How gold is priced in Ireland
Irish dealers quote gold in euros per ounce and per gram, and jewellers sell mostly 9ct, 14ct and 18ct gold. The figures here are the international spot price converted at today's EUR/USD rate — the metal value before dealer premiums and, for jewellery, 23% VAT.
VAT
Investment gold is exempt from VAT in Ireland under the EU VAT Directive: bars of at least 995 fineness, and coins of at least 900 fineness minted after 1800 that are or were legal tender and sell for no more than 80% above their gold value. Gold jewellery carries the standard 23% VAT.
Capital Gains Tax
Gains on gold are subject to Capital Gains Tax, after an annual exemption of €1,270 per person. Budget 2027, announced on 7 October 2026, cut the standard rate from 33% to 31% for disposals made on or after 7 October 2026. The cut still has to be passed in the Finance Bill, and disposals before that date are taxed at 33%.
Gold bars and jewellery are chattels (tangible movable property), and a chattel sold for €2,540 or less is generally exempt, with marginal relief just above that amount. Items forming a set and sold to the same person count as one sale. The chattels exemption does not apply to currency, so it may not cover coins that are legal tender. The UK's CGT exemption for Sovereigns and Britannias is a UK rule and does not apply to Irish residents. Keep invoices so you can prove what you paid; Revenue guidance or a tax adviser can confirm your position.
Hallmarking and buying
Hallmarking is compulsory in Ireland and there is no weight exemption, so even very light gold items must be hallmarked before sale. Testing and marking are done by the Assay Office at Dublin Castle, run by the Company of Goldsmiths of Dublin. Irish legal finenesses include 375 (9ct), 585 (14ct), 750 (18ct), 916 (22ct) and 999, and Irish law also recognises 833 (20ct). Ireland has no bullion coin of its own, so dealers mainly sell Sovereigns, Britannias, Krugerrands, Philharmonics and bars.
Tax and duty information last reviewed October 2026. Rules change — confirm with your dealer or tax authority before a large purchase.