Company registration in Liechtenstein
With a population of approximately 38,749 people, Liechtenstein is a cosy, serene, and lively German-speaking haven in Europe. The fourth-smallest country in Europe, Liechtenstein is known for its tranquil alpine landscapes, enchanting medieval castles, and lush landscape.
While the country boasts gorgeous natural beauty, it’s equally well-known for the lucrative and exciting business opportunities it offers to keen entrepreneurs. Liechtenstein may be tiny, but it certainly isn’t small in terms of market potential!
A part of the European Economic Area and one of the most stable and diversified economies in the region, the country has excellent trade agreements with not only its European neighbours but also with the rest of the world. Famously, Liechtenstein is also the 2nd largest financial centre in the entire world, and its citizens enjoy the 2nd highest annual average income!
Over the years, the country has become home to over 4,000 businesses and a plethora of growth-oriented job opportunities. With a strong financial centre, an enriching corporate environment, and profitable prospects, Liechtenstein has easily become one of the most sought-after start-up locations in Europe.
The economy strongly focuses on the services sector, manufacturing, and industry. Foreign investors who are interested in expanding their business in Liechtenstein can make the most of the:
- Immense political stability and continuity
- Immaculate infrastructure
- High levels of industrialization
- Ample tax advantages for foreign investors
- Access to large markets (Europe and Switzerland)
- AAA credit rating
- Stable socio-economic environment
This little country is one of the best locations in the world to set up an insurance company or an investment fund. Many investors choose to start a crowdfunding business in Liechtenstein. The low corporate tax of 12.5% and the easy company registration in Liechtenstein process have attracted a great number of foreign investors.
Investing in cryptocurrencies is another unique business opportunity in Liechtenstein. The government has set up a crypto-friendly environment, so opening a bank account with one of the bigger crypto coins is extremely easy.
Forms Of Companies In Liechtenstein
- GmbH – “Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung” – Private Limited Liability Company
- AG – “Aktiengesellschaft” – Public Limited Company
- “Anstalt” – The Lichtenstein Establishment
- The foundation “Stiftung”
- Trust
What is the difference between GmbH and AG?
In Liechtenstein, most foreign investors choose to start a limited company.
Most entrepreneurs choose to establish a GmbH with a capital deposit of 30,000 CHF. The company must have at least one shareholder, and each shareholder’s share value must be 50 CHF or greater. The company must have at least one local director. At CompyCo, we provide professional service of Nominee director in Liechtenstein.
An AG is suited for large-scale business operations and must have at least 50,000 CHF of share value deposited in its business bank account. Similar to GmbH, at least 1 shareholder and 1 local director are mandatory. If the company has an annual profit of at least 1 million CHF, a management board of at least three directors is mandatory. In the case of AG, the auditor must be appointed.
Fundamentals Of A Limited Liability Company
Corporate Tax in Liechtenstein | VAT in Liechtenstein |
|---|---|
12.5% | 8.1% |
Fundamentals of limited liability companies in Liechtenstein
| Limited liability company | GmbH |
| Minimum Share capital | 30 000 EUR |
| Registered office required | Yes |
| Physical office required | No |
| Min. number of Shareholders | 1 |
| Min. number of Directors | 1 |
| Local directors required | Yes |
| Other requirements | No |
| Bank signatory must travel | In many cases not |
| Timescale for company formation | 4 weeks |
| Timescale for bank account opening | 14 days |
| Timescale for obtaining VAT number | 2 weeks |
| Statutory audit requirements | Yes |
| Shelf companies available | No |
The process for setting up a company in Liechtenstein
Since a local Nominee director is mandatory for foreigners to be able to register a company in Liechtenstein, we can register a company and open a bank account remotely on your behalf.
When the company’s name has been reserved with the Public Registry, we will notarize the Articles of Association with Liechtenstein notary.
The next step is depositing the company’s share value by opening a bank account in Liechtenstein. Each company must appoint a managing director who is both a resident of the country and fluent in German.
The following documents must be submitted to the Public Registry:
- AOA
- Information about shareholders
- Company deed
- Bank statement
- Information about appointed auditors
After the aforementioned requirements are met, we will submit the company to the Commercial Registry. Once the company has been formed, the business certificate has to be obtained. In addition, certain requirements need to be met.
Our experienced team will assist you with these procedures so you don’t have to worry about the intricacies!
Setting up a business in Liechtenstein can seem challenging and overwhelming at first.
With CompyCo, the process becomes much easier.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur launching a start-up or relocating to take advantage of Liechtenstein’s corporate, geographic, and economic benefits, our team connects you with trusted local professionals to guide you through each step.
Through our established network of legal, financial, and corporate specialists, we help coordinate the entire process — from handling paperwork to ensuring compliance — so you can focus on growing your business instead of navigating complex procedures.
Over the years, we’ve successfully supported many businesses expanding into Liechtenstein by coordinating with the right partners and solving challenges along the way.
Our tailored approach ensures your company integrates seamlessly into Liechtenstein’s business environment, with reliable support in place to help your business thrive.
Bank Account Opening
Opening a bank account should be one of the first things you do for your business in Liechtenstein. Some of the documents that we will ask for in order to present you in front of the bank:
- Passport
- Address information
- Contact information
- Income statements
- Certificate of Incorporation of the company
As every bank has its own set of rules by which they choose a client, CompyCo will advise you on which bank to approach based on your business activity, the turnover, number of transactions. Some of the most reputable and established banks in Liechtenstein:
- Raiffeisen Privatbank
- VP Bank
- Liechtensteinische Landesbank
- Banque Havilland
- LGT
- Volksbank
Banks in Liechtenstein are open to foreign companies, offering a safe and stable banking environment for businesses and private clients. CompyCo has experience and the necessary skills in coordinating international bank account openings. Through our wide network of licensed professionals, we can guide you through the process smoothly and efficiently.
Accounting & Taxation
The accounting and taxation obligations to take into consideration include:
- The Liechtenstein company must keep the books in legal currency. While they can be written in any language, they must be translated into German. The books can be kept in Liechtenstein or abroad.
- The current VAT rate is 8.1% on most goods and services. Exceptions apply. Liechtenstein issues 5-digit VAT numbers.
- Companies that do not trade have to pay an annual tax of 1,200 EUR to the Liechtenstein Tax Authority. They are obligated to submit unaudited financial statements.
Liechtenstein imposes a flat corporate income tax rate of 12.5% on the taxable profits of legal entities.
Additionally, all legal entities are subject to an annual minimum corporate tax of 1,800 Swiss francs (CHF), which can be credited against the corporate income tax liability.
This minimum tax is due in full even if the corporation is not resident in Liechtenstein for the entire tax period. However, an exception exists: if the total assets of an operating entity did not exceed CHF 500,000 during the last three years, the minimum tax is not due.
How can you employ staff in Liechtenstein?
Non-resident employers often find it challenging to navigate the employment requirements of a foreign country.
CompyCo has the experience and skills to coordinate HR compliance in Liechtenstein. Through our network of local HR professionals, we provide guidance on employment laws, registrations, and essential processes—helping your company stay compliant while focusing on attracting top-tier talent.
The outcome?
Your business can seamlessly access Liechtenstein’s skilled workforce without the stress of managing complex regulations.
Have any questions? Take a look at our HR services page for more information about our International HR services!
Next: Find out how can CompyCo help you set up a company in Iceland, Switzerland, UK and Slovakia or Luxembourg