Company Formation and Re-Domiciliation to Liechtenstein

Setting up a company in Liechtenstein takes between a few days to a few weeks, depending on factors such as timeliness of compliance information received, individualization of company articles and whether a business license is needed (i.e. for commercial business actually taking place in Liechtenstein). If the application for an FMA license is necessary (i.e. for financial businesses – like asset managers) the process can take up to a few months.

The costs of setting up a company can vary as well. The formation costs usually amount to a few thousand Swiss Francs, but can be higher in case legal opinions or a FMA license are needed. The annual costs are described below.

Liechtenstein has several company forms that can be found in other European jurisidictions as well, such as the Corporation (Aktiengesellschaft) and the LLC (GmbH). Futhermore, there are other Liechtenstein specific company forms, such as the Establishment (Anstalt) and the Trust Enterprise, also called Trust reg. (Treuunternehmen). We are happy to assist you in finding the company that best fits your specific situation and needs if you are considering to set up a company in Liechtenstein.

Brochure regarding company forms in Liechtenstein (PDF): THK – Company Forms

Liechtenstein is an attractive place to do business within Europe. It has a modern tax law with a moderate corporate tax rate of 12.5% and no withholding taxes. Furthermore, it is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss customs union, with access to the EU and Swiss market for selling products and services.

Our factsheet shows more advantages of Onshoring in Liechtenstein (PDF): Onshoring Information

The time and costs incolved in a re-domiciliation to Liechtenstein is about the same as for the formation of a company. It takes between a few days to a few weeks, depending on factors such as timeliness of compliance information and receipt of corporate documents from the previous jurisdiction, individualization of company articles and whether a business license is needed (i.e. for commercial business actually taking place in Liechtenstein). If the application for an FMA license is necessary (i.e. for financial businesses – like asset managers) the process can take up to a few months.

The costs of setting up a company can vary as well. The re-domiciliation costs usually amount to a few thousand Swiss Francs in Liechtenstein, but can be higher in case legal opinions or a FMA license are needed. Furthermore, costs will be incurred in the previous jurisdiction for corporate documents, a legal opinion and deregistration. The annual costs of a Liechtenstein company are decribed below.

The documents necessary to effect the transfer are described by the registrar in a factsheet (PDF): Required documents

Annual costs for accounting and administrative tasks, resident-agent fee or office rent, minimum taxation, and directors fees have to be planned, which in total will amount to a few thousand Swiss Francs a year in the standard case, but can be much higher for more complex businesses.

Liechtenstein law requires companies to have at least one director who is a professional trustee, unless the company has a business or FMA license. In such a case, they must have a chief executive officer who is fit to run the business and is located within or close to Liechtenstein.

Furthermore, Liechtenstein has a minimum tax of 1’800 Swiss Francs per year which for many companies is the only tax they pay since dividend income and capital gains are tax exempted (in most cases) and no witholding tax is due.