How To Get Resiency In Liechtenstein: An Incomplete Guide
Capital: Vaduz
Population: 41,232 (2023, 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 (As of May 14, 2025, 1 Swiss Franc = 1.19 USD)
GDP per Captial: $98,432 (2014, 3rd)
Human Development Index: 0.942 (12nd)
Country Profile:
Liechtenstein is a Western European landlocked country nestled between Switzerland and Austria. It is an extremely small territory, ranking as the sixth smallest country in the world by land area, yet it is very wealthy, with one of the top three highest GDPs per capita globally.
Renowned for its stunning Alpine landscapes, Liechtenstein is also famous as a tax haven and for its exceptionally high standard of living. Its economy is primarily driven by the financial services sector and manufacturing, with a particular focus on precision instruments and dental products.
Politically, Liechtenstein uses the Swiss franc as its official currency and delegates its foreign affairs to Switzerland, reflecting a close and unique partnership between the two countries.
Visa & Immigration System:
Liechtenstein is the sixth-smallest country in the world, with a population of less than 40,000. Understandably, its immigration channels are extremely limited, and it does not actively encourage citizens from non-EEA (European Economic Area) regions to take up residence.
The local government issues only around a hundred residency permits annually, distributed through the following categories:
1. EEA Citizens (EU, Iceland, Norway):
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72 permits are issued each year.
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Distribution Method: Half of these permits are allocated via a random lottery draw among eligible applicants, and the other half are directly granted by the government.
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Permit Types: 56 permits are designated for individuals with gainful employment. 16 permits are for individuals without gainful employment. (Both types are included in the lottery and government allocation pools.)
2. Swiss Citizens:
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17 permits are issued annually.
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Types: 12 permits are for work-related reasons, and 5 are for other reasons.
3. Non-EEA Citizens:
The government does grant a very limited number of residency permits each year to non-EEA citizens who meet specific, stringent requirements.
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Economic Independence Visa (High-Net-Worth Individuals): Liechtenstein offers a pathway for financially independent high-net-worth individuals, but this scheme is highly restrictive. Applicants must not only be exceptionally wealthy (with a minimum annual income of 100,000 Swiss Francs) but also be able to demonstrate they will make a significant contribution to the local community.
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Work Visas: These are generally reserved for overseas company managers with extensive experience, technical specialists, and highly skilled workers.
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Entrepreneur Visas: Applicants for this visa must establish a company in Liechtenstein and employ a required number of local staff.
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.
Dependents:
For most Liechtenstein visas, the main applicant’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 can enter and reside as accompanying dependents.
Permanent Residency & Citizenship:
A Liechtenstein residence permit card is typically valid for a period ranging from 12 months up to 5 years.
Foreigners who have legally resided in Liechtenstein for a full 5 years can apply for permanent residency.
Foreigners are only eligible to apply for Liechtenstein citizenship after legally residing in Liechtenstein for 30 years (for those under 20 years old, each year counts as two years).
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 11st globally, permitting its holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 181 countries and regions around the world. (As of May 14th, 2025)
Official Links:
Business and Working Hub Liechtenstein：https://www.liechtenstein-business.li/en/living-and-working-in-liechtenstein/living-in-Liechtenstein/residence-permits