Long-stay visas (Type D)
Liechtenstein Residence Permit B for Gainful Employment (Draw)
The main long-term permit for those wanting to live and work in Liechtenstein for more than 12 months. Very few are issued each year, with roughly half allocated by lottery.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Issuing authority
- Migration and Passport Office (Ausländer- und Passamt), Vaduz
- Permit type
- B permit (residence permit)
- Duration
- More than 12 months; renewable while the grounds for work continue
- EEA B permits are generally issued for a multi-year period and renewed; confirm the exact validity with the office.
- Allocation
- Quota-limited; about half awarded by a twice-yearly draw, half by government decision
- Third-country nationals
- Only in exceptional cases (specialists/managers, national interest)
Who it's for
- EEA and Swiss nationals with a job offer or employment in Liechtenstein who want to live in the country
- Highly qualified third-country managers, specialists and skilled professionals where no EEA candidate is available
- People who want to genuinely relocate rather than commute daily from Switzerland or Austria
Requirements
- A concrete employment relationship / job offer in Liechtenstein
- Selection through the residence-permit draw or government allocation (a place within the annual quota)
- Valid identity document / passport
- Adequate accommodation in Liechtenstein
- No relevant criminal record and no outstanding debt-enforcement proceedings
- For third-country nationals: evidence that the role could not be filled from the domestic or EEA labour market
What you can do
- Live in Liechtenstein for more than 12 months
- Work for the employer/role covered by the permit
- Renew the permit while the employment continues
- Apply, over time, towards permanent residence / establishment
How to apply
Registration begins with the Migration and Passport Office. For quota permits you must first enter the residence-permit draw; if drawn (or allocated by the government), you then submit the full permit application together with your employer's documentation.
The application is filed before taking up long-term residence. Third-country nationals additionally require the relevant labour-market clearance and, where applicable, an entry visa arranged through a Swiss representation abroad.
Documents
- Completed application form for a residence permit
- Valid passport or national ID
- Employment contract or confirmed job offer
- Proof of accommodation in Liechtenstein
- Passport photo
- Extract confirming no criminal record / no debt-enforcement proceedings
Frequently asked questions
Not automatically. Residence permits are capped by annual quotas and roughly half are decided by a twice-yearly lottery, so even with a job you may not secure the right to live in the country. Many people instead work in Liechtenstein while living in Switzerland or Austria as cross-border commuters.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Liechtenstein visas
- WORKUNDER 12 MONTHSFIXED TERMShort-Term Residence Permit L for Gainful EmploymentFor those taking up employment in Liechtenstein for a limited period, typically under twelve months. This short-term residence permit suits fixed-term or temporary roles rather than indefinite work.View visa details
- SETTLEMENTNON-WORKINGFINANCIALLY INDEPENDENTResidence Permit B Without Gainful Employment (Draw)A long-term residence permit for financially independent people (including retirees) who do not intend to work in Liechtenstein, allowing them to settle without taking up gainful employment.View visa details
- STUDYSTUDENTSNO EMPLOYMENTShort-Term Residence Permit L for Study / TrainingFor students, this short-term residence permit allows enrolment in study or training in Liechtenstein without taking up gainful employment during the course.View visa details