Liechtenstein residence without work

The Foreigners Act allows a permit without gainful activity only for persons of special interest to the country. The Admission and Residence Ordinance (ZAV) specifies that this covers foreigners with significant cultural, scientific or economic standing who wish to take up residence without working. The law does not set a fixed investment or income figure.

Suitable housing, the legally required health insurance covering all risks in Liechtenstein, shown by a policy or insurer's confirmation, and no convictions for crimes or misdemeanours. The office may request a current criminal record extract from the home country and other documents in the original, and where relevant marriage or divorce certificates.

Applicants must have sufficient funds so that no social assistance is needed, demonstrated by a guarantee from a bank based in Liechtenstein. The ordinance lists evidence such as pension or insurance statements and proof of sufficient own assets, together with disclosure of all financial obligations, including credit, leasing, loans, maintenance and tax debts.

Applications to take up residence without gainful activity are decided by the Government, which deals with them once a quarter. The B permit allows residence of more than 12 months, and any gainful activity in Liechtenstein is forbidden; working can lead to the permit being revoked. A positive Government decision costs CHF 1,060 in total (CHF 60 for the assurance and CHF 1,000 for the Government grant), and a refusal costs CHF 80. The office collects an advance of CHF 80 by bank transfer to the national administration's account at the Liechtensteinische Landesbank, and the payment receipt must be enclosed with the application.

The other route to a non-working B permit, the twice-yearly lottery, is not open to third-country nationals: it is reserved for EEA nationals, with Swiss and UK nationals also excluded. Eight non-working permits a year are drawn, in spring and autumn, with a fee of CHF 100 for the preliminary draw and CHF 500 for the final draw.

Apply to the Immigration and Passport Office and wait abroad for the assurance or visa authorisation. Complete residence permit files are generally decided within three months. Register with your municipality within eight days of arrival.

Incomplete, unreadable or unsigned applications are returned once with a 30-day deadline and count as withdrawn if it passes. Residence may only be taken up after the permit has been assured or the visa issued, and third-country nationals must wait for the assurance or visa authorisation abroad.