Liechtenstein can be a good choice for employment of foreigners for several reasons:
Strong economy:Lichtenstein has a highly developed and stable economy. The country has a low unemployment rate and offers a wide range of employment opportunities in various sectors.
High standard of living: Liechtenstein boasts one of the highest standards of living in the world. The country offers excellent public services, including healthcare, education and infrastructure. Foreign workers can enjoy a high quality of life and benefit from the country's social security system.
Multilingual environment: Liechtenstein is a multilingual country with German as the official language. However, English is also widely used, especially in business and international environments;
Favorable business environment:Lichtenstein is known for its favorable business environment. The country has low corporate taxes, flexible labor laws and a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. This attracts a significant number of foreign companies, which in turn creates employment opportunities for foreigners.
Location and Connectivity:Liechtenstein is located in the heart of Europe, bordering Switzerland and Austria. Its central location provides excellent connections to major European cities, making it convenient for business travel and access to international markets.
Stability and security: Liechtenstein is known for its political stability, security and low crime rate. Foreign workers can feel safe while living and working in the country, which is an important factor for individuals looking for work abroad.
It is worth noting that Liechtenstein has its own immigration laws and regulations, and individuals interested in working in this country should familiarize themselves with the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a work permit or residence permit.
What are the most relevant areas for job search in Liechtenstein?
Financial services: Liechtenstein has a strong financial services sector, including banking, wealth management and insurance. Specialists with experience in finance, accounting, risk management and compliance are in demand.
Information technology: Like many other countries, Liechtenstein relies heavily on technology and digital solutions. IT professionals, including software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity experts, and IT project managers, are in demand across a variety of industries.
Engineering: Liechtenstein has a well-developed manufacturing sector, especially in the precision engineering and electronics industries;
Healthcare: The healthcare sector in Liechtenstein offers employment opportunities for foreign healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists and medical researchers. There is a particular need for specialists in areas such as geriatrics, cardiology and radiology.
Hospitality and tourism:Lichtenstein attracts tourists with its picturesque landscapes and cultural attractions. Consequently, there is a demand for foreign workers in the hospitality industry, including hotel management, tour guides, event organizers and restaurant staff.
International trade and business development: Due to its central location and favorable business environment, Liechtenstein serves as a center for international trade and business activity. Professionals with experience in international business, sales, marketing and logistics can find opportunities in import-export companies and multinational corporations.
Jurisprudence and Compliance: Given the country's strong financial sector, there is a need for lawyers and compliance professionals with experience in banking and financial regulation;
Research and development: Liechtenstein focuses on innovation and research, making it an attractive destination for professionals in science, technology and academia;
Useful resources for job search
Although the number of job portals in Liechtenstein may be limited, foreigners looking for work in Liechtenstein can explore various online platforms to find employment opportunities:
Indeed is a widely used job search engine that aggregates job listings from various sources. Searching for the keywords "Liechtenstein" or a specific job on Indeed can provide relevant job ads in the country.
Jobs.li is a local employment portal that contains job openings from various sectors of the Liechtenstein economy. It offers a platform for employers and job seekers, making it a valuable resource for finding work in the country.
The Liechtensteinische Landesverwaltung (LLV) provides information on job opportunities in the public sector. Job seekers can explore the "Job Offers" section to find employment opportunities in government departments and institutions.
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that is widely used around the world. It offers job listings and allows users to connect with professionals and companies in Liechtenstein.
General requirements for Liechtenstein work visas
For those who need a Liechtenstein work visa, the requirements may vary depending on the type of visa. However, the basic requirements that most people must meet include:
● Valid passport.
● Passport photos.
● Application forms.
● Application fee.
● Proof of relevant qualifications/work experience.
● Request for proposal.
For residents of Switzerland and residents of the European Economic Area, the visa law differs from that for residents of other countries. Swiss residents do not need visas or permits to work legally in Liechtenstein, but they are generally required to remain resident in Switzerland.
EEA residents are also allowed to work without full work permits, but they must register with the Migration and Passport Service within ten days of starting work and must remain residents of their home countries. For these reasons, most foreign workers come from the neighboring countries of Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.
In order to actually live in Liechtenstein, it is necessary to obtain a residence permit. However, these are very strictly regulated and the government only issues a small number each year, so it is generally impractical for most people.
How to get a Liechtenstein work visa
For the reasons mentioned above, it is not advisable for most foreigners to work in Liechtenstein unless they are residents of neighboring EEA countries or Switzerland.
If you are a non-EEA and Swiss citizen, you can obtain a temporary residence permit. However, in most cases, you must be highly qualified in your field or at the management level. It is also usually necessary to demonstrate that it was not possible to find suitable employees in the EEA countries, Switzerland or Liechtenstein itself.
Due to the complexity of the visa process and the limited number of residence permits available, it is important for any employer to start the application process as early as possible.
Starting a business in Liechtenstein as a foreigner involves several steps:
Research and business plan: Conduct thorough research on the market and the industry you want to enter in Liechtenstein. Identify your target audience, competitors and the viability of your business idea. Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, financial projections, and marketing strategies.
Juridical structure and company registration:Determine the legal structure for your business. The most common options in Liechtenstein are sole proprietorship, partnership or limited liability company (LLC). Consult a local lawyer or business advisor to understand the legal requirements and implications of each structure. Register your company with the Liechtenstein Business Establishment Authority (Gewerbemeldeamt) and obtain a business license if required for your specific industry.
Capital and financing:Determine the initial capital needed to launch your business and explore financing options. You can invest your own funds, apply for a loan from local banks, or explore venture capital opportunities. Prepare a solid financial plan and contact local financial institutions for advice on funding sources.
Business location and office organization: Choose a suitable location for doing business in Liechtenstein. Make sure you comply with zoning regulations and obtain the necessary permits for your chosen location. Establish your office by renting or purchasing commercial space, or explore the possibilities of sharing office space and coworking spaces available in the country.
Tax and Legal Obligations:Familiarize yourself with the Liechtenstein tax system and fulfill your tax obligations. Consult a tax advisor to understand the applicable tax laws, including corporate taxes, value added tax (VAT), and employee-related taxes. Register your business with the tax authorities and obtain a tax identification number.
Work and residence permit: A foreigner starting a business in Liechtenstein may need to obtain a work permit or residence permit. The specific requirements and procedures depend on your nationality and the type of business you plan to establish. Please contact the Immigration and Passport Office (Amt für Auswärtige Angelegenheiten) for guidance on the relevant permits and documentation.
Networking and business support: Build a network of contacts in the Liechtenstein business community. Attend industry events, join local business associations, and network with other entrepreneurs and professionals. Seek advice from organizations such as the Liechtenstein Chamber of Commerce, which can provide support and resources for business development.
Compliance and regulations:Ensure compliance with local regulations, including labor laws, data protection laws, and any industry-specific regulations;
! Remember that the process of starting a business as a foreigner in Liechtenstein may have specific requirements
Useful resources
If you are a foreigner looking to start a business in Liechtenstein, the following portals may provide you with useful information and resources:
Invest in Liechtenstein (http://www.liechtenstein.li/)This official website offers comprehensive information on investing and starting a business in Liechtenstein. It provides an overview of the country's economy, legal framework, tax system and incentives for foreign investors.
Directorate of Economics of the Principality of Liechtenstein (http://www.llv.li/)This portal is operated by the government's Directorate of Economics and provides valuable information on various aspects of doing business in Liechtenstein. It covers topics such as business registration, permits, labor law and economic statistics.
Liechtenstein Business Portal (http://www.liechtenstein-business.li/)This online platform serves as a gateway for businesses in Liechtenstein. It provides information on legal requirements, business support services, financing options, and industry recommendations. The portal is available in several languages, including English, making it accessible to foreign entrepreneurs.
Ordering a business visa to Liechtenstein
A Liechtenstein business visa gives you permission to enter and stay in Liechtenstein for a maximum period of 90 days within a six-month period, as permitted. The visa allows its holder to engage in business activities, such as attending meetings or conferences, conducting or attending training, conducting internal audits, installing equipment, or performing other temporary services for a client or local branch.
The following other cases apply to the business visa category:
● Business matters/meetings/negotiations/trainings.
● Conference/Congress/Exhibition.
● Research and development activities.
● Journalists.
● Official delegations.
Documents required for a business visa to Liechtenstein
1. Application form
● Completely filled in in English or German with signature and date.
2. Passport
● Valid for at least three months after the date of your departure from Liechtenstein.
● Passport issued within the last 10 years.
● At least two empty "visa pages".
● Undamaged photos securely attached to the passport.
3. 2. two photos
● Made no later than 6 months.
● The frontal view of the face takes up 70-80% (32-26 mm) of the photo.
● A uniform and white background.
● Clear facial features and eyes - not obscured by hair or glasses.
4. ID Card
● Valid for at least three months after the date of your departure from Liechtenstein.
5. Copy of residence permit/visa (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)
● Valid for at least three months after the date of your departure from Liechtenstein.
6. 6. photocopies
● Copy of the main page of the passport.
● Copies of the previous Schengen visa.
● Copy of the visa of the final destination (if any).
7. Travel route
● Flight booking.
● Valid (existing) hotel/venue reservation with full address (name, street, city, postal code, contact information, reservation number).
8. Letter from a local employer/sponsor (confirmation of profession)
● The email should contain:
○ Name, mailing address and phone number of the sponsor/company.
○ Information about the applicant's job position, start date and salary.
○ Timeframe of the working vacation (expected date of resumption of duties) and purpose of the trip.
● Copy of a valid trade license and documents of ownership of the company (if the person is the owner of the company).
9. Confirmation of financial capabilities
● Personal bank statement for at least the last 6 months before applying, personal property, assets, etc.
10. Medical insurance abroad
● Valid for the entire period of validity of the requested visa and for all Schengen countries.
● Minimum coverage of 30,000 euros and repatriation.
11. Cover letter
● The cover letter should contain basic information about you, your business trip, work, travel plans, and any additional situation you need to clarify.
12. Documents reflecting the nature of the business trip and the existence of business relations
● Letter of invitation from the company/authority in Liechtenstein with full address, indicating the purpose and duration of the business trip and/or
● Information about the event/congress/fair being attended in Liechtenstein, with detailed information about the organizer, full address in Liechtenstein, duration of the event and reason for participation (e.g., a ticket for a visitor to a fair).
○ If necessary, including information on who covers the costs of business trips to Liechtenstein.
● Applies only to exhibitors: information about the fair by submitting an exhibitor ticket/invoice/confirmation letter reflecting the status of the exhibitor.
● Information on the existence of trade or business relations with the details of the Parties.
● A copy of your company's registration confirmation.
*The embassy may require additional documents.
Time for obtaining a Liechtenstein business visa
The average time for processing a Liechtenstein business visa is 5-30 calendar days. It depends on the country to which you are applying.
Business visa fees for Liechtenstein
The fee for a Schengen visa is 80 euros, which must be paid at the time of application. In addition, you may also need to pay other administrative fees such as visa center fees, courier service fees, etc. depending on the country and place of application.
Liechtenstein, a small principality located in Central Europe, has its own labor law that regulates the rights and obligations of employees and employers in the country. Liechtenstein's labor laws are aimed at ensuring fair and equal treatment of employees, as well as at creating a productive and harmonious work environment;
Employment contracts:In Liechtenstein, employment relations are mainly regulated by individual employment contracts. These contracts define the terms and conditions of employment, including working hours, compensation, vacation rights and other relevant provisions. Written contracts are preferred, but oral agreements may also be legally binding. Both parties must adhere to the terms agreed upon in the employment contract.
Minimum Wage: Since Liechtenstein does not have a minimum wage, there is no mandatory minimum wage rate for employees in Liechtenstein.
Working hours:The standard working week in Liechtenstein is generally 40 hours, although there may be differences in certain industries. Overtime work in excess of the normal working hours is subject to additional compensation or time off as defined by labor law. Employees are entitled to regular rest breaks and rest periods between working days.
Leave entitlements: Employees in Liechtenstein are entitled to various types of leave, including annual leave, public holidays, maternity leave, parental leave, and sick leave. Annual leave is generally granted based on length of service, with minimum requirements established by law. Maternity and paternity leave provides employees with time to care for their newborn or adopted children. Sick leave rights provide employees with compensation during periods of illness or disability.
Termination of employment: Termination of employment in Liechtenstein is governed by special legislation aimed at protecting the rights of both employers and employees. The notice periods for termination of employment are specified in the labor law, and employers are required to provide good reasons for termination of employment. Unfair dismissal is generally prohibited, and employees may be entitled to compensation or reinstatement if their dismissal is found to be unfair.
If you are a foreigner looking for a job in Liechtenstein, here are some tips to help you in your job search:
Study the labor market: Identify the sectors and industries that are leading in the country and where the skills and experience in demand match yours.
Language skills: Although the official language of Liechtenstein is German, speaking English will be useful, especially in international companies. Consider improving your German language skills as it will increase your chances of getting a job.
Work permit: If you are not an EU citizen, you usually need a work permit in Liechtenstein. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the rules of immigration and work permit obtaining. Contact the Liechtenstein authorities or your local embassy for more information.
Networking:Building a professional network is crucial in Liechtenstein. Attend industry events, join professional organizations and connect with local professionals through online platforms;
CV and cover letter:Tailor your CV and cover letter to the Liechtenstein labor market. Emphasize relevant skills, qualifications and work experience. Tailor your documents to the specific requirements of the job and the company culture.
Online job portals:Use online job portals and recruitment websites that meet the requirements of the Liechtenstein labor market. Popular platforms include jobs.li and career.li. Create profiles and upload your updated resume to increase your visibility to employers.
Company Research: Before applying for a job, thoroughly research the company you are interested in. Get to know its values, culture, and recent events. This will help you create a resume and demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
Liechtenstein