As a small country, it hardly shows up in international rankings – but the Principality of Liechtenstein is a first-class business location. The financial centre is an internationally recognised and reliable partner. Its financial institutions are stable, innovative specialists in private banking with high capital resources. The Financial Market Authority (FMA) Liechtenstein enjoys strong international links and recognition.

Future-oriented financial centre

The guiding principle in Liechtenstein is: less state, more private initiative. The role of policy is to provide impetus for private-sector innovation. One example is the new law on blockchain systems. This makes Liechtenstein one of the first countries in the world to comprehensively regulate the subject by law.

Financial technologies open up new and interesting opportunities for the Liechtenstein financial centre. What counts are innovative strength, good economic framework conditions, know-how, and speed.

Liechtenstein is a modern, well-regulated financial centre with a strong international network. Membership of the European Economic Area (EEA) shapes cooperation with the rest of Europe. The same legal framework conditions apply in Liechtenstein as in all EU countries. Liechtenstein was also one of the first countries to be an early adopter when signing the multilateral agreement for automatic exchange of information (AEOI) in tax matters on 29 October 2014. As a pioneer, it has implemented a model that has international validity. This makes the financial centre unconditionally fit for the future. 

Valuable distinguishing characteristic: stability

The country between Switzerland and Austria is also a global player. The high-tech export industry – which includes world market leaders – supplies research-intensive, innovative cutting-edge technology to about 140 countries around the world. And some 4'000 small and medium-sized service and commercial businesses form the backbone of the country's economy, with a strong influence throughout the region. The economy benefits from extensive regional and international networks with universities and research & development institutions. 

Liechtenstein has a particularly valuable distinguishing characteristic: stability. The political system is stable, as is the broadly diversified economic system. The health of the national budget is excellent, and Liechtenstein is one of only 11 countries worldwide with a AAA rating. Liechtenstein's official currency, the Swiss franc, is one of the most stable in the world. The country and the financial centre stand for legal certainty and access to markets.

Access to two economic areas

Liechtenstein is also the only country in Europe with access to two economic areas: Liechtenstein is a member of the European Economic Area, and it has had an open border with the Swiss economic area since 1924 thanks to the Customs Treaty. In 1995, the country was able to join the European Economic Area without giving up its close relationship with its economic partner Switzerland. As a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Liechtenstein ensures access to world markets.

Liechtenstein is closely linked to its neighbours Switzerland, Austria, and Southern Germany. And it enjoys excellent integration with Europe and the rest of the world. Liechtenstein has been a member of the Council of Europe since 1978. In 1990, the country joined the United Nations, where it is committed to human rights and plays a leading role in strengthening the International Criminal Court (ICC).