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Storing digital assets is like guarding a priceless painting: you need a secure vault, expert curators, and a clear provenance. For high‑net‑worth investors, family offices, and crypto founders, the stakes are higher because every move can trigger tax bills or regulatory scrutiny. Saint‑Barthélemy offers a unique blend of French legal certainty and independent fiscal neutrality that turns digital wealth into tangible real estate without the “flat tax” (PFU) trap. At SBH Capital Partners, we help our clients transform their digital assets into tangible wealth while keeping confidentiality and compliance at the forefront. (Source: OECD Crypto‑Asset Guidance 2024)
Digital assets include cryptocurrencies, tokens, and digital securities that exist only on blockchains. The crypto‑legal framework in France treats them as financial instruments under the Code Monétaire et Financier, requiring AML/KYC compliance and subject to capital gains tax unless specific exemptions apply. Saint‑Barthélemy’s regime, governed by French law but with its own fiscal rules, allows entities registered there to benefit from tax neutrality on reinvested crypto gains. (Source: AMF Guidance)
A company registered in Saint‑Barthélemy is considered a French legal entity but enjoys an independent tax regime. This means it can claim residency for tax purposes while remaining exempt from the PFU on capital gains derived from crypto conversions that are reinvested locally. The typical structure is a private limited company (SARL) wholly owned by the investor, with SBH acting as manager to preserve substance and local presence. (Source: Saint‑Barthélemy Official Site)
Crypto transactions cross borders, triggering multiple jurisdictions’ AML rules. Investors face the risk of being flagged by FATF‑aligned regulators if their holdings are not properly documented or if conversions occur outside a regulated environment. (Source: FATF Guidance)
In mainland France, converting crypto to fiat triggers the 30% PFU unless you qualify for an exemption. Many investors unknowingly pay this tax because they lack a dedicated structure that can legally claim residency in Saint‑Barthélemy. The result is a significant erosion of portfolio value before any real estate purchase. (Source: French Tax Authority)
Storing crypto on exchanges exposes funds to hacking, insolvency, or regulatory seizure. Investors need a custody solution that is both secure and compliant with French AML standards while allowing seamless conversion to euros for real estate transactions. (Source: BIS Crypto Custody Report)
By registering a SARL wholly owned by the investor, you establish legal residency and substance. SBH ensures the company has a registered office, local bank account, and annual accounts filed with the island’s authorities, satisfying French “real presence” tests. (Source: Saint‑Barthélemy Business Registration)
The company’s dedicated bank account partners with regulated crypto exchanges to convert holdings on the island. All KYC, AML, and CFT checks are performed locally, producing audit‑ready documentation that proves the source of funds and compliance with EU directives. (Source: EU AML Directive)
Once euros are available, the company purchases property through French notaries. The transaction follows standard procedures: compromis de vente, notarization, and registration. The asset appears on the company’s balance sheet, providing a tangible, appreciating investment that is shielded from mainland tax exposure. (Source: French Notaries)
SBH acts as manager (“gérant”) for five years, handling governance, accounting, tax filings, and regulatory reporting. This period guarantees the company’s continued residency status and preserves the PFU exemption on crypto‑derived gains. After five years, the investor can either take over management or renew SBH’s mandate at 1% of property value per year. (Source: SBH Terms)
At SBH Capital Partners, we help our clients transform their digital assets into tangible wealth while maintaining confidentiality and compliance. Saint Barthélemy’s tax model allows for a legal neutrality that is unique in the world. Local management guarantees the company's tax residency and international compliance. This type of arrangement is not tax evasion, but an optimization strategy governed by French law. (Source: SBH FAQ)
Best practices for storing digital assets in Saint‑Barthélemy combine legal structure, local conversion, and real estate acquisition into a single, tax‑efficient pathway. By partnering with SBH Capital Partners, you secure your crypto holdings, avoid the PFU, and unlock premium property upside—all while preserving confidentiality and regulatory compliance. Ready to turn digital gold into tangible luxury? Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
FAQ
A1: Yes, it complies with the Code Monétaire et Financier and French AML directives; it is an optimization strategy, not evasion. (Source: AMF Guidance)
A2: Capital gains on the sale are taxed under Saint‑Barthélemy’s regime, which offers no local income or capital gains tax, preserving your returns. (Source: Saint‑Barth Tax Guide)
A3: Absolutely; the company can hold any number of digital assets, provided each conversion follows AML/KYC protocols. (Source: EU AML Directive)
A4: All transactions are conducted through a private company with limited public disclosure, and SBH ensures strict data protection under GDPR. (Source: GDPR Overview)
A5: Typically 4–6 weeks for company creation, 2–3 weeks for crypto conversion, and 8–12 weeks for property acquisition, depending on market conditions. (Source: SBH Timeline)
Discretion, compliance, and excellence in Saint-Barthélemy.
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