After finding a job in Liechtenstein, the next question is how to apply for any permits that may be required. There are different provisions depending on the nationality and profession of the person. Nevertheless, bureaucracy is kept to a minumum for both employees and employers.

Workers living in Liechtenstein generally do not need any kind of permit, regardless of their nationality. This does not apply to professions that may only be carried out with a state permit, e.g. in the health and education sector, in the commercial sector (if self-employment is sought) and in selected professions (lawyer, trustee, auditor, patent attorney). A permit is also required for apprenticeship positions. These positions may only be offered by employers with a training permit. Workers living outside Liechtenstein, known as «cross-border commuters», are subject to a range of different provisions in order to receive a permit.

Cross-border commuters

Cross-border commuters, e.g. employees who work in Liechtenstein but live outside the Principality, are divided into three categories: Swiss citizens, EEA citizens and citizens of other countries. Most cross-border commuters travel to Liechtenstein to go to work and return home at the end of the working day.

Carers as well as bar and restaurant workers who are provided with a room as part of their employment contract are not obliged to return to their place of residence every day. However, these persons must return to their place of residence in the EEA or Switzerland at least once a week.

Swiss citizens

Swiss citizens working in Liechtenstein require no permit. They do not have to register with the police and the employer does not have to register them either. Swiss citizens keep paying their taxes in Switzerland unless they are working in the public sector.

EEA citizens

EEA citizens who work in Liechenstein must be registered with the authorities. The employer must register new EEA workers with the Migration and Passport Office within ten days of them starting work. Employees then receive confirmation of their status as a cross-border commuter. EEA citizens working in Liechtenstein will be taxed also in Liechtenstein. All citizens of countries belonging to the European Economic Area are EEA citizens. Click here for more information about the EEA and its member states.

Citizens of other countries

Citizens of other countries require a cross-border commuter permit before starting work in Liechtenstein. This permit is issued for one year and is only approved by the Migration and Passport Office if certain conditions are met. One of these conditions it was impossible to find a worker not requiring a cross-border commuter permit. The application must be submitted to the Migration and Passport Office at least 14 days before the first day at work. Applicants can only start working in Liechtenstein once they have been granted a cross-border commuter permit. Citizens of other countires working in Liechtenstein will be taxed also in Liechtenstein.

After finding a job in Liechtenstein, the next question is how to apply for any permits that may be required. There are different provisions depending on the nationality of the person. Nevertheless, bureaucracy is kept to a minumum for both employees and employers.

Workers living in Liechtenstein generally do not need any kind of permit, regardless of their nationality. A permit is, however, required for apprenticeship positions. These positions may only be offered by employers with a training permit. Workers living outside Liechtenstein, known as «cross-border commuters», are subject to a range of different provisions in order to receive a permit.

Job vacancies

An overview of vacancies in the various sectors in Liechtenstein can be found on the usual job portals, such as  liechtenstein-job.ch, topjob.li, ostjob.ch , jobscout24.ch orch.indeed.com. Numerous vacancies can also be found directly on the respective company websites.