Liechtenstein is one of the richest countries in Europe, where thousands of expats dream of moving. However, it is quite difficult to do this, because in the country there is a quota for issuing a residence permit. Find out what methods of moving to Liechtenstein are available to foreigners and how to get a residence permit in the country in 2024

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The small state of Liechtenstein is rightfully considered one of the richest in the world. The country has a perfectly developed banking system, a high level of economy and complete security. And although it is quite difficult for a foreigner to move here, it is quite possible.

We talk about available ways to move to Liechtenstein, ways to obtain a residence permit and citizenship.

Why do foreigners move to Liechtenstein?

Liechtenstein is a rather small country located in the very center of Europe, between Switzerland and Austria.

Foreigners are attracted to the country by its alpine climate, breathtaking landscapes, rich culture and low taxes. Despite the fact that the cost of living here can truly be considered the highest in Europe, the salary level in Liechtenstein is also one of the best in the region.

Another advantage of Liechtenstein is career prospects. The economy of the Kingdom is flourishing, the state is a leading financial center and one of the most innovative countries in the world.

How to move to Liechtenstein?

Citizens of any country in the world have the right to move to Liechtenstein. For this, it is necessary to apply for a long-term visa and a residence permit.

Liechtenstein offers two types of residence permits: a residence permit for the purpose of work and a residence permit without work. The country also has clear quotas for the number of residence permits:

- Citizens of the EEA are issued 72 permits per year. Half of the residence permits are chosen by lottery, the other by the state, of which 56 are issued for employment, 16 for other migration purposes.

- Swiss citizens are issued 17 permits per year: 12 for employment and 5 for other purposes.

- Citizens of third countries may be granted a residence permit under certain circumstances.

Moving to Liechtenstein for work

To move to Liechtenstein for the purpose of employment, you must obtain a work visa and a residence permit for the purpose of work.

Usually, third-country nationals are granted such a permit only if you are a manager, specialist or skilled worker with completed studies or long-term professional experience.

The residence permit will allow you to work in Liechtenstein for more than 12 months. Further, the document can be continued, provided that the grounds for work remain.

You can become a permanent resident after five consecutive years of residence in the country.

Cross-border workers

Also, in Liechtenstein, a special category of workers can be distinguished - cross-border workers. This is a category of expats who work in Liechtenstein but commute to work from abroad every day. However, a separate employment document is required for each separate category of cross-border workers:

- Swiss citizens – they do not need a work permit or police registration.

- EEA nationals working in Liechtenstein must register with the Migration and Passport Service within ten days of employment.

- Citizens of other countries – before working in Liechtenstein, citizens of other countries need a cross-border travel permit.

In order to safely move, travel or work in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

Moving to Liechtenstein to study

You can move to Liechtenstein to study only temporarily. However, for this, first of all, you must be admitted to an educational institution. After that, the applicant can apply for a student visa. Those with a student visa can live and work in Liechtenstein until the end of their studies.

Moving to Liechtenstein for family reunification

The conditions for obtaining this residence permit differ depending on the expat's citizenship.

- If you are a citizen of the EEA or Switzerland, you can join your family members in Liechtenstein at any time. You are eligible for family reunification if you are the spouse or child of a Liechtenstein resident under the age of 21 or another relative who can prove dependency on a family member in Liechtenstein.

- If you are a third-country national living in Liechtenstein, you can apply for family reunification within three years of the issuance of the residence permit or within three years of the family relationship.

How to get a permanent residence permit in Liechtenstein?

If you receive a temporary residence permit in Liechtenstein, you will be entitled to permanent residence after five years of continuous residence in the country.

How to get Liechtenstein citizenship?

Becoming a citizen of Liechtenstein is quite difficult, but you can do it in one of the following ways:

- Citizenship by birth

If your mother or father were citizens of Liechtenstein at the time of your birth, you can become a citizen of Liechtenstein automatically.

- Citizenship by marriage

You can get Liechtenstein citizenship if you marry a Liechtenstein citizen. You must be married for at least five years to be eligible for citizenship. It is important that your spouse does not acquire Liechtenstein citizenship through a previous marriage.

- Citizenship by naturalization

If you have lived in Liechtenstein for 30 years on the basis of a residence permit, you are eligible to apply for Liechtenstein citizenship.

Does Liechtenstein allow dual citizenship?

Liechtenstein partially allows dual citizenship.

That is, foreigners who wish to become citizens of Liechtenstein through naturalization must renounce their primary citizenship.

However, Liechtenstein allows its citizens to have dual citizenship. For example, if a citizen of Liechtenstein acquires a second citizenship in another country, it is not necessary to renounce the citizenship of the Kingdom.

Moving to Liechtenstein will give foreigners an interesting experience of life and work in a small European country. Therefore, be sure to try to get a residence permit in this fantastic country.

We will remind you! For many years, Norway has had the status of the best country to live in the world. It is safe, prosperous and politically stable. That is why more and more expats dream of obtaining citizenship of this country. We have already talked about the methods of obtaining Norwegian citizenship in 2024 available to expats.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

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