Open a company in Liechtenstein

Opening a company in Liechtenstein is a choice many foreign entrepreneurs find irresistible. The principality may be one of Europe’s smallest states, but its business environment is famously clean, predictable, and quietly powerful. Stability, privacy, and well-crafted laws make it a magnet for founders seeking a refined jurisdiction rather than a chaotic one.

In the following sections, we’ll explore how a non-resident can establish a company in Liechtenstein and what makes this small country such an intriguing place to build a business — from its unique advantages to the essential legal requirements involved.

Why Liechtenstein Became Europe’s Quiet Power Base for Business

Liechtenstein has been gaining ground as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for investment, and the reasons are hard to ignore. The principality offers a rare combination of political calm, economic stability, and a credit rating so pristine it has held AAA status for years. This consistency has turned the country into a quiet safe haven for foreign entrepreneurs thinking about opening a company remotely — or with a personal visit, if they prefer.

The business advantages add up quickly: a stable political climate, a reliable investment environment, access to both the EU and Swiss markets, liberal economic policies, a competitive tax system, modern infrastructure, and one of the most flexible corporate legal frameworks in Europe. When you add a triple-A credit rating to that mix, the appeal becomes even stronger.

Liechtenstein’s tax model is one of the key reasons companies choose this jurisdiction. Clear rules, predictable obligations, and competitive rates create a landscape where businesses can focus on growth rather than navigating endless complexity.

To register a company — whether remotely or in person — founders must submit information to the Public Register, including details about the planned business activities and the required minimum share capital. The exact capital depends on the chosen corporate structure.

Liechtenstein is a highly industrialised state where small and medium-sized enterprises form the backbone of the economy. Roughly 40% of the workforce is employed in industry and manufacturing, which together contribute almost 40% of the country’s total added value. For investors seeking a jurisdiction that blends stability with opportunity, Liechtenstein offers a landscape both compact and powerful — a small principality with a surprisingly expansive reach.

Licensing Rules in Liechtenstein: Who Can Run a Real Business Here

Entrepreneurs who want to establish a company in Liechtenstein and operate an active, real-life business may need to obtain a commercial license. The principality keeps this process strict but fair — a way to ensure that only capable and trustworthy business owners enter the market. To receive such a license, an investor must meet several key requirements:

• have clean and transparent financial records for past business activities
• be a citizen of an EEA member state, or a citizen of a third country who has lived in Liechtenstein continuously for at least 12 years
• possess the necessary competence and professional knowledge for the intended business activity
• have suitable premises, meaning an office or physical workspace within Liechtenstein
• employ the staff required to carry out the planned operations
• have sufficient knowledge of the German language, or appoint a qualified German-speaking manager

If the investor does not meet one or more of these conditions, they still have a pathway forward: they can appoint a managing director who meets the criteria and can obtain the commercial license on the investor’s behalf.

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Company Types in Liechtenstein: Finding the Right Fit

Liechtenstein allows both residents and international entrepreneurs to form companies remotely, giving them full access to the principality’s business advantages. The ideal corporate form depends on the founder’s objectives and the size of the initial capital. Among the most respected structures is the AG — Liechtenstein’s joint-stock company.

An AG Ltd must be formed by at least two founders and requires a minimum capital of 50,000 CHF. One shareholder must deposit 50 CHF into the corporate account. Liability is limited strictly to the company, meaning participants’ personal assets remain protected. The capital must be structured as shares.

Management is handled by a minimum of one director, with no secretary required. When the AG’s capital surpasses 1 million CHF, the governance model expands: the company must appoint at least three directors to form a board responsible for steering the business.

A sole proprietorship is the most basic business form. One individual registers with the Commercial Register and becomes personally liable for all obligations. The owner’s name doubles as the business name.

An LLC can be established by a single member or a group of members. It requires 30,000 CHF in capital, with each participant contributing at least 50 CHF. Liability is restricted to each member’s investment, making it a practical structure for operational businesses.

The Anstalt is a distinctive Liechtenstein entity, sitting between a corporation and a foundation. Depending on its charter, it may function with members or without them. It is frequently used for asset holding and structured financial planning.

A Stiftung is created for non-commercial purposes and is often used to manage assets discreetly for designated beneficiaries. Common assets include company shares, property, and investment portfolios.

The setup requires a one-time fee of 0.2% of asset value and a 1% capital tax.

A trust is ideal for maintaining family wealth and implementing estate-planning strategies. The trust deed defines its purpose, lists the trustees, and outlines the trust assets.

The minimum capital is 30,000 CHF, and a fixed annual tax of 1,200 CHF applies. At least one trustee must be a resident professional.

The public joint-stock company — Liechtenstein’s version of the corporation — is crafted for businesses ready to operate in the open. The difference from a private entity is clear: from the very beginning, part of the company’s share capital must be offered to the public. This opens doors to wider investment and even the possibility of listing on a stock exchange, though the company may also pursue non-commercial paths if desired.

Founders must provide at least 50,000 in EUR, USD, or CHF as initial capital. A minimum of 25% of this amount must be deposited during the registration process.

Management requires a minimum of one director, yet most public companies favour a broader board for stability and oversight. Once a year, directors and shareholders convene for a general meeting, a moment where strategies are shaped, responsibilities reviewed, and decisions formally approved.

Branch or Representative Office

Foreign companies looking to enter the Liechtenstein market can choose between three main structures: forming a subsidiary—often as an LLC—opening a branch linked to the parent company, or establishing a representative office.

The most appropriate form depends on the nature of the planned operations. A subsidiary provides autonomy and flexibility to pursue new business activities within Liechtenstein. A branch is restricted to the same line of business as the parent company.

Branches and representative offices are not allowed to conduct commercial business. Their role is mainly to maintain communication and facilitate relationships between the foreign company and clients or partners in the country.

Given Liechtenstein’s many corporate advantages, foreign entrepreneurs should take time to understand the regulatory nuances. Seeking expert advice helps ensure the chosen structure aligns with business goals and prevents avoidable registration errors.

Beginning Your Business Journey in Liechtenstein: Steps and Paperwork

Registration Steps

Regardless of the company type, the registration path follows several essential stages:

• preparing all documents needed by the regulator to form the company
• submitting these documents and receiving the official certificate of incorporation
• applying for both a tax identification number and VAT status
• registering as an employer with the Liechtenstein tax office if you intend to hire local employees

Required Documents

To bring a company to life in Liechtenstein, the following documents are necessary:

• a certificate showing the approved company name
• information about the company’s capital and how ownership shares are allocated
• details of the founders and directors
• a declaration appointing a local agent authorised to represent the company

Remote Corporate Account Opening: Liechtenstein’s Modern Banking Approach

Liechtenstein allows foreign firms and individuals to create commercial accounts under specific conditions. Remote completion is a major benefit of the jurisdiction. Onboarding in Liechtenstein does not need a branch visit.

Once the account is established, banks grant access through comprehensive online banking tools. These digital systems allow full remote management, making corporate account operations straightforward and efficient regardless of your location.

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Where Taxes Don’t Crush Ambition: Liechtenstein’s Business-Friendly Model

Liechtenstein’s gentle tax system plays a major role in its appeal. Corporate taxation is lean, predictable, and designed to encourage growth. The top personal income tax rate reaches only 20%, and the country’s extensive network of tax agreements brings additional benefits to international investors.

For companies, the profit tax is set at 12.5%, making it one of the lowest in all of Europe. Individual entrepreneurs fall under the personal income tax regime, where rates range between 1% and 8%, depending on their income level.

Liechtenstein: A Quiet Haven for Ambitious Founders

Registering a company in Liechtenstein is more than a procedural step — it’s an entry into a jurisdiction known for calm, clarity, and a business culture that genuinely supports growth. Competitive taxes and clean regulation are part of national policy, turning the principality into a welcoming destination for global entrepreneurs.

Though it stands outside the European Union, Liechtenstein’s legal system harmonises closely with EU norms, offering foreign founders the comfort of familiar rules without sacrificing independence.

If you want to explore your options more deeply, our specialists can walk you through every layer of the registration process with precision and clarity.