Country Profile:

Liechtenstein is a landlocked country in Western Europe situated between Switzerland and Austria. Liechtenstein is a member of the United Nations, the European Free Trade Association, and the Council of Europe. It is not a member of the European Union, but it participates in both the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area. It has a customs union and a monetary union with Switzerland.

Capital: Vaduz

Population: 39,584(189th)

Ethic Group: 66.2% Liechtensteiners, 9.5% Swiss, 5.8% Austrians, 4.2% Germans, 3.1% Italians, 1.9% Portuguese, 1.6% Turks, 1.1% Kosovar Albanians, 1.0% Spaniards

Area: 160 km² (190th)

Offical Language: German

Currency: Swiss franc (CHF)

GDP per Captial: $98,432(3rd)

How To Get Residency In Liechtenstein:

Liechtenstein’s standing population was a mere 38,387(in 2022). They maintain a tight grip on immigration, especially for non-EU residents. Annually, the government provides only several hundred residency visas, distributed as follows:

1. 72 residence visas are issued annually to EEA (European Union countries, Iceland, and Norway) citizens. Half of this quota is allocated through lottery, while the other half is issued by the government.

2. 56 residence visas are given to foreigners working locally, with an additional 16 visas granted to other types of immigrants (mainly entrepreneurs and family migrants).

3. 17 residence visas are issued to Swiss citizens each year: 12 for work-related reasons and 5 for other reasons.

4. Every year, the government also issues residence visas to non-EU citizens who meet specific conditions. However, the number of these visas is very limited. Liechtenstein actually offers a financial independence visa application route, but it restricts applicants to those who have a significant interest in the country.

Entrepreneur Visa:

Foreigners who start a business locally and hire a sufficient number of local employees can apply for a Liechtenstein entrepreneurial visa.

Work Visa:

For non-EU foreign nationals, only experienced company managers, technical experts, and skilled craftsmen might have a chance to apply for a Liechtenstein work visa.

The visa is valid for up to 12 months. For an extension, one has to go through the standard residence visa application process.

Naturalization:

For most Liechtenstein visas, the main applicant’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 can enter and reside as accompanying dependents.

Foreigners who have legally resided in Liechtenstein for a full 5 years can apply for permanent residency.

Foreigners who have lived in Liechtenstein for a total of 30 years (with each year under the age of 20 counted as two) can apply for citizenship.

Passport Power:

Liechtenstein’s citizens are granted the same privileges as those of Switzerland, enabling them to live and work freely within Swiss borders.

Liechtenstein partially recognizes dual citizenship, but those naturalized must renounce their original nationality first. The Liechtenstein passport is jointly ranked 12th globally, permitting its holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 180 countries and regions around the world, including Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Russia, and Singapore.

Useful Links:

Business and Working Hub Liechtenstein：https://www.liechtenstein-business.li/en/living-and-working-in-liechtenstein/living-in-Liechtenstein/residence-permits