Liechtenstein residence permit

A residence permit in Liechtenstein grants foreigners the right to long-term residence, study and work. Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and other countries can obtain a residence permit. The requested permits are usually related to work activities, investing or starting a business. Given the small size of the country, quotas for issuing permanent residence permits are limited.

The advantage of obtaining a residence permit in Liechtenstein is access to a high standard of living and a stable economy. The country is located in the center of Europe, which provides convenient communication with European countries. The right allows you to enjoy tax benefits that make Liechtenstein attractive to entrepreneurs and businessmen.

Types of residence permit in Liechtenstein

There are several types of residence permits in the Principality, which are granted based on the purpose of stay. The most frequently requested are work, study, investment and family residence permits. A working residence permit is issued to qualified specialists who are invited by companies in Liechtenstein. For educational purposes, confirmation of admission to the country's university is required.

An investment residence permit is provided to wealthy individuals who are ready to invest large amounts of capital in the economy of the principality. Relatives of citizens of Liechtenstein or the EEA who wish to reunite with them receive a visa for family reasons.

Important 

The issuance of a residence permit in Liechtenstein is strictly limited by quotas, and priority is given to citizens of the countries of the European Economic Area.

Residence permit for the purchase of real estate

Unlike many other European countries, the purchase of real estate in Liechtenstein is not a basis for obtaining a residence permit.

The country protects the interests of citizens and residents by restricting foreign investment in real estate and the right to purchase it. The condition also applies to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA).

Student residence permits

Permits are issued for the period of study at the local university. The only university in the country is the University of Liechtenstein, which offers programs in German. Students study in the fields of architecture, economics and computer science, receiving a bachelor's or master's degree. The level of education is equivalent to Swiss.

Obtaining a student residence permit gives the right to live in Liechtenstein for the period of study. However, the permit may be limited and the authorities may require additional justification. The application must be accompanied by proof of financial guarantees for payment of living expenses and confirmation of enrollment in an educational institution.

Necessary justifications

• Admission to the University of Liechtenstein;
• Financial guarantees for accommodation and study;
• Availability of housing for the period of study.

List of documents

• Letter of admission from the university;
• Financial documents (bank statements, scholarships);
• Housing rental agreement;
• Medical insurance.

Residence permit for financially independent (freelance, digital nomad)

Liechtenstein does not offer programs for digital nomads, freelancers and financially independent individuals, as in Portugal, Spain or Greece. In these countries, there are separate visa programs that are aimed specifically at remote workers or people with passive income who want to live on their territory.

In Liechtenstein, it is possible to obtain a residence permit for financially independent persons, but the program requires certain conditions to be met. The main requirements include obtaining a quota, proof of remote income (from 100,000 CHF per year) and availability of housing.

Necessary justifications

• Justification of financial independence;
• Providing yourself with a place of residence;
• Availability of financial resources.

List of documents

• Proof of income (from CHF 100,000 per year);
• Evidence of housing availability;
• Medical insurance;
• Passport;
• Photo.

Important

Despite the lack of specialized programs for digital nomads, the possibility of obtaining a permit remains relevant for those who are willing to prove financial independence and comply with local laws.

Residence permit by marriage

It is issued to foreign citizens who are married to a citizen of Liechtenstein. The process allows the spouses to unite and live together on the territory of the principality, maintaining family relations.

To receive it, you need to meet the conditions and requirements of the program. The duration of family relationships and the level of German language proficiency directly affect the receipt of this permit.

Necessary justifications

• Duration of marriage (at least 3 years);
• Legal residence in Liechtenstein for at least 10 years;
• In some cases, a waiver of the previous passport is required.;
• Knowledge of the German language;
• Financial security.

List of documents

• Marriage/Partnership Certificate;
• Passport or identity card;
• Confirmation of financial viability;
• Medical insurance;
• A completed questionnaire and a photo.

Family reunion

Allows family members of Liechtenstein nationals to move and live with them. The conditions may vary depending on the nationality of the applicant.

A citizen of the EEA or Switzerland has the opportunity to join his relatives at any time. The right to reunification applies to spouses and children under the age of 21, as well as other close relatives who can confirm the relationship.

Third-country nationals can obtain this permit within 3 years after obtaining a visa or 3 years after marriage.

Necessary justifications

• Having the status of a citizen of the EEA or Switzerland to launch a simplified procedure;
• Confirmation of kinship or dependence for spouses, children and other relatives;
• Compliance with the time limits for third-country nationals to submit an application.

List of documents

• Proof of kinship (e.g. birth or marriage certificate);
• Passport;
• Confirmation of financial security;
• Completed application form for obtaining a permit;
• Medical policy.

Work permit

A work permit is issued in Vaduz. The application must be submitted 28 days before arrival. After arrival in the country, you will need to register at the place of actual residence within 10 days.

There are 2 types of permissions of this type. A long-term loan is issued for 5 years with the possibility of extension for 2 years. It is possible to extend the residence permit if the employment contract is concluded for more than 1 year, the work requires permanent residence in the principality and if the applicant has high qualifications required by the employer.

A short-term work permit allows you to stay in the country for 1 year. It is often given to athletes, musicians, participants of social and cultural projects.

Important

For the duration of the short-term permit, a non-resident is obliged to refuse to travel abroad.

Necessary justifications

• Making an application 28 days before arrival;
• The duration of the employment contract and the need for permanent residence in the Principality;
• Highly qualified and proficient in a rare profession;
• Additional terms of the employment contract.

List of documents

• Application for the right to employment;
• Employment contract;
• Confirmation of qualifications;
• Passport or other identification card;
• Registration at the place of residence (within 10 days after arrival).

Residence permit for business and sole proprietor

In Liechtenstein, the activities of foreign companies are not limited unless they contradict national interests. To open a business, each foreign company must appoint a local representative, and a non-resident must live in the principality for at least 10 years.

Necessary justifications

• Compliance of the company's activities with the national interests of Liechtenstein;
• Availability of a local representative for a foreign company;
• The duration of residence is 10 years or more (for non-residents).

List of documents

• Application;
• Documents confirming the company's registration;
• Certificate of availability of a local representative
• Passport;
• Confirmation of financial viability.

Extension of a residence permit

The process should be started in advance, as it can take from 4 to 8 weeks. Usually, the application is submitted to the Immigration Department in the capital.

Documents for renewal:

• Completed application form;
• Identification card;
• Confirmation of the basis (employment contract, educational documents, etc.);
• Evidence of financial security;
• Passport format photo;
• A receipt for payment of the fee. 

The cost of the state fee is 62€. The key point of the process is the existence of a reason for further residence: work, study or other circumstances.