Liechtenstein citizenship

Liechtenstein citizenship is difficult to obtain and is available only within the framework of regulated national programs. The main method is naturalization, which requires residence in the country for at least 30 years or 10 years with the appropriate decision of the authorities. The length of the required period of residence is explained by the limited population, as well as the desire of the principality to maintain a cultural and social balance. An exception may be a marriage with a citizen of Liechtenstein, in which the period of legalization is reduced to 5 years.

The benefits of citizenship include visa-free travel to 172 countries, including the countries of the European Economic Area and access to economic and social privileges in the EU. Liechtenstein's passport is attractive to entrepreneurs, as the country offers a stable economic and political system, high quality of life and low taxes. There are no special programs for investors similar to other European countries.

Ways to obtain citizenship

The issues of granting citizenship are regulated by the citizenship Law «Gesetz über das Staatsangehörigkeitsrecht» of 1990, which includes provisions on obtaining, losing and restoring status. It describes the mandatory procedures, conditions for naturalization, the rights of children born to citizens of the country, as well as the possibility of restoring citizenship if it is lost. The law regulates the required level of language proficiency and integration into society for passport applicants through naturalization or other programs.

The law describes the rules for all foreigners, including fixing the conditions for restricting the issuance, loss of a passport or restoration of status if it is lost. The regulatory act has been changed several times, adapting to modern conditions, making the process of obtaining citizenship structured and understandable. The main ways to obtain the status include 3 grounds.

Naturalization

To obtain citizenship through naturalization, you must have lived in Liechtenstein for 30 years. The term may be reduced to 10 years with the permission of local authorities. The applicant must prove integration into society and knowledge of the German language.

Through marriage

A foreigner who has created a family with a resident of the country can obtain citizenship after 5 years of living together. Compared to the 30-year naturalization procedure, this is a simplified process.

By right of birth

Children of Liechtenstein citizens automatically receive citizenship, regardless of their place of birth. The status applies to the descendants of both or one parent.

Advantages of Liechtenstein citizenship

Citizenship opens up wide opportunities for life, employment, and business activities. This makes the principality attractive to various categories of citizens – from entrepreneurs to families planning the future of children. Liechtenstein is part of the European Economic Area, facilitating access to the markets of EU member states and conducting international business.

One of the main advantages is the possibility of visa–free travel around the world. Passport holders can visit 172 countries, including the EU and the USA on an ESTA visa, which makes the document valuable for active travelers. The important fact remains that citizenship is inherited, allowing the children of Lichtensteinians to maintain a privileged status. Summarizing the main advantages, the following privileges can be distinguished:

• Visa-free travel. The opportunity to visit EU countries and other countries, including the USA, without a visa under the ESTA program.
• Confidentiality and the tax system. The Principality ensures strict confidentiality of personal data and an attractive tax system, which is appreciated by businessmen and investors.
• Study and work. Access to leading educational institutions in Europe and employment opportunities in the CES countries.
• No accommodation requirements. After obtaining a passport, there is no need to permanently stay in the principality.
• Inheritance. Citizenship is transferred to children automatically, which allows you to keep all the privileges.
• Investments and real estate. Opportunities for profitable investment in real estate and business in a country with high economic stability.

Dual citizenship

The main condition for obtaining a passport by naturalization is the renunciation of the previous passport. The Principality does not have bilateral agreements with other States on the recognition of dual citizenship, therefore foreigners are obliged to renounce their first residency.

The indigenous people of Liechtenstein have the right to issue a second passport if it is allowed by the laws of another country. This allows you to retain citizenship and obtain dual citizenship within the framework of repatriation programs or other legislative acts of foreign countries.

Important

In 2024, many European countries are offering programs that allow you to obtain EU citizenship without necessarily renouncing the previous one, attracting people who want to keep in touch with the two jurisdictions.

Citizenship by Investment Program

Liechtenstein does not provide for obtaining citizenship for large investments, as some countries in Europe and the world do. The main way is naturalization, which requires long–term residence in the country and fulfillment of additional requirements: knowledge of the language, integration into the local community, as well as renunciation of the previous passport.

Attention

Investment programs for obtaining a residence permit or citizenship in Europe operate, for example, in Portugal, Malta and Cyprus. In these countries, foreigners can buy real estate or invest in the economy, hoping to obtain permanent residence in the future.

Recent reforms of the citizenship program

On August 30, 2020, referendums were held in Liechtenstein, which included several important issues, including the reorganization of the citizenship granting process. One of the key proposals put to the vote was the parliamentary law on dual citizenship for naturalized persons. He had to allow the preservation of the original passport when obtaining a new identity card in the principality.

The proposal has sparked intense public debate, as the country has strict naturalization rules. Opponents argued that maintaining a single passport was important for national identity. Supporters insisted on the need to change legal rights in the context of globalization. The result of the popular vote showed that the proposal did not receive sufficient support and the law was rejected.

Liechtenstein has maintained its traditional limitations, emphasizing its uniqueness and conservative approach to issues of integration and national sovereignty.

Step-by-step process

To become a full member of the principality, you must go through several stages:

Collecting documents and submitting an application

The process includes several stages, each of which requires preparation and compliance with the established requirements:

• Collecting documents. The applicant must collect a personal dossier to confirm the legality of residence for a specified period and to renounce the previous passport. The documents are translated into German. You will need a certificate or diploma for knowledge of the state language and law. To do this, you will have to pass the citizenship exams.
• Submitting an application. The set of papers should be submitted to the diplomatic mission of Switzerland (Liechtenstein does not deal with these issues). The Agency checks and registers the application.
• Waiting for a response. The applicant is notified of the results of the consideration of the application by mail. If the decision is positive, the date of the oath ceremony is set.

Important

Family members of the candidate can apply for citizenship if they meet the conditions of the chosen program. For example, spouses and children have the right to submit joint applications or obtain residency at the same time as the main applicant.

List of documents

The process of obtaining citizenship is not easy, so you should prepare all the necessary personal documentation in advance. Below is a list of standard documents:

• A completed application.
• A birth certificate.
• Marriage certificates (if applicable).
• Passport.
• Certificate of residence.
• A certificate of non-conviction.
• Salary information (for the last 3 years).
• Certificate or diploma of completion of German language courses.
• A document confirming the refusal of a passport from another country.

Consideration and decision

The application is considered from 6 to 12 months. Most applications are processed within 6-9 months, but in some cases the process takes up to 1 year.

You will have to pay 5,000 CHF for processing and reviewing the application, 250 CHF for issuing a passport. The total cost is about 5,400 CHF.

Important

The amounts may vary, so it is recommended to check the current rates before submitting an application.

Additionally, there may be expenses for the translation of documents, the services of lawyers or consultants, as well as travel costs for personal interviews and tests.

Disadvantages of Liechtenstein citizenship

Obtaining citizenship requires paying 5,000 CHF per application. The waiting period reaches 1 year, making the process long and inconvenient. Passport renewal requires payment of additional fees and collection of personal documentation, which adds to the bureaucratic burden.

For some categories of applicants, confirmation of financial security, qualifications, and lack of criminal records makes it difficult to obtain a certificate.

It is important to note that Liechtenstein citizens face restrictions on the right to vote in EU elections, since the country is not a member of the alliance.