Business location
Many advantages as a business location, liberal and stable economic policies, a head of state passionate about enterprise, a position in the heart of Europe and to top it all off a stunning natural landscape. That is simply Liechtenstein.
Liechtenstein is one of the world’s smallest countries. Situated in the heart of Europe, between Austria and Switzerland, its surface area of just 160 km² makes it officially the sixth smallest state in the world. However, when it comes to entrepreneurship, the country is anything but a minnow. Liechtenstein is home to global market leaders and international industrial companies, a professional and innovative financial centre, and a multitude of commercial enterprises.
Zurich (CH), Munich (D) and Innsbruck (A) airports can be reached within two hours or less. Buses run regularly to Liechtenstein from Feldkirch (A) and Sargans and Buchs SG (CH) railway stations.
Economic success in the industrial and financial sector
More than 4700 companies have settled in Liechtenstein and offer more jobs than the country has inhabitants. In addition to a few large businesses, Liechtenstein’s many small and medium-sized enterprises form the backbone of the country’s economy.
Liechtenstein has a diverse economy with a high proportion of industrial production. Over 40% of the gross value added is generated by industry and the goods-producing sector. The most important branches of the strongly export-oriented industry are mechanical and instrument engineering, plant construction, manufacturing of precision instruments, the dental industry and the food industry. In all of these areas, Liechtenstein stands for high-tech goods of the finest quality.
Like its industry, Liechtenstein’s financial sector is highly diversified. Banks, insurance companies, asset managers, funds and trustees as well as fintech and blockchain companies are among those which appreciate the advantages offered by Liechtenstein's location and business-friendly conditions. They are supervised by the internationally recognised Financial Market Authority (FMA).
Companies in Liechtenstein benefit in particular from access to two economic areas: the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. Liechtenstein has formed a customs and monetary union with Switzerland since 1924, and access to the EU/EEA internal market has existed since 1995. The Principality is also a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and benefits from one of the largest networks of free trade agreements in the world.
Fast facts
| Capital Vaduz |
Population 38,747 (as of 31.12.2019) |
| Form of government Constitutional hereditary monarchy on a democratic and parliamentary basis |
Head of state Prince Hans-Adam II. In 2004, Prince Alois was entrusted with the affairs of government as the representative of Prince Hans-Adam II. |
| Parliament Twenty-five Members of Parliament with four-year legislative terms |
Government Collegial government with five members |
| Currency Swiss franc |
Jobs 42'988 (as of 2019) |
| Percentage of cross-border commuters 56% (as of 2019) |
Number of companies 5'050 (as of 2019) |