Immigration to Liechtenstein for Ukraine citizenship

Obtaining Liechtenstein citizenship is very, very difficult – an exception is granted only to EU citizens. However, it can also be noted that EU citizens also receive citizenship on a strictly individual basis.

Obtaining citizenship may take some time. There are two ways to obtain citizenship of the country.

Nationalization

If you aren’t married to a Liechtenstein citizen, you must have lived in the country for 30 years to be able to obtain citizenship. However, please note that if you live in the country before the age of 20, then each year will count as two years. The waiting period may be shorter if the community where you are located and live votes to become a citizen. In this case, the country's Parliament will give you consent, and the prince will grant you citizenship.

Please note that you will have to prove your knowledge of German and the laws of the country.

By marriage

If a Liechtenstein citizen/citizen marries a foreigner/foreigner, he/she must have lived in the country for more than twelve years, and the marriage must last more than three years – only then the foreigner gets the right to apply for citizenship.

Citizens of Eastern European countries can apply for citizenship if they have some merit, a solid bank account, or are in high demand from the Liechtenstein authorities.

Are there special conditions for entry and assistance to temporarily displaced citizens of Ukraine who leave the country because of the war?

On March 16, 2022, the decision of the Government of Liechtenstein to grant temporary protection status "S" to certain categories of Ukrainian citizens entered into force. According to this decision, the Immigration and Passport Office (APA), under a shortened procedure, can grant temporary protection status to persons who left Ukraine due to the war. Citizens who have already applied for asylum are now also granted protection status. Temporary protection is a return-oriented residence status.

Information about the centers of assistance to temporarily displaced citizens of Ukraine

Caritas Liechtenstein e.V.

T +423 376 50 33

www.caritas.li

Hilfswerk Liechtenstein

T +423 392 12 58

www.hilfswerkliechtenstein.li

Liechtensteinisches Rotes Kreuz

T +423 222 01 30

www.roteskreuz.li

SOS-Kinderdorf Liechtenstein

T +423 222 01 01

www.sos-kinderdorf.li

Flüchtlingshilfe Liechtenstein

T +423 388 12 90

www.fluechtlingshilfe.li

Social security of temporarily displaced citizens of Ukraine

Pursuant to the Asylum Act (AsylG) and the Asylum Regulation (AsylV), Ukrainians seeking temporary protection are provided with social assistance, pocket money, accommodation and maintenance, as well as insurance premiums and costs incurred under the statutory health insurance. The "S" protection status allows school-age children to attend school and adults to work with a work permit from the Office for Foreigners and the Passport Bureau (APA). With an identity card of the category "S" and a valid travel document, holders of temporary status are allowed to move freely in the Schengen area without special permission from the Office for Foreigners and the Passport Office and return to Liechtenstein.

Should I apply for official refugee status?

No. Temporarily displaced Ukrainian citizens are assigned protection status S. Ukrainian citizens receive the protection they need quickly, without bureaucratic red tape.

Crossing the border without a biometric passport - yes or no?

Yes