# Liechtenstein: taxes, residence and cost of living

Source: https://domicile.wiki/places/liechtenstein/ (domicile.wiki, researched 2026-10-16). Data licence CC BY-SA 4.0. Research, not tax or legal advice.

## At a glance

For an EU-citizen family of five living off a EUR 30M portfolio (the guide's default reader).

- Score for a wealthy family: 70 / 100
- Can EU citizens live here?: EEA nationals: quota permit without gainful activity · limited places: 16 permits a year for all EEA applicants (some sources say about 20)
- Can US citizens live here?: only work or business permits
- Other passports: only work or business permits
- Tax on a €30M portfolio: €370,250 a year · Lump-sum taxation on expenditure (Besteuerung nach dem Aufwand)
- Wealth tax: yes
- Children inherit: tax-free
- After 60 years: €168,729,000 of €30,000,000 (with no tax at all: €286,928,000)
- Living costs, family of five: €356,710 a year
- EU member: no
- Currency: CHF
- Capital: Vaduz

## Tax on investments, inheritance and wealth

Liechtenstein taxes wealth instead of investment income. Net wealth (excluding foreign real estate) is converted into a deemed income of 4% (Sollertrag, Art. 5 SteG) and taxed with other income at the progressive state rate (top 8%) plus a municipal surcharge of 150%-250% of the state tax (Art. 75); Vaduz and Schaan kept 150% for 2025, which makes the wealth tax up to 0.8% a year (0.896% at 180%). In return, dividends, interest and gains on shares and other movable private assets are exempt from income tax. There is no inheritance or gift tax. Liechtenstein real estate gains bear a separate tax of up to 24%. Two alternatives are modelled: lump-sum taxation on expenditure (25% of living costs, government minimum CHF 300,000 a year, worse than the ordinary tax below roughly CHF 40 million of wealth) and a private foundation with proxy taxation, which pays about the same wealth tax and brings succession and asset-protection benefits, not a saving. The main obstacle is residence: permits for EEA nationals are limited by quota and partly by lottery, and very limited for others.

- **Ordinary tax residence (wealth and income tax)**: Combined wealth and income tax (Vermögens- und Erwerbssteuer) under the Tax Act (SteG, LGBl. 2010.340). Wealth is taxed through a 4% deemed return added to taxable income; actual returns on that wealth are exempt.
- **Lump-sum taxation on expenditure (Besteuerung nach dem Aufwand)**: On application, newcomers who do not work in Liechtenstein and live on foreign income or assets pay 25% of their total worldwide living costs (government minimum CHF 300,000 a year) instead of wealth and income tax (Art. 30-34 SteG). Dividends, gains and foreign wealth are covered; Liechtenstein real estate stays under ordinary wealth tax. It beats the ordinary tax only for wealth above roughly CHF 38-40 million (WeTrust).
- **Liechtenstein private foundation (Stiftung) with PVS status and proxy taxation**: The family endows an irrevocable Liechtenstein foundation (PGR art. 552) with the portfolio. As a private asset structure (PVS, Art. 64 SteG) it pays only the CHF 1,800 minimum profit tax and is not assessed. The family applies for proxy taxation (Art. 9(3) SteG): the foundation pays the beneficiaries' wealth tax on a 4% deemed return, so no dedication tax arises (Art. 13) and distributions to the beneficiaries are tax-free (Art. 14(2)(k)). The wealth tax is about the same as holding personally (0.8% at the top). The reasons to use the structure are succession planning, asset protection and continuity; nothing is saved in tax. Inheritance tax does not exist either way, so the standard inheritance rules are inherited.

## How to get residence

Liechtenstein is in the EEA but keeps a quota on residence permits. EU/EEA citizens who work get permits from an annual quota (at least 56, half by lottery), and a separate small quota of 16 a year covers EEA citizens who live on their own capital. US and other citizens can only get a permit if they have a job or real economic significance for the country; residence cannot be bought. A lump-sum tax (25% of living costs) exists for new residents who do not work.

- **EEA nationals: residence permit within the annual quota (employed)** (Work; EU citizens; open): EEA citizens with a job in Liechtenstein get residence from a yearly quota; the EEA agreement allows Liechtenstein to cap numbers, so there is no free right to move.
- **EEA nationals: quota permit without gainful activity** (Passive income / retirement; EU citizens; open): A small separate quota of 16 permits a year is open to EEA citizens who do not work and live on their own funds.
- **Non-EEA nationals: permit for employment or economic significance** (Work; US citizens, other passports; open): US and other citizens are admitted only in small numbers: with a job offer from a Liechtenstein employer or because they are of real economic significance to the country.
- **Lump-sum taxation for new residents** (Other; EU citizens, US citizens, other passports; open): New residents who do not work in Liechtenstein can agree a tax of 25% of their worldwide living costs. It still needs a residence permit first.

Citizenship: Not researched this session. Earlier practice: long residence (reported about 10 years) plus a municipal vote; not verified.

## Inheritance law and trusts

Children and the spouse are guaranteed half of their intestate share, and a will cannot remove it, though a foundation or trust is a common planning route. Liechtenstein has its own trust and foundation law, and the Hague Trusts Convention is in force. A reform to the Pflichtteil is before parliament.

## Daily life (0-100, higher is better)

- Safety and personal security: 57
- Political and institutional stability: 81
- Legal system and property rights: 82
- Healthcare quality and access: 96
- Human development and quality of life: 88
- Infrastructure and connectivity: 98
- Cost of living and housing: 46
- Business opportunities and economy: 81

## Research notes

### Liechtenstein — family-office tax dossier

Last reviewed: 2026-10-16
Tax year: 2026
Reviewer: research agent (Claude), unreviewed by a tax adviser

#### Summary

Liechtenstein taxes wealth instead of investment income. Net wealth (excluding foreign real estate) is converted into a deemed income of 4% (Sollertrag, Art. 5 SteG) and taxed with other income at the progressive state rate (top 8%) plus a municipal surcharge of 150%-250% of the state tax (Art. 75); Vaduz and Schaan kept 150% for 2025, which makes the wealth tax up to 0.8% a year (0.896% at 180%). In return, dividends, interest and gains on shares and other movable private assets are exempt from income tax. There is no inheritance or gift tax. Liechtenstein real estate gains bear a separate tax of up to 24%. Two alternatives are modelled: lump-sum taxation on expenditure (25% of living costs, government minimum CHF 300,000 a year, worse than the ordinary tax below roughly CHF 40 million of wealth) and a private foundation with proxy taxation, which pays about the same wealth tax and brings succession and asset-protection benefits, not a saving. The main obstacle is residence: permits for EEA nationals are limited by quota and partly by lottery, and very limited for others.

#### Residence and eligibility

Resident with a domicile in Liechtenstein (living there with the intention to stay) or a habitual residence of more than six months.

- **EEA nationals: residence permit within a quota (partly by lottery)** (EU): Liechtenstein is in the EEA but restricts free movement: the government may set maximum numbers of permits (Art. 10 PFZG) and in practice allocates part of the annual quota by lottery (reported figures for non-working persons are small, press reports of about 8 permits a year; not verified, the official apa.llv.li pages were not reached). A permit without gainful activity requires enough means not to need social assistance and comprehensive health insurance (Art. 22 PFZG). Lump-sum taxation is open to such permit holders (Art. 30 SteG).
- **Third-country nationals** (US, OTHER): Permits under the Foreigners Act are granted only exceptionally and the government decides (WeTrust: persons without gainful activity need sufficient means). No investor or golden-visa programme known. Not verified against the Migration and Passport Office.

Standard regime eligibility: Domicile (intention to stay permanently) or habitual residence of more than six months in Liechtenstein. Requires a residence permit, which is the main practical barrier.

#### Capital gains

Capital gains on movable and immovable private assets are exempt from income tax (Art. 15(2)(m) SteG), as are gains on shares (Art. 15(2)(o)) and gains on foreign real estate (Art. 15(2)(l)). Gains on Liechtenstein real estate are taxed separately by the real estate gains tax: the income tax tariff for single persons (top 8%) plus a fixed 200% surcharge, up to 24%. Capital losses are not deductible.

JSON values: headline rate 24% (`0.24`); listed securities domestic 0% (`0.0`), foreign 0% (`0.0`); private business sale 0% (`0.0`); local real estate 24% (`0.24`); foreign real estate 0% (`0.0`).

- **How the JSON numbers were derived:** Movable assets, shares and foreign real estate: exempt under Art. 15(2)(l), (m), (o) SteG. Liechtenstein real estate: Art. 42 applies the Art. 19(1)(a) tariff (top marginal 8% from CHF 211,401) and Art. 43 adds a 200% surcharge instead of the municipal surcharge: 8% x 3 = 24%. Headline = that 24%.
- **Holding periods:** None.
- **Professional-trader risk:** Professional securities dealing would be business income (taxed via the income tax), but the private-asset exemption is broad; no recharacterisation guidance was found.
- **Foreign assets:** Foreign securities: same exemption. Foreign real estate: excluded from wealth tax (Art. 10(e)) and its gains exempt (Art. 15(2)(l)), with progression reservation for the rate (Art. 21).
- **Exemptions and thresholds:** All private capital gains on movable assets exempt. Real estate gains tax: the basic allowance of the single-person tariff (CHF 15,855) applies.
- **Eligibility conditions:** Assets held as private assets. Business assets follow different rules (anti-abuse rules for passive low-taxed foreign participations).
- **Regional differences:** Municipal surcharge differs by municipality but does not affect exempt gains; the real estate gains surcharge is a fixed 200%.
- **Important exceptions / announced changes:** Business-asset participations in passive, low-taxed foreign entities can lose the exemption. Indirect transfers of real estate companies trigger real estate gains tax.
- **Tax year / confidence / verification:** 2026 / high / verified (checked 2026-10-16)
- **Sources:** [Steuergesetz (SteG), LGBl. 2010.340, consolidated version 01.07.2026](https://www.gesetze.li/konso/2010340000); [Liechtenstein - Individual - Income determination](https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/liechtenstein/individual/income-determination); [Liechtenstein - Individual - Other taxes](https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/liechtenstein/individual/other-taxes)

#### Dividends

Dividends and profit shares from participations in legal entities are exempt from income tax for private shareholders (Art. 15(2)(n) SteG), as are all returns on wealth subject to wealth tax (Art. 15(1)(a)). The wealth tax (deemed return) replaces dividend tax.

JSON values: headline 0% (`0.0`); domestic 0% (`0.0`); foreign gross 0% (`0.0`); foreign tax relief: not_applicable.

- **How the JSON numbers were derived:** Art. 15(2)(n) SteG exempts profit shares; Art. 15(1)(a) exempts returns on wealth subject to wealth tax. Rate 0.
- **Outbound withholding:** Liechtenstein abolished its dividend coupon tax in 2011 (from general knowledge; PwC's withholding section not opened); companies distribute without withholding.
- **Treaty network:** Small treaty network; not verified in this session.
- **Holding-company notes:** Companies pay 12.5% profit tax (Art. 61) with a CHF 1,800 minimum tax (Art. 62); private asset structures (PVS, Art. 64) pay only the minimum tax and are not assessed. A resident founder has two ways to use an irrevocable foundation: (a) apply for proxy taxation (Art. 9(3) SteG), so that the foundation pays the beneficiaries' wealth tax on the 4% deemed return at the single-person tariff (Art. 19(2)) and distributions to the beneficiaries are tax-free (Art. 14(2)(k)); no dedication tax arises (Art. 13(1) applies only when no application was filed); this is modelled as the stiftung_pvs regime; or (b) no application: 3.5% dedication tax plus the municipal surcharge once (8.75% at 150%), and distributions are taxable income. A revocable foundation is attributed to the founder (Art. 9(4)). The saving of proxy taxation over holding personally is nil (same 0.8% top rate, but no joint basic allowance); the reasons to use it are succession and asset protection.
- **Exemptions and thresholds:** Full exemption.
- **Eligibility conditions:** Private shareholder.
- **Regional differences:** None.
- **Important exceptions / announced changes:** Foreign withholding tax on dividends cannot be credited because no Liechtenstein tax arises on them; treaty reduction at source is the only relief.
- **Tax year / confidence / verification:** 2026 / high / verified (checked 2026-10-16)
- **Sources:** [Steuergesetz (SteG), LGBl. 2010.340, consolidated version 01.07.2026](https://www.gesetze.li/konso/2010340000); [Liechtenstein - Individual - Income determination](https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/liechtenstein/individual/income-determination)

#### Inheritance and gifts to children

Liechtenstein levies no inheritance, estate or gift tax. Inheritances and gifts are also exempt from income tax (Art. 15(2)(c) SteG). The heirs simply include the assets in their own wealth tax base afterwards.

JSON values: basis `none`, bracket mode `marginal`, children `fully_exempt`, exemption CHF 0, marginal brackets above the exemption: none; other transfer costs 0% (`0`); gifts same as inheritance: True; tax-free after years: None.

- **Gifts:** No gift tax; gifts are exempt from income tax. Only the dedication tax applies to transfers into structures outside the wealth tax base.
- **Business relief:** Not needed. Covers listed portfolios: no.
- **Foreign assets:** No tax on any assets; foreign estate taxes of situs countries may apply.
- **Domicile / residence rules:** Not applicable.
- **Exemptions and thresholds:** Full exemption.
- **Eligibility conditions:** None.
- **Regional differences:** None.
- **Important exceptions / announced changes:** A 3.5% dedication tax (Widmungssteuer, Art. 13 SteG) plus the municipal surcharge (Art. 75(1)) applies when assets are transferred to a legal entity or foundation so that they leave the wealth tax base, the interests cannot be valued and no application for proxy taxation (Art. 9(3)) was filed; not relevant to direct gifts to children. Inheritances and gifts received are income-tax free (Art. 15(2)(c)).
- **Tax year / confidence / verification:** 2026 / high / verified (checked 2026-10-16)
- **Sources:** [Liechtenstein - Individual - Other taxes](https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/liechtenstein/individual/other-taxes); [Steuergesetz (SteG), LGBl. 2010.340, consolidated version 01.07.2026](https://www.gesetze.li/konso/2010340000)

#### Wealth tax

Wealth tax is levied through the income tax: worldwide net wealth (excluding foreign real estate and foreign permanent establishments) is multiplied by a 4% standard return (Sollertrag, Art. 5 SteG; Art. 14(2)(l)) and taxed together with other income at the progressive state tariff (Art. 19; marginal 1%-8%), plus a municipal surcharge set each year by the municipality between 150% and 250% of the state tax (Art. 75(3)). The surcharge is 150% in Vaduz and Schaan (2025; the 2026 figure was not found). For a married couple whose only income is the deemed return, the effective marginal wealth tax rises to 0.8% at 150% (0.896% at 180%).

JSON type: `broad`.

- **Component Wealth tax via 4% deemed return (Vermögenssteuer als Sollertrag)** (base `net_wealth_worldwide`, bracket mode `marginal`): allowance CHF 0, entry threshold CHF 0; brackets: 0% (`0.0`) from CHF 0, 0.1% (`0.001`) from CHF 792,750, 0.3% (`0.003`) from CHF 1,057,000, 0.4% (`0.004`) from CHF 2,114,000, 0.5% (`0.005`) from CHF 3,699,500, 0.6% (`0.006`) from CHF 5,285,000, 0.65% (`0.0065`) from CHF 6,870,500, 0.7% (`0.007`) from CHF 8,456,000, 0.8% (`0.008`) from CHF 10,570,000. Derived from Art. 19(1)(c) SteG (married couples): marginal state rates 0/1/3/4/5/6/6.5/7/8% with income thresholds CHF 31,710 / 42,280 / 84,560 / 147,980 / 211,400 / 274,820 / 338,240 / 422,800 (the statute's formula 'rate x income - constant' equals the sum of these bands to within CHF 0.5). Wealth thresholds = income thresholds / 0.04 (Art. 5). Effective wealth rate = 4% x state rate x 2.5 (150% municipal surcharge, Art. 75(3)). Base excludes foreign real estate (Art. 10(e)).
- **Property tax (not a wealth tax):** No separate property tax; Liechtenstein real estate is part of the wealth tax base.
- **Exemptions and thresholds:** Household goods and private cars up to CHF 52,800 for a married couple; foreign real estate exempt. The income tax basic allowance (CHF 31,710 joint) makes the first ~CHF 792,750 of wealth tax-free if there is no other income.
- **Eligibility conditions:** All residents taxed in the ordinary way.
- **Regional differences:** The municipal surcharge varies (legal range 150%-250%, Art. 75(3)); the brackets assume 150%, the 2025 rate in Vaduz (council protocol of 5 Nov 2024) and Schaan (protocol of 26 Nov 2025). WeTrust names 160% in Eschen and Mauren as the highest at present.
- **Important exceptions / announced changes:** Because the deemed return is added to other income, earned or pension income pushes the deemed return into higher bands sooner. Transfers into a structure that leaves the wealth tax base bear a one-off 3.5% dedication tax (Art. 13) plus the municipal surcharge, unless the structure applies for proxy taxation (Art. 9(3), see the stiftung_pvs regime). The tariff is not indexed automatically: Art. 20 SteG adjusts tariff and amounts only if consumer prices have risen 3% or more since the last adjustment and the Landtag agrees on the government's motion, so thresholds_indexed stays false. Lump-sum taxation on expenditure (Art. 30-34) replaces wealth and income tax for qualifying newcomers (see the lump_sum regime).
- **Tax year / confidence / verification:** 2026 / medium / partially_verified (checked 2026-10-16)
- **Sources:** [Steuergesetz (SteG), LGBl. 2010.340, consolidated version 01.07.2026](https://www.gesetze.li/konso/2010340000); [Liechtenstein - Individual - Taxes on personal income](https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/liechtenstein/individual/taxes-on-personal-income); [Liechtenstein - Individual - Other taxes](https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/liechtenstein/individual/other-taxes)

#### Special regimes

- **Lump-sum taxation on expenditure** (`lump_sum`, Art. 30-34 SteG): On application, newcomers who do not work in Liechtenstein and live on foreign income or assets pay 25% of their total worldwide living costs (government minimum CHF 300,000 a year) instead of wealth and income tax (Art. 30-34 SteG). Dividends, gains and foreign wealth are covered; Liechtenstein real estate stays under ordinary wealth tax. It beats the ordinary tax only for wealth above roughly CHF 38-40 million (WeTrust).
  - Who: Non-Liechtenstein citizens (a dual citizen with Liechtenstein nationality does not qualify) who take up domicile or habitual residence for the first time or after at least ten years abroad, do not work in Liechtenstein and live on income or assets from abroad (Art. 30(1) SteG). There is no right to the regime: the Steuerverwaltung decides on application (Art. 31). A residence permit is needed first (EEA quota and lottery, see residency).
  - Amount in JSON: CHF 300,000 a year (`indexed_to_inflation` false). Tax = 25% of total annual expenditure of the family worldwide (Art. 32-33 SteG), but at least CHF 300,000 a year: the government has set a minimum tax of CHF 300,000, i.e. living costs of CHF 1.2 million at 25% (WeTrust, updated 3 Aug 2026; the minimum is not in the SteG or the SteV, which were both read). The reference family spends EUR 400,000 a year, so 25% of its costs (about CHF 90,000-100,000) is below the minimum and the minimum applies: CHF 300,000 a year. The tax replaces wealth tax and income tax on everything except Liechtenstein real estate, which stays under ordinary wealth tax with no debt deduction (Art. 30(3)); the family's CHF 5M-equivalent home is therefore taxed on top and is not in the amount. Whether the municipal surcharge is included in the CHF 300,000 was not found (the adviser's break-even of about CHF 39.5 million of wealth at a 150% surcharge suggests it is the all-in figure). Not indexed by law: the minimum is a government decision.
  - Duration: No statutory time limit (Art. 30-34 SteG). In practice the tax is fixed for five years and renews by one year unless either side asks for a new assessment (WeTrust). It ends with deregistration, a request for ordinary taxation or the death of one spouse; the survivor then falls under ordinary tax unless the lump sum is applied for again (WeTrust).
  - Break-even: with wealth of about CHF 38 million (160% surcharge) to CHF 39.5 million (150%) the lump sum equals the ordinary tax (WeTrust). The reference family (portfolio EUR 30 million plus a EUR 5 million home) is below that, so the ordinary regime is cheaper, before the home's wealth tax that the lump sum does not cover.
  - Sources: SteG Art. 30-34 (read), WeTrust overview updated 3 Aug 2026, Grant Thornton factsheet 2019.

#### Holding structures

**Modelled: private foundation with proxy taxation** (`stiftung_pvs`, structure). The family endows an irrevocable Liechtenstein foundation (PGR art. 552) with the portfolio. As a private asset structure (PVS, Art. 64 SteG) it pays only the CHF 1,800 minimum profit tax and is not assessed. The family applies for proxy taxation (Art. 9(3) SteG): the foundation pays the beneficiaries' wealth tax on a 4% deemed return, so no dedication tax arises (Art. 13) and distributions to the beneficiaries are tax-free (Art. 14(2)(k)). The wealth tax is about the same as holding personally (0.8% at the top). The reasons to use the structure are succession planning, asset protection and continuity; nothing is saved in tax. Inheritance tax does not exist either way, so the standard inheritance rules are inherited.

- **Why it is included:** the Liechtenstein Stiftung is the vehicle advisers use for succession and asset protection; it is never cheaper than holding personally here, which is what the page should show. An opaque foundation without an application for proxy taxation is rejected: it costs the 3.5% dedication tax plus surcharge once (8.75% at 150%, about CHF 2.6 million on CHF 30 million) and then makes distributions taxable income (Art. 13, 14(2)(k)).
- **Tax at foundation level:** only the CHF 1,800 minimum tax (Art. 62(2), 64(8)); dividends and gains are not assessed. In JSON: capital gains and dividends 0, running cost CHF 1,800.
- **Proxy wealth tax (Art. 9(3), 19(2)):** the foundation pays the beneficiaries' wealth tax on the 4% deemed return at the single-person tariff with no basic allowance (deduction amounts reduced by CHF 159): 1/3/4/5/6/6.5/7/8% marginal on a return up to CHF 21,140 / 42,280 / 73,990 / 105,700 / 137,410 / 169,120 / 211,400 and above, times the municipal surcharge (assumed 150%). In JSON wealth terms: 0.1% from 0, 0.3% from CHF 528,500, 0.4% from 1,057,000, 0.5% from 1,849,750, 0.6% from 2,642,500, 0.65% from 3,435,250, 0.7% from 4,228,000, 0.8% from 5,285,000. For CHF 30 million: CHF 224,277.50, against CHF 207,762.50 for the couple personally.
- **Payout:** distributions are tax-free for resident beneficiaries when proxy taxation was applied for (Art. 14(2)(k)); `payout_tax_rate` 0.
- **Estate:** an irrevocable foundation owns the assets, so nothing passes at death (path `outside_estate`); a revocable foundation is attributed to the founder (Art. 9(4)). Liechtenstein has no inheritance tax anyway.
- **Not counted (no sourced figure):** fees of the domestic fiduciary on the foundation council, audit, legal advice, and the formation duty of 2 per mille of the capital, minimum CHF 200 (Art. 66(3)), which could be CHF 60,000 on a CHF 30 million endowment if it applies to later endowments.
- **Unverified:** whether the surcharge applies to proxy taxation; treaty relief for a PVS on foreign dividends. Open questions below.
- **Considered and rejected:** a Liechtenstein company (Anstalt, AG) as holding vehicle: 12.5% profit tax on interest and similar income, nothing gained for a resident whose own dividends and gains are already exempt, and a controlled company stays in the owner's wealth tax base. A trust (Treuunternehmen/Trust) is not separately modelled; it is treated like a foundation (Art. 9(3)-(4)).

#### Company taxation (kept separate from personal tax)

Headline CIT rate in JSON: 12.5% (`0.125`).

Flat 12.5% profit tax on worldwide income; CHF 1,800 annual minimum tax (creditable), waived for small operating companies. Dividends and capital gains on participations generally exempt. Pillar Two 15% top-up for large groups. Private asset structures (PVS) pay only the minimum tax.

Special zones: None.

#### Cost of living notes

Vaduz.

- International school: International School Rheintal in Buchs SG (Switzerland, about 5 km from Vaduz), Grades 11-12,
  CHF 35,470 a year for 2026/2027; capital fund fee CHF 5,600 once for the first child.
- Prime rent: CHF 2,500 a month, the median of the ten priced houses of 5.5+ rooms (about 4+ bedrooms) offered to let across
  Liechtenstein on immoboerse.li and nemo.li on 15 October 2026 (duplicates removed; range CHF 1,900-3,450: Schaan 6.5 rooms
  3,450, Mauren 6.5 rooms 3,350, Balzers 7.5-room terraced houses from 2,750, Gamprin-Bendern 2,690, Schellenberg, Nendeln and
  an older 7.5-room Schaan house 2,500 each, Eschen and Ruggell 2,400, Balzers 1,900). Not prime: no priced house was in Vaduz.
  Engel & Völkers' three Vaduz houses were price on request or already let (the let 5.5-room Städtle house at CHF 2,950), and a
  225 m² Schaan house was price on request, so a prime Vaduz family house likely rents above this median.
- Not sourced: price per m², family health insurance, housekeeper.

#### Open questions

- Needs an engine change: lump-sum taxation on expenditure (Art. 30-34 SteG) is 25% of the family's worldwide living costs, at least CHF 300,000 a year, and Liechtenstein real estate remains under ordinary wealth tax with no debt deduction (Art. 30(3)). The engine's lump sum is one fixed amount that replaces all wealth tax and has no residual tax on local real estate. For the reference family (EUR 400,000 of spending) the minimum binds, so the fixed amount is exact apart from the home.
- The CHF 300,000 minimum tax is stated by two Liechtenstein advisers (WeTrust, updated 2026) as set by the government; it is not in the SteG or the SteV, and no official publication of it was found. It is decisive: without it 25% of EUR 400,000 would be about CHF 90,000-100,000. Whether the municipal surcharge is inside the CHF 300,000 is not stated.
- Residence permit rules: Art. 10 and 22 PFZG were read, but the size of the quota and the lottery rules (Ausländer- und Passamt, EEA Joint Committee decision 191/1999) were not verified from an official page.
- Municipal surcharge: 150% in Vaduz and Schaan for 2025 (council protocols); the 2026 figure was not found.
- Private foundation: whether the municipal surcharge applies to proxy taxation (Art. 9(3)), whether a PVS gets treaty relief on foreign dividends, and the foundation's real running and formation costs (formation duty Art. 66(3); fiduciary fees) were not found.
- Prime rent is the CHF 2,500 median of ten ordinary 5.5+-room houses across Liechtenstein (immoboerse.li, nemo.li, 15 Oct 2026); no priced Vaduz house was listed. A Vaduz/Schaan prime figure from an agency would make the rent more representative.
- (standard / dividends) Size of Liechtenstein's treaty network and whether foreign withholding can be reduced for residents was not verified (Liechtenstein has a limited network, including Switzerland, Austria, Germany, the UK and Luxembourg, from general knowledge).
- (standard / wealth_tax) The 2026 municipal surcharge for Vaduz and Schaan was not found; 2025 was 150% in both (council protocols). Brackets assume the statutory minimum 150%; scale rates by (1+surcharge)/2.5 for other municipalities (WeTrust names 160% in Eschen and Mauren as the highest at present).
- (standard / wealth_tax) Brackets assume no income besides the deemed return and joint assessment of a married couple (Art. 19(1)(c) tariff); child and insurance deductions (Art. 16(3): CHF 12,700 per child, up to CHF 7,400 + 2,200 per child) are ignored.

US citizens: No US-Liechtenstein income tax treaty (a TIEA and FATCA IGA exist). Liechtenstein's wealth-based tax is not an income tax on specific items, so US foreign tax credits for it are doubtful; US citizens pay full US tax on gains and dividends.

#### Sources

- [Steuergesetz (SteG), LGBl. 2010.340, consolidated version 01.07.2026](https://www.gesetze.li/konso/2010340000) — Liechtensteinische Landesverwaltung (gesetze.li) (legislation)
- [Liechtenstein - Individual - Income determination](https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/liechtenstein/individual/income-determination) — PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries (professional)
- [Liechtenstein - Individual - Other taxes](https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/liechtenstein/individual/other-taxes) — PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries (professional)
- [Liechtenstein - Individual - Taxes on personal income](https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/liechtenstein/individual/taxes-on-personal-income) — PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries (professional)
- [Liechtenstein - Individual - Residence](https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/liechtenstein/individual/residence) — PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries (professional)
- [Liechtenstein - Corporate - Taxes on corporate income](https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/liechtenstein/corporate/taxes-on-corporate-income) — PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries (professional)
- [International School Rheintal: Financial Regulations 2026/2027 (schedule of fees)](https://www.isr.ch/userfiles/isrmvc/Documents/Fees_Finances/ISR%20Financial%20Regulations%202026_2027_RS.pdf) — International School Rheintal (other)
- immoboerse.li (ITW Ingenieurunternehmung AG): houses to rent in Liechtenstein: https://www.immoboerse.li/immobilien/?search-intention=mieten&search-select-type=haus
- nemo.li: houses to rent in Liechtenstein: https://nemo.li/mieten/art-haus/
- Engel & Völkers: houses for rent in Liechtenstein: https://www.engelvoelkers.com/li/en/properties/res/rent/house
- [Steuergesetz (SteG), consolidated version 01.07.2026 (PDF, read in full for Art. 1-34, 42-43, 54, 61-66, 75)](https://www.gesetze.li/konso/pdf/2010340000?version=38) — gesetze.li (legislation)
- [Steuerverordnung (SteV), LGBl. 2010 Nr. 437](https://www.gesetze.li/konso/pdf/2010437000) — gesetze.li (legislation)
- [Personenfreizuegigkeitsgesetz (PFZG), version 01.01.2026](https://www.gesetze.li/konso/pdf/2009348000?version=11) — gesetze.li (legislation)
- [WeTrust: Die Pauschalbesteuerung in Liechtenstein (updated 3 Aug 2026)](https://a.storyblok.com/f/113585/x/6a3672e3bc/20241111_pauschalbesteuerung-in-liechtenstein-aktualisiert-20260703.pdf) — WeTrust (professional)
- [Grant Thornton: Expense-Based Taxation Regime for Individuals in Liechtenstein (2019)](https://www.grantthornton.ch/globalassets/1.-member-firms/switzerland/insights/pdf/2019/201907_tax/expense_based_taxation_regime_for_individuals_in_liechtenstein_factsheet_22.pdf) — Grant Thornton (professional)
- [Grant Thornton: Uebersicht ueber die liechtensteinische Stiftung (2023)](https://www.grantthornton.ch/globalassets/1.-member-firms/switzerland/insights/pdf/2023/2300-uebersicht-li-stiftung-de.pdf) — Grant Thornton (professional)
- [Gemeinde Vaduz: Gemeinderat 5 Nov 2024, Gemeindesteuerzuschlag 2025 bei 150 % belassen](https://vaduz.li/download_file/11001/481) — Gemeinde Vaduz (government)
- [Gemeinde Schaan: Sitzung 26 Nov 2025, Gemeindesteuerzuschlag 2025 definitiv 150 %](https://www.schaan.li/application/files/3817/6543/8304/pa_20251126.pdf) — Gemeinde Schaan (government)

#### Change log

- 2026-10-15: initial research.
- 2026-10-15: added international school fee (International School Rheintal, CHF 35,470, 2026/27); prime rent still not sourced.
- 2026-10-15: Holding structures section: no structure modelled (dedication tax prices out the wealth-tax saving). Tried again to source a Vaduz/Schaan prime rent: the main portals blocked automated access; the open question now names what is needed.
- 2026-10-15: added prime rent (CHF 2,500, median of ten 5.5+-room house lets across Liechtenstein on immoboerse.li and nemo.li; no priced Vaduz house, so likely understates prime).
- 2026-10-15: family rent re-checked against the upper-middle-class standard: kept.
- 2026-10-16: recipe pass. Added the `lump_sum` regime (Art. 30-34 SteG, 25% of expenditure, government minimum CHF 300,000 from WeTrust) and the `stiftung_pvs` structure (Art. 9(3), 13, 19(2), 62, 64). Corrected the earlier claim that a foundation always triggers the 3.5% dedication tax: with an application for proxy taxation it does not (Art. 13(1)). Municipal surcharge confirmed at 150% for 2025 in Vaduz and Schaan. Documented that the tariff is not indexed automatically (Art. 20 SteG), so thresholds_indexed stays false. Residence: PFZG Art. 10 and 22 read.


## Residence and succession sources

- [Liechtenstein Sectoral Adaptations - Review (COM(2023)458)](https://eumonitor.eu/9353000/1/j4nvirkkkr58fyw_j9vvik7m1c3gyxp/vm54h3dgz5ur) — European Commission via EUMonitor
- [Liechtenstein: Residence and Taxes](https://wiki.private.law/en/liechtenstein-residence) — private.law wiki
- [Liechtenstein - Individual - Residence](https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/liechtenstein/individual/residence) — PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries
- [Liechtenstein Government: Reform Erbrecht (BuA 123/2023)](https://www.llv.li/serviceportal2/amtsstellen/stabstelle-regierungskanzlei/bua_123_2023_reform-erbrecht.pdf) — Government of Liechtenstein
- [Liechtenstein legislation database](https://www.gesetze.li/) — Government of Liechtenstein
- [HCCH status table: 1985 Trusts Convention](https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=59) — Hague Conference on Private International Law