Liechtenstein visa resources
Eligibility for a Liechtenstein long-stay residence route
Anyone staying over three months needs a national permit; capped B permits are allocated by a draw and quarterly government decisions.
Important
Anyone who intends to live in Liechtenstein for longer than three months must hold a national residence permit; residence or gainful employment may not begin until the permit is granted or the entry visa issued. The core national permits are the short-term permit (L) for stays generally under twelve months, the residence permit (B) for stays over twelve months, and the settlement/permanent permit (C).
A defining feature of the Liechtenstein national system is that residence permits (B) are strictly limited in number. Because demand exceeds the annual quota, eligible applicants are entered into an allocation draw ('Auslosung') rather than simply queued, and the government decides on non-employment residence applications on a fixed periodic basis.
Employment-based routes
- A permit is only granted where the person is employed on pay and conditions customary for the location, occupation and labour market
- The application must be submitted in full and truthfully before taking up employment
- Capped B permits for employment are allocated through the residence-permit draw
Residence without gainful employment
- Open to applicants who will not work in Liechtenstein and have sufficient financial resources so that no social assistance is required
- These applications are decided by the government on a quarterly basis
- Also subject to the capped B-permit allocation / draw
General principles
- Third-country nationals must await authorisation abroad before entering (see the appointments/visa guide)
- Family members of an EEA or Swiss national resident in Liechtenstein follow the free-movement route
- Longer-term and permanent status can build up over time and may involve integration/German-language expectations
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.