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 and Immigration System:
Liechtenstein is the sixth smallest country in the world, with a total population of less than 40,000 people. Naturally, its immigration channels are extremely limited, and it does not encourage citizens from non-EU countries to settle there.
Each year, the local government issues only about a hundred residence permits externally. These residence permits are granted in the following forms:
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 government offers a pathway for high-net-worth individuals to apply for an independent means visa. However, this program restricts applicants not only to those who are very wealthy (with an annual income of no less than 100,000 Swiss francs) but also requires them to make a significant contribution to the local community of this small 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.
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)
Useful Links:
Business and Working Hub Liechtenstein：https://www.liechtenstein-business.li/en/living-and-working-in-liechtenstein/living-in-Liechtenstein/residence-permits