Why Liechtenstein
Perfect combination of innovation and a long-term mindset
The Liechtenstein financial centre thinks in generations. Focusing on the long term, on quality and stability is just as important as being in touch with the latest trends.
- Extensive expertise and long-standing experience of the financial service providers
- Access to specialists and experts from Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Liechtenstein
- Flexibility and short decisionmaking channels
- Europe-compliant niche products in the financial sector
- Governmental support for innovation
- Close cooperation between authorities, regulators and financial centre players
- Governmental Office for Financial Market Innovation and Digitalisation
- Stable social, legal and economic system
- Customs and currency union with Switzerland since 1924
- Member of the European Economic Area (EEA) since 1995
- Barrier-free access to the European market (freedom of movement of goods, people, services and capital)
- Political continuity and stability
- Liberal economic policies
- Liberal company law
- Sound financial policies/no government debt
- Very well-funded public sector
- Moderate corporate taxation
- AAA country rating awarded by Moody’s and S&P Global Ratings
- Broadly diversified economy with strong industrial sector
- Financial centre regulation in Liechtenstein based on EU guidelines
- Internationally integrated and recognised financial market supervisory authority
- Recognition and implementation of international and European tax cooperation standards
- Early AEOI adopter (automatic exchange of information)
- Global Forum rating “largely compliant”
- Implementation of OECD/BEPS (corporate taxation guidelines)
- Tax information exchange agreements with 34 states and double taxation agreements with 23 states
- Acting in a responsible, sustainable manner is a central component of Liechtenstein’s culture
- “Energy country”: all of Liechtenstein’s municipalities have been awarded the “Energy City” label. Liechtenstein is the world’s first “energy country”.
- “Solar world champion”: Liechtenstein has the highest per capita photovoltaic capacity
- “Water footprint”: Liechtenstein is the first country to offer as many people in developing countries safe access to clean drinking water as it has inhabitants
- Outstanding international reputation as a philanthropy centre at the heart of Europe
- Advanced foundation governance with high protection of the private sphere
- Named the No. 1 philanthropy location in 2022 by the Global Philanthropy Environment Index