Company Formation · Liechtenstein

Company Formation in Liechtenstein, Done Right

Establish an AG, GmbH, foundation (Stiftung), or establishment (Anstalt) in one of Europe's leading private-wealth jurisdictions. One team handles structure selection, the capital deposit, the founding act and commercial register entry, the local representation, and tax setup end to end.

Licensed CSP
50+ yrs combined experience
15+ jurisdictions

Setup time: ~3 weeks (indicative)
Foreign ownership: 100%
Corporate income tax: 12.5% flat
Min. capital (AG): CHF 50,000
Market access: EEA member
Min. annual tax: CHF 1,800

Why Choose Liechtenstein for Company Formation?

Liechtenstein is one of Europe's leading private-wealth jurisdictions, long established as a centre for foundations, asset protection, holding structures, and succession planning. It combines a low flat corporate tax with EEA single-market access and Swiss-aligned stability:

Private Wealth Tradition. A long-established centre for private wealth, succession planning, and asset protection backed by a sophisticated trustee profession

Low Flat Corporate Tax. A flat 12.5% corporate income tax applies to companies, foundations, and establishments, among the lowest standard rates in Europe

EEA Single-Market Access. As an EEA member, Liechtenstein offers access to the EU internal market while remaining outside the EU itself

Swiss-Aligned Stability. A stable AAA-rated economy in a customs and currency union with Switzerland, using the Swiss franc

Distinctive Structuring Vehicles. The establishment (Anstalt) and foundation (Stiftung) are flexible vehicles found in few other jurisdictions, alongside the AG, GmbH, and trust

Strong Privacy Framework. A long tradition of confidentiality, balanced with modern beneficial-ownership and transparency standards

Robust Legal System. A predictable civil-law system with strong protection of property and contractual rights

Participation Relief. Dividends and gains from qualifying participations are generally exempt, supporting holding structures

Liechtenstein Entity Types

Aktiengesellschaft (AG)

Min. capital: CHF 50,000 fully paid
Members: 1 minimum shareholder
Best for: Larger operations, holding, capital raising, and prestige

GmbH (Limited Liability Company)

Min. capital: CHF 10,000 fully paid
Members: 1 minimum shareholder
Best for: SMEs, holding, and owner-managed businesses

Stiftung (Foundation)

Min. capital: CHF 30,000 minimum
Members: Founder + beneficiaries
Best for: Private wealth, succession, charitable, and asset-holding purposes

Anstalt (Establishment)

Min. capital: CHF 30,000 fully paid
Members: Founder (no members required)
Best for: Asset protection, holding, and flexible structuring

Common Uses for Liechtenstein Structures

Private Wealth and Succession

A trusted base for preserving and passing on family wealth, supported by a deep trustee and private-banking ecosystem.

Foundations (Stiftung)

The foundation is a long-established vehicle for charitable, family, and asset-holding purposes, separating assets from the founder.

Holding Companies

A low-tax, EEA-based jurisdiction for holding structures, with participation relief for qualifying dividends and gains.

Asset Protection

The establishment (Anstalt) and foundation are flexible vehicles for ring-fencing and protecting assets under a stable legal system.

Note: Costs are indicative and may change with your requirements and regulations. Contact us for a tailored quote.

How Liechtenstein Incorporation Works

Liechtenstein entities are formed under Liechtenstein law (the Persons and Companies Act, the PGR) and acquire legal personality on entry into the commercial register (Handelsregister). The principal vehicles are the AG (CHF 50,000 fully paid), the GmbH (CHF 10,000 fully paid), the foundation or Stiftung (at least CHF 30,000), and the establishment or Anstalt (CHF 30,000 fully paid). The capital is first deposited with a Liechtenstein or Swiss bank, the founding documents are formalized, and the entity is then entered in the register. Structures are commonly formed and administered through a licensed Liechtenstein trustee, and entities generally require a locally licensed representative or director. Profit tax is levied at a flat 12.5%, with a CHF 1,800 minimum annual tax where applicable.

Main Entity Types

Aktiengesellschaft (AG). The stock corporation for larger operations, holding, and capital raising, requiring CHF 50,000 fully paid.

GmbH. The limited liability company for SMEs and holding, requiring CHF 10,000 fully paid.

Stiftung (Foundation). A vehicle dedicating assets to a defined purpose for private wealth, succession, and charitable use, requiring at least CHF 30,000.

Anstalt (Establishment). A flexible vehicle distinctive to Liechtenstein for asset protection and holding, requiring CHF 30,000 fully paid.

Core Requirements and Documents

Founder, beneficiary, and director documents: passport copies and proof of address for each individual, plus corporate documents for any corporate founder, and beneficial-ownership information
Capital deposit: CHF 50,000 (AG), CHF 10,000 (GmbH), or CHF 30,000 (foundation or establishment), fully paid into a Liechtenstein or Swiss bank account with a confirmation for the register
Founding documents: statutes or articles of association and the founding act, formalized before filing with the commercial register
Local representation: a licensed Liechtenstein representative, director, or trustee, arranged by us where you do not have one

Last reviewed: June 2026. Reflects current Liechtenstein PGR capital, commercial register, and 12.5% profit-tax requirements. Confirm specifics for your structure.

Liechtenstein Company Formation Process

From confirming the right structure to the capital deposit, founding act, register entry, and tax setup, here is the step-by-step path.

Confirm the Right Structure

We begin with a consultation to understand your objectives, whether private wealth preservation, a foundation, holding, or asset protection. Our advisors recommend the vehicle (AG, GmbH, establishment (Anstalt), or foundation (Stiftung)) that best fits your goals and the relevant tax and reporting position.

Reserve the Name and Prepare Documents

We check name availability with the commercial register (Handelsregister), prepare the statutes or articles of association and founding act, and gather founder, beneficiary, director, and beneficial-owner identification and proof of address, completing the required due diligence and AML checks.

Deposit the Capital

We arrange a capital deposit account with a Liechtenstein or Swiss bank and deposit the required capital fully paid in: CHF 50,000 for an AG, CHF 10,000 for a GmbH, and CHF 30,000 for a foundation or establishment. The bank issues a confirmation needed for registration.

Notarize and Register

The founding documents are formalized and the entity is filed for entry in the commercial register. A Liechtenstein establishment, foundation, or company acquires legal personality once it is entered in the register.

Appoint Local Representation

Liechtenstein entities generally require a locally licensed representative or director, and structures are often formed and administered through a licensed Liechtenstein trustee. We arrange the required local representation and administration where you do not have one.

Register for Tax and Compliance

We register the entity with the tax administration, confirm the 12.5% flat profit-tax position and the CHF 1,800 minimum annual tax where it applies, arrange VAT registration where turnover thresholds are met (standard VAT rate 8.1%), and set up the accounting and reporting framework so the entity is fully operational.

Total time~3 weeks (indicative)

Have questions about the process?

Our experts are here to guide you through each step and answer your questions.

Why Choose AURNÉ for Liechtenstein Company Formation?

Our team combines cross-border wealth-structuring expertise with efficient service delivery:

Wealth Structuring Expertise. Experience structuring Liechtenstein foundations, establishments, and holding entities for international clients

Vehicle Selection. Guidance on choosing between the AG, GmbH, establishment (Anstalt), and foundation (Stiftung) for your objectives

Local Representation. We arrange the licensed Liechtenstein trustee, director, or representative where you need one

Comprehensive Service. End-to-end support from formation to ongoing tax, accounting, and compliance

Multi-Jurisdiction Experience. Able to coordinate Liechtenstein structures with UAE, Switzerland, and offshore jurisdictions

Banking Support. Support with capital deposit accounts and operational bank account introductions

Liechtenstein Company Formation - Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about forming a Liechtenstein company, foundation, or establishment, capital and tax, the local representation requirement, and compliance.

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Company Formation in Liechtenstein, Done Right

Licensed CSP

50+ yrs combined experience

15+ jurisdictions