Good news: there’s no legal limit on the amount of cash you can keep at home. In theory, you can keep 500 euros… or 50,000. But in practice, beyond a certain amount, the question of justification arises.
In the event of a tax audit or dispute (such as a large bank deposit), you will need to be able to justify the origin of the funds . Sales, gifts, inheritance, bank withdrawals… everything must be traceable. The tax authorities may consider undeclared sums as suspicious, or even the result of undeclared work or fraud if you cannot explain their origin.
Where the law becomes very clear is on the transport of cash : above 10,000 euros, you must declare the amount transported , whether in France or abroad. This obligation also applies if you are traveling with several people each carrying a sum below the threshold, but whose total exceeds 10,000 euros.
What precautions should be taken?
If you choose to keep a large sum of money at home, caution is advised. Here are some simple but essential tips:
- Keep supporting documents (withdrawals, transfers, notarial deeds, etc.) to prove the origin of the funds.
- Store money safely , ideally in a discreet, well-hidden safe.
- Inform as few people as possible : a burglary never gives warning.
- Check your home insurance policy : Most insurance policies provide very little (if any) coverage for cash kept at home in the event of theft or fire.
In summary: freedom, but vigilance
Having a small cushion of cash on hand can be practical, reassuring, and perfectly legal. But beyond 10,000 euros, it’s best to remain cautious and well-informed. The government doesn’t prohibit you from keeping cash at home… but it expects you to be able to justify its origin . And in the event of an inspection or dispute, evidence will prevail.
So yes, keep cash if it reassures you… but do it with common sense and discretion.
