Financial Center Liechtenstein
With a land area of 160 sq km the Principality of Liechtenstein is the fourth-smallest state in Europe and despite its smallness one of the most attractive, innovative and stable business locations in Europe. In addition to the Customs and Currency Union with Switzerland in 1923 and the introduction of an innovative and constantly modernized company law in 1926 Liechtenstein as a financial centre benefits in particular from its accession to the European Economic Area (EEA) in 1995. Liechtenstein thus not only enjoys full freedom of services in all countries of the European Union (EU), but due to its privileged access to the Swiss economic area is also an ideal locations for Swiss businesses, particularly as an economic bridge into the European Union.
For many years the Liechtenstein Financial Centre has adapted to the changing international standards. However, it continues to advocate the legitimate protection of privacy. To fulfill the needs of clients, the financial centre disposes of a wide range of internationally accepted products and services and is governed by an efficient and internationally recognised independent Financial Market Authority which monitors the financial service providers in a purposeful and solution-orientated manner.
In the course of the modernisation of the Liechtenstein Financial Centre a series of Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEA) and Double Taxation Agreements (DTA) have been concluded since. The latest information and details on this subject can be found at the following link:
KYC regulations and provisions to combat money laundering and terrorist financing are maintained in accordance with international standards. Furthermore, the foundation law reform, which came into force on April 1, 2009, ensured that the Liechtenstein foundation, which has existed for around 90 years, will continue to be a unique and attractive instrument for holding (company) investments, for estate planning and asset protection, as well as for charitable and philanthropic purposes. Since the introduction of the revised tax law on January 1, 2011, which fully meets international requirements, the prerequisite for the continued attractiveness of Liechtenstein as a business location was also created.