Incorporate · Europe

Company Formation in Liechtenstein

EEA member with a low flat tax and long-standing foundation and trust framework. Review the legal form, tax position, treaty network and indicative cost, then talk to one team that structures it end to end.

Licensed CSP
50+ yrs combined experience
15+ jurisdictions

Corporate tax: 12.5% flat
VAT / GST: 8.1% (in a customs and VAT union with Switzerland)
Formation: 1-3 weeks
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
Tax treaties: 20+
Setup cost: USD 6,000 - 15,000

At a glance

Common entity: Company Limited by Shares (AG)
Formation time: 1-3 weeks
Setup cost: USD 6,000 - 15,000
Annual cost: USD 5,000 - 12,000
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
Tax treaties: 20+

Holding companyFunds and investmentIP and licensingTradingConsulting and services

Best for

Wealth structuring via foundations and establishments
Holding and asset-holding vehicles
EEA access with a Swiss-linked currency and VAT union

Less ideal for

Low-budget setups
Founders needing a broad treaty network

Legal and formation

Legal system	Civil law
Common entity types	Company Limited by Shares (AG), Establishment (Anstalt), Foundation (Stiftung)
Formation timeline	1-3 weeks
Minimum capital	CHF 50,000 (AG) or CHF 30,000 (Establishment/Foundation)
Foreign ownership	100% permitted
Minimum shareholders	1
Minimum directors	1 (at least one director resident in the EEA/Liechtenstein)
Local presence	Registered office and a qualified local representative required
Public registry	Companies on the commercial register; beneficial owners on a non-public register
Audit	Audit required for most operating companies

Tax profile

Corporate income tax	12.5% flat (minimum annual tax of CHF 1,800)
VAT / GST	8.1% (in a customs and VAT union with Switzerland)
Withholding, dividends	0%
Withholding, interest	0%
Withholding, royalties	0%
Capital gains	Within corporate tax; participation income and gains largely exempt
Territorial system	No
CFC rules	No
Participation exemption	Dividends and gains from qualifying participations are generally tax exempt

Every figure above is indicative. Rates, thresholds, minimum capital, ownership rules and timelines change and vary by activity, licence and structure. They are confirmed with the relevant authority and in a tailored quote before you rely on them. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

How to set up in Liechtenstein

1
Engage a licensed local trustee or fiduciary and reserve the name
2
Draft the statutes and define the structure (AG, Establishment or Foundation)
3
Deposit the capital and appoint an EEA-resident director
4
File with the Liechtenstein commercial register and the beneficial-owner register
5
Complete tax registration and open a corporate bank account

Banking reality

Liechtenstein banks are strong on private and wealth banking but apply rigorous KYC and source-of-funds checks; onboarding is thorough and usually arranged through the appointed local fiduciary.