Location advantages Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is an excellent place to establish and relocate a company and offers over 5500 active companies a broadly diversified, stable business location. The many advantages of the location speak for themselves and allow you to concentrate on the essentials: your company.
Strong location advantages at second glance too
Despite the high purchasing power of over 40,000 residents, the Liechtenstein market is limited. However, free dual access to the Swiss market and the European Economic Area create optimal conditions for the strongly export-oriented economy.
Since the Customs Treaty with Switzerland came into force in 1924, Liechtenstein has not only been part of the Swiss customs territory, but also uses the Swiss franc as a means of payment. The bilateral free trade agreements concluded by Switzerland also apply to Liechtenstein. In addition, the organization Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) has also been providing Liechtenstein companies with advice and information on doing business abroad since 2011.
Liechtenstein has also been a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) since 1995. Companies therefore benefit from the advantages of the EU/EEA single market, the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital. An additional regulation on the free movement of persons and freedom of establishment takes Liechtenstein's geographical situation into account. As a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Liechtenstein also benefits from one of the largest networks of free trade agreements in the world. Detailed list EU, EEA, EFTA
The political system in Liechtenstein with the Princely House is very stable, the political landscape has hardly changed over the decades and legal certainty is high. Liechtenstein has managed to run its finances in an exemplary manner.
In addition, Liechtenstein has no national debt and the very stable Liechtenstein financial market is an important resilience factor. Liechtenstein has stood for continuity, stability and security for more than 300 years.
1995 - Accession to the European Economic Area (EEA) on May 1, accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on September 1
1991 - Full member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
1990 - Accession to the United Nations (UN)
1978 - Accession to the Council of Europe
1975 - Signing of the CSCE Helsinki Final Act (today's OSCE)
1950 - Accession to the Statute of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)
1923 - Conclusion of the customs treaty with Switzerland
Liechtenstein is business-friendly. Free enterprise thrives here. The state offers exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs and the government is constantly optimizing the framework conditions.
Liechtenstein's liberal economic policy is reflected in its corporate and labor law. Low non-wage labor costs and high weekly working hours compared to the rest of Europe contribute to the attractiveness of the business location. The low minimum capital requirement for company formations and the unbureaucratic administration also make life easier for entrepreneurs. The manageable size of the country also means flexibility and short decision-making processes in all matters.
Performance must be worthwhile. Capital should be available for investment, growth and research and development activities. This principle fits in with Liechtenstein's liberal attitude. The uniform income tax rate for companies in Liechtenstein is 12.5 %. At 7.7 %, value added tax is also moderate by international standards. Numerous double taxation and tax information agreements are also in force, including with Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the USA.
Entrepreneurs and investors are not the only ones who appreciate the advantages of the location and show their entrepreneurial side. The Princely House is no stranger to entrepreneurship either, as the members of the Princely Family are successful entrepreneurs. The LGT Group is just as much a part of the corporate portfolio of the Head of State as a real estate company, an agricultural company, a forestry business, vineyards, a power station and innovative companies in the agricultural sector.
Only a few countries today can say that they are debt-free. Liechtenstein is one of them. The stability of the social and economic order, legal certainty and the Swiss franc as legal tender ensure stability. The activities of Liechtenstein companies in a wide range of sectors also contribute to stability. Independent analysts are impressed by Liechtenstein's stability. Liechtenstein has held an AAA rating from Standard & Poor's since 1996, which is renewed annually.