Quick answer
Liechtenstein offers a residence permit without gainful employment for individuals who do not intend to work in the country [1]. This permit is available to third-country nationals (non-EEA/Swiss) who can prove sufficient financial resources and do not engage in gainful employment [1]. Swiss and EEA citizens can also apply for a residence permit (B) [1]. The permit is valid for 12 months to 5 years, and after five years, holders may apply for permanent residence [1]. Applications are submitted to the Immigration and Passport Office [2].
Key facts
Am I eligible?
Swiss nationals resident in the border region
- Swiss commuters resident in Switzerland are free to take up employment in Liechtenstein.
- They do not need a foreign police permit before taking up employment and the employer does not have to comply with any registration requirements.
- Exceptions are professions that can only be practiced with a state permit.
- Swiss employees continue to pay income tax at their place of residence.
- Employees in the public sector are exempt from this.
EEA nationals resident in the border area
- If a person with EEA citizenship takes up employment or self-employment, no permit is required.
- The commencement of employment must be reported.
- The employer is obliged to notify the Foreigners and Passport Office of the employment within ten days of commencing work at the latest.
- The employee will then be issued with a cross-border commuter registration confirmation (GMB).
- EEA nationals who work in Liechtenstein will have income tax deducted from their salary.
- EEA nationals are citizens of a country belonging to the European Economic Area.
- EEA frontier workers must have their place of residence in the EEA and return to their EEA place of residence outside Liechtenstein every day.
- Persons who work as caregivers or in the hospitality industry under an employment contract with room hours may be exempt from the obligation to return to their place of residence.
- These persons must return to their place of residence in the EEA at least once a week.
Third-country nationals resident in the EEA or Switzerland
- Third-country nationals resident in the EEA or Switzerland require a so-called cross-border commuter permit (G) before taking up employment.
- This permit, which is limited to one year, is only issued by the Immigration and Passport Office if special conditions are met.
- For example, it must be proven that no suitable skilled worker can be found on the permit-free labor market.
- The job can only be taken up after the permit has been issued.
- Income tax is deducted from the salary of third-country nationals working in Liechtenstein.
Third-country nationals residing outside the border area or outside Switzerland or the EEA
- Third-country nationals residing outside the border area or outside Switzerland or the EEA require a residence permit (L or B) before taking up employment.
- This permit must be requested in letter form (BiB) and can only be issued to managers, specialists and other qualified employees who have completed an apprenticeship or have many years of professional experience (economic interest).
- Applicants must not have a criminal record, must have sufficient financial resources and appropriate language skills and can be expected to be willing to adapt and integrate into the world of work and society.
- Decisions on complete applications are generally made within three months of receipt.
- The granting of B permits is very restrictive.
Persons with Swiss or EEA citizenship not resident in the border area
- Persons with Swiss or EEA citizenship who are gainfully employed in Liechtenstein and do not live in the immediate border area and are therefore unable to return to their place of residence on a daily basis require a residence permit (L or B).
- The prerequisite is an employment contract for a maximum of one year at an appropriate level of employment.
- In addition, the professional and commercial law requirements for the intended self-employed activity must be met.
- The corresponding payment receipt for the basic lump sum must be enclosed with the application documents.
- A decision on complete applications from persons with Swiss or EEA citizenship is generally made within four weeks of receipt.
Don't want to read through this yourself? Answer a few questions and see exactly which category fits your situation.
Requirements in detail
Conditions vary significantly based on whether you are a Swiss, EEA, or third-country national.
For residence with gainful employment, you must have a job offer or be self-employed. For residence without employment, you must prove sufficient financial resources to avoid claiming social assistance.
Only about 100 residence permits are issued annually, and applications for residence without employment are decided quarterly by the government.
Applicants must not have a criminal record.
For third-country nationals, appropriate language skills and willingness to integrate are required.
A basic lump sum of CHF 80 is required with the application; if approved, costs amount to CHF 1060.
Documents you'll need
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Submit an application for a residence permit to the Immigration and Passport Office [2].
- 2
Provide required documents including proof of sufficient financial resources and valid travel document [1][2].
- 3
For third-country nationals, the government decides on applications quarterly [1].
- 4
If approved, the permit is issued for a period of 12 months to 5 years [1].
Frequently asked questions
What are the requirements for Swiss nationals to work in Liechtenstein?
Swiss commuters resident in Switzerland are free to take up employment in Liechtenstein. They do not need a foreign police permit before taking up employment and the employer does not have to comply with any registration requirements. Exceptions are professions that can only be practiced with a state permit. Swiss employees continue to pay income tax at their place of residence, except for employees in the public sector.
What are the requirements for EEA nationals to work in Liechtenstein?
If a person with EEA citizenship takes up employment or self-employment, no permit is required, but the commencement of employment must be reported. The employer must notify the Foreigners and Passport Office within ten days of commencing work. The employee will then be issued with a cross-border commuter registration confirmation (GMB). EEA nationals who work in Liechtenstein will have income tax deducted from their salary. EEA frontier workers must have their place of residence in the EEA and return to their EEA place of residence outside Liechtenstein every day, unless they work as caregivers or in the hospitality industry under an employment contract with room hours, in which case they must return at least once a week.
What are the requirements for third-country nationals to work in Liechtenstein?
Third-country nationals resident in the EEA or Switzerland require a cross-border commuter permit (G) before taking up employment. This permit is limited to one year and is only issued if special conditions are met, such as proving that no suitable skilled worker can be found on the permit-free labor market. The job can only be taken up after the permit has been issued. Third-country nationals residing outside the border area or outside Switzerland or the EEA require a residence permit (L or B) before taking up employment. This permit can only be issued to managers, specialists and other qualified employees who have completed an apprenticeship or have many years of professional experience. Applicants must not have a criminal record, must have sufficient financial resources and appropriate language skills, and must be willing to adapt and integrate.
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
This confirmation is limited in time and must be reissued after 5 or 10 years
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [2]
The completed application must be submitted to the Immigration and Passport Office at least 14 days before the planned start of employment
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [3]
The short-term residence permit L entitles the holder to stay in Liechtenstein for less than 12 months and can be extended once for a maximum of 6 months upon proof of extraordinary need
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [4]
The residence permit B entitles the holder to reside in Liechtenstein for more than 12 months and can be extended provided the integration agreement is complied with and there are no grounds for revoc
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [5]
Managers and specialists can obtain a residence permit for up to 3 years if they are employed by an internationally active company with a business establishment in Liechtenstein
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [6]
In the case of a positive decision, the costs amount to CHF 1060, in the case of a negative decision to the basic lump sum of CHF 80
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [7]
However, the following conditions apply: **On the part of the au pair** - Basic knowledge of the German language (for other nationals) - A German language course is compulsory, the costs are borne by
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [8]
If there are two adults in the household, a maximum of 150% employment is permitted
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [9]
- The au pair must be provided with accommodation (single room) and meals **Exclusion criteria** - There is a family relationship between the au pair and the host family - The same mother tongue is sp
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [10]
For a shorter working week, the gross salary is calculated on a pro rata basis of CHF 1835
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [11]
The net salary may not be less than CHF 700
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [12]
- The complete application must be submitted to the Immigration and Passport Office at least 14 days before the planned start of the au pair position
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [13]
This permit entitles the holder to reside in Liechtenstein for more than 12 months
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [14]
Prerequisites for participation are: - EEA citizenship (persons with Swiss citizenship and third-country nationals are not eligible for the draw) - Timely submission of the completed application form
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [15]
After 30 years of residence in Liechtenstein, it is also possible to apply for Liechtenstein citizenship
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [16]
This permit entitles the holder to take up residence for the duration of the training for a maximum of 12 months, whereby a further permit L can be applied for before expiry if the training has not ye
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [17]
- Swiss and EEA nationals have the option of working up to a maximum of 35% of their studies/school
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [18]
If gainful employment is an integral part of the course, the workload may be increased to 100%
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [19]
- Non-Swiss and non-EEA nationals may work up to a maximum of 35%, provided they are students at the University of Liechtenstein and the activity is related to their studies
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [20]
- [→ Finance](/en//legal/finance) - [→ Insurances](/en//work/insurances) - [→ Consulting](/en//legal/consulting) - [→ Entry](/en//legal/entry)[Note](/en//legal/entry#note) - [Entry Requirements](/en//
Einreise | integration.li - Welcome to Liechtenstein · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [21]
If one wishes to stay in Liechtenstein for more than 90 days, a permit is needed
Einreise | integration.li - Welcome to Liechtenstein · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [22]
- [↗ Informationen Aufenthaltsbewilligungen](https://www.liechtenstein-business.li/leben-und-arbeiten-liechtenstein/wohnen/aufenthaltsbewilligung) - [↗ Ausländer- und Passamt](https://www.llv.li/de/la
Einreise | integration.li - Welcome to Liechtenstein · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [23]
Family members are considered to be: - Husband or wife (registered partnerships are treated equally to marriages) - Children (including foster children) of the person with residence entitlement and th
Einreise | integration.li - Welcome to Liechtenstein · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [24]
**Third Country** Here, spouses and common children under 18 years are counted as family
Einreise | integration.li - Welcome to Liechtenstein · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [25]
Restrictive residence law and limited permits
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [26]
Types of residence permits
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [27]
Permit validity and permanent residence after five years
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [28]
Application for residence permit
Einreise | integration.li - Welcome to Liechtenstein · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [29]
Residence permit without employment
Einreise | integration.li - Welcome to Liechtenstein · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [30]
Third-country nationals can be granted residence
Einreise | integration.li - Welcome to Liechtenstein · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [31]
Direct issue of B permit for third-country nationals
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [32]
Direct issue of B permit for Swiss/EEA citizens
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [33]
Draw for permit B for EEA nationals
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [34]
Family reunification for third-country nationals
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [35]
Family reunification for Swiss/EEA citizens
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [36]
Application for residence permit without employment
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [37]
Sufficient financial resources required
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [38]
No gainful employment allowed
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [39]
Government decides quarterly on applications
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [40]
Permit validity and permanent residence after five years
Living in Liechtenstein - residence permits · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced
This page reflects Liechtenstein's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Liechtenstein's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.