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Liechtenstein
NEWS
  ECB chief: tougher rules for eurozone members on 10/09/2010
  Revenue expects to collect €40m in offshore inquiries on 27/08/2010
  Germany investigates as more stolen bank data emerges on 24/08/2010
  Swiss life wraps up the wealthy on 19/08/2010
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FACT FILE
Location Central Europe, between Switzerland and Austria.
Time Zone Central European Time.
Population App. 35,000.
Capital Vaduz.
Airport None (120 km to Zurich airport).
Language German (Swiss-German Dialect).
Currency Swiss Franc (CHF).
Dialing Code +423.
Centre's Expertise Renowned for numerous types of offshore vehicle (eg foundation, establishment, company, trust, trust enterprise); strict banking and professional secrecy;highly-educated personnel.
Political System Political power shared between hereditary monarch and democratically elected government; extremely stable.
Legal System Civil law system based in part on Swiss law, in part on Austrian law, and incorporating the common law concept of ‘trust’.
Personal Income Tax Up to 18%.
Corporate Income Tax 0.2% capital tax; up to 15% income tax for residents, plus surcharge up to 5% depending on level of dividend/distribution; 4% coupon tax (eg, on dividends); 7.6% value added tax.
Exchange Restrictions None.
Tax Treaties Ireland, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, France, United Kingdom, Germany, USA, Andorra and Monaco. DTAs: Austria, Luxemburg, San Marino and partly Switzerland.
Permitted Currencies CHF, euro, US$.
Minimum Authorised Capital CHF 30,000/50,000 depending on type of company.
Minimum Share Issues Depends on type of company.
Shelf Companies public limited Company (AG), private limited company (GmbH); establishment (Anstalt); foundation (Stiftung); trust enterprise (Treuunternehmen) eg.
Incorporation Time Scale 2-3 days.
Incorporation Fees CHF 800 app.
Annual Fees professional fees aprox. CHF 5,000 depending on time spent.
Minimum Number 1-3 depends on type of vehicle.
Residency Requirements Yes.
Corporate Directors Yes.
Meetings/Frequency Depends on type of company and its statutes.
Disclosure No.
Bearer Shares Yes.
Minimum Number Two.
Public Share Registry No.
Meetings Frequency Depends on type of company and statutes.
Annual Return Usually requested.
Audit Requirements Depends on type of company and statutes.
Registered Office Yes.
Domicile Issues Registered agent/trustee.
Company Naming Restrictions Name availability to be checked with registrar.
ARTICLES
Liechtenstein Disclosure Facility
  John Carrell gives an insider’s view on the reasons behind the implementation of the Liechtenstein Disclosure Facility, and the likely consequences of the LDF for UK individuals. (02/03/2010)
Liechtenstein in Turmoil: Legislative and Economic Developments of 2009
  A tumultuous twelve months have not dampened optimism in Liechtenstein, which has remained a busy and vital link in the international financial chain. (27/02/2010)
Offshore assets - the taxman cometh
  Michael Parkinson on the New Disclosure Opportunity from HMRC. (05/10/2009)
Opportunity or amnesty: the New Disclosure Opportunity and the Liechtenstein Disclosure Facility
  Nicole Aubin-Parvu takes a detailed look at two new initiatives from HMRC designed to enable participants to disclose tax irregularities on offshore accounts and assets with the promise of reduced penalties. (04/10/2009)
The Liechtenstein Foundation Law Reform 2008
  Stefan Mätzler and Andrew Baker assess the objectives and principles of the new reform (06/01/2009)
Peculiarities of the Liechtenstein jurisdiction and court system
  Marcus Wanger evaluates the various aspects of Liechtenstein’s tax system (16/01/2008)
Liechtenstein: Open to opportunity
  Andrew Baker documents the financial legislative and regulatory framework in place in the jurisdiction. (01/08/2007)
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