Liechtenstein as a business location

Liechtenstein is not only a successful financial centre but also an internationally successful business location where many global players have their headquarters. Liechtenstein companies are world market leaders in dental technology, the automotive industry, the construction sector and optical coatings. The backbone of Liechtenstein industry, however, is formed by the many small and medium-sized enterprises based here.

Over recent decades, Liechtenstein as a business location has grown to such an extent that it now offers more jobs than the country has inhabitants. More than half of the workforce commute across the border every day from their place of residence abroad to their workplace in Liechtenstein.

Population: 38,572
Area: 160 km2

A simple tax system compatible with European law and its location in the heart of Europe are therefore undeniable locational advantages. Alongside industry, financial and fiduciary services have traditionally been the second most important economic sector.

The professional and innovative financial centre is an important part of our national economy. As a safe haven in the centre of Europe, Liechtenstein has always been predestined for financial services.

Free access to markets – both to Switzerland and to the EU –, economic and political stability and the preservation of discretion are the hallmarks of the financial centre, which employs a total of around 6,000 people.

Liechtenstein’s financial service providers and their clients benefit from political continuity and economic stability. The analysts at Standard & Poor’s also confirm the location’s high attractiveness.

For years they have given Liechtenstein an AAA rating, emphasising its stable outlook. Moreover, our debt-free small state stands for a traditionally liberal economic order with a lean state apparatus. At around 24 per cent, its government spending ratio is the lowest of all European countries. One of the reasons for this is the short administrative channels, which lead to fast, unbureaucratic results.

Liechtenstein has been a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) since 1995. This gives Liechtenstein companies free market access to 31 states and around 500 million people in Europe.

The free movement of goods, persons, services and capital simplifies business relations with all European countries. The customs and currency union with Switzerland also secures market access to the neighbouring country.

Since 2009, the financial centre has been undergoing change. Liechtenstein has responded with a new, strong foundation law and tax legislation compatible with European law.

At the same time, the Principality repeatedly reaffirms its willingness to enter into negotiations on agreements concerning the exchange of information in tax matters in order to address the global problem of tax fraud, tax evasion and double taxation. In doing so, Liechtenstein accepts its responsibility towards the legitimate tax claims of other states, but also towards its clients, who choose this business location because they seek and value privacy and legal and financial security.