The 5 Most Exclusive Residency Programs in Europe
March 26, 2025
Strict policies, annual quotas, and high financial demands make these residency options the hardest to secure in Europe.
Liechtenstein Independent Means Visa
This Page is Sponsored by:
Program Type:
Independent Means Visa
Processing Time:
1-3 months
Citizenship Timeline:
10-30 years
Permanent Residency Timeline:
5 years
Physical Presence Required:
183 days per year
Citizenship Visa-Free Access:
181 countries
Minimum Contribution:
None
On This Page
Program Overview
Liechtenstein Independent Means Visa
Liechtenstein offers a residence permit (B) for non-gainfully employed persons who maintain substantial financial resources in the principality.
Applicants must demonstrate access to sufficient funds, maintain local health insurance, and secure approved accommodation. This quota-based program provides access to one of Europe’s most politically and economically stable jurisdictions, with a sophisticated banking sector and a flat tax rate of 12.5% on Liechtenstein-sourced income.
Liechtenstein Independent Means Visa
How to Qualify
To qualify for the Liechtenstein Residence Permit (B), applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to maintain their lifestyle without requiring social assistance. They are prohibited from engaging in gainful employment within Liechtenstein.
Additional requirements include holding a valid passport, maintaining a clean criminal record, and securing comprehensive health insurance coverage. Application fees are CHF 1,060 (US$1,200) if approved, or CHF 80 (US$90) if rejected.
Liechtenstein Independent Means Visa
Salient Benefits
- Low taxes
- High safety
- Enhanced access to large economies
- Freedom of movement (but not settlement) in the Schengen Area
- No investment or donation requirement
Liechtenstein Independent Means Visa
Citizenship Timeline and Requirements
Liechtenstein maintains one of the world’s most restrictive naturalization policies. The standard path requires 30 years of continuous residence in the principality. While this period may be reduced to 10 years with permission from local authorities, applicants must demonstrate full integration into Liechtenstein society and proficiency in the German language. Naturalization is granted at the discretion of the government.
Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.
Liechtenstein Independent Means Visa
Program Authority and Legal Basis
Applications for this program may be directed to Migration and Passport Office, Liechtenstein.
Legislation upon which this program is based Art. 19 in conjunction with Art. 22 of the Personenfreizügigkeitsgesetzes (PFZG, LGBl. 2009 No. 348), Art. 20 in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Ausländergesetzes (AUG, LGBl. 2008 No. 311).
Liechtenstein Independent Means Visa
IMI Pros Who Can Help You
Liechtenstein Independent Means Visa
Recent Stories About This Destination
Liechtenstein Independent Means Visa
Program Statistics
See more statistics on this program and others in the IMI Data Center.