Fact File

Fact File Supplied By:

Allgemeines Treuunternehmen.

Location

Central Europe, between Switzerland and Austria.

Time Zone

Central European time.

Population

39,151.

Capital

Vaduz.

Airport(s)

None (120 km to Zurich airport and around 50 km to Altenrhein).

Language

German (German dialect).

Currency

Swiss Franc (CHF).

Political System

Political power shared between hereditary monarch and democratically elected government; extremely stable.

International dialing code

+423.

Legal system

Civil law; influenced by Swiss and Austrian law; as EEA member implementing EU directives; common trust law since 1926.

Centre's expertise

Wealth management. Numerous types of companies, foundations and trusts. Interesting also for protected cell companies, insurance companies and fund service providers. Highly educated personnel.

Personal income tax

Up to 21%.

Corporate income tax

There is a flat corporate income tax rate of 12.5%. A minimum tax of CHF 1,800 has to be paid if the structure qualifies as a private investment structure.

Exchange restritions

None.

Double taxation treaties, TIEAs and MOUs with many countries. Signatory of the MCAA with AEoI/CRS and the inherent legal requirements as foreseen in the MCAA. See also www.llv.li/♯/11469/internationale-steuerabkommen

Permitted currencies

CHF, EUR, US$.

Minimum authorised capital

30,000/50,000 depending on type of company and size. This minimum has to be fully paid up.

Minimum share issue

Depends on type of company.

Shelf companies

N/A.

Timescale for new entities

Five to ten days.

Incorporation fees

Approx. CHF 800 (state duties).

Annual fees

No offshore companies accepted according to tax law 2011. Professional fees, approx. CHF 3,000-10,000, depending on time spent. Additional fees for accounting and auditing (if required), charged on hourly basis and taxes.

Minimum number

1-3, depending on the size and type of the company.

Residency requirements

Yes (not for trusts).

Corporate directors

Yes.

Meetings/ frequency

Depends on type of company and its statutes.

Disclosure

The 5th EU AML Directive applies (transparency registry).

Bearer shares

Yes, however blocked at a licensed local custodian. Share register book kept at the statutory domicile of company.

Minimum number

One.

Public share registry

Yes. From 1.8.2019 onwards. Registration of so-called "controlling persons". 

Meetings/ frequency

Depends on type of company and statutes.

Annual tax declaration

There is an annual financial report, and if not submitted to PIS status (Private Investment Structure), then filed with a tax declaration to the tax authority.

Audit requirements

Depends on type of company and statutes.

Registered office

Normally yes.

Domicile issues

Registered agent/trustee.

Company naming restrictions

Name availability to be checked with registrar.