Alpine Microstate of Princes, Peaks & Prosperity
Liechtenstein has low, flat corporate tax and moderate personal taxes, and historically had strong banking secrecy. However, it now applies EEA rules, international transparency and automatic exchange of information standards, so it is better described as a low-tax, fully-cooperative financial centre than a secrecy jurisdiction.
No. Inheritance tax and gift tax were abolished in the 2011 tax reform, which is a notable advantage for wealth and estate planning.
Instead of taxing most investment income separately, Liechtenstein adds a standardised deemed return on your net assets to your taxable income, which is then taxed at ordinary rates. The effective burden is roughly 0.06%–0.89% of net wealth depending on your situation.
You are a cross-border commuter and your taxation is governed by the relevant double-taxation treaty, not by full resident rules. Confirm your specific position, as it differs materially from resident taxation.
Yes, in principle. Liechtenstein offers expenditure-based (lump-sum) taxation for individuals who move here without taking up local employment, but it must be agreed in advance with the Tax Administration and depends on securing one of the scarce non-employment residence permits.
Yes. Every resident must take out basic compulsory health insurance (OKP) with an approved fund. It is not optional and is checked as part of residence registration.
No. Like Switzerland, the system is funded by individual premiums with a deductible and cost-sharing up to an annual cap. It is high-quality but you pay premiums and a share of costs.
The national hospital is the Liechtensteinisches Landesspital in Vaduz. For specialised and major treatment, residents are also treated under agreements at hospitals in neighbouring Switzerland and Austria.
Yes. On top of the mandatory basic package you can purchase supplementary private insurance for things like private rooms, wider choice of provider and additional dental or comfort services.
The Swiss franc (CHF) is the currency, and German is the official language, though people speak an Alemannic dialect similar to Swiss German day to day.
Yes. Prices, rents and insurance are at Swiss levels, among the highest in the world, though salaries for local workers are correspondingly high.
Not necessarily. The LIEmobil bus network is good and the country is tiny, so many people get by on buses, cycling and walking, though a car is convenient for cross-border trips.
Yes. Borders with both are open and check-free, so residents shop, travel and access services across the border routinely and quickly.
Very. Liechtenstein is among the safest countries in the world, with low crime and strong public order maintained by the Landespolizei.