- Profits tax applies only if you're carrying on a trade or business in Hong Kong. A sole proprietor pays the two-tiered rates: 7.5% on assessable profits up to HK$2,000,000 and 15% on the rest.
- There's no VAT or sales tax on gold, and stamp duty applies only to property and Hong Kong stock.
- Since 1 April 2023, dealers in precious metals and stones must register with Customs to carry out transactions of HK$120,000 or more, and do customer due diligence on those transactions. This is anti-money-laundering regulation, not a tax.
- The 2026-27 Budget proposed tax incentives for institutions trading and settling gold in Hong Kong and for funds and family offices holding precious metals; it proposed nothing for individuals.
Reporting
- Nothing to report on investment gains.
- A sole-proprietor gold trading business reports its profits on the individual tax return (BIR60).
Losses
- Losses on gold held as an investment aren't deductible.
- Trading losses can be carried forward against future profits of the business.
Tax on Selling Gold in Hong Kong: FAQ
Is there tax on selling gold in Hong Kong?
Not for an individual investor. Hong Kong has no capital gains tax. Profits are taxable only if you carry on a gold trading business, under profits tax at 7.5% on the first HK$2 million and 15% above for sole proprietors.
Will the dealer ask for ID when I sell gold in Hong Kong?
For transactions of HK$120,000 or more, registered dealers must carry out customer due diligence, which includes checking your identity.
Sources (5)
General information about the rules for individual investors, checked October 2026. Tax depends on your circumstances and residence; check with the tax authority or an adviser. Not tax advice.