Download Surprisingly different: Liechtenstein as a business location

Basic article
Surprisingly different: Liechtenstein as a business location
Despite its size, Liechtenstein is home to a stable, highly diversified economy with over 4000
companies and almost as many jobs as inhabitants. The Principality is one of the most highly
industrialised countries in the world and boasts a strong financial centre and innovative hightech businesses.
Excellent framework conditions and attractive growth prospects make Liechtenstein an ideal place to
do business. A number of companies based there have established themselves as global players in
their respective niche markets.
Advantages of doing business in Liechtenstein

High level of political continuity and stability

Very diverse economy

Access to two markets (EU/EEA and Switzerland)

Liberal economic policies, liberal business laws

Stable social, legal and economic environment

Moderate corporate taxation, simple tax system (flat tax)

Solid public budgetary policy

AAA country rating

Swiss franc as official currency

Excellent infrastructure

Manageable size – flexibility, fast decision-making processes

Financially powerful public authorities

Support and promotion of research and development activities
Diverse industrial sector and strong financial centre
Liechtenstein’s highly industrialised economy is strongly focused on industry, manufacturing and
services. Around 40% of the country’s workforce is employed in the industrial sector, which together
with the manufacturing sector produces almost 40% of the gross national value added. As well as a
modest number of large companies, it is first and foremost the small and medium-sized enterprises
based in Liechtenstein that form the backbone of the country’s industry. Another important pillar of the
Principality’s economy is its professional, stable and innovative financial centre, the second-largest
sector after industry.
Liechtenstein Marketing
Äulestrasse 30 | Postfach 139 | 9490 Vaduz | Liechtenstein
T +423 239 63 63 | [email protected] | www.liechtenstein-marketing.li
International networks create an ideal business environment
Companies in Liechtenstein develop, manufacture and sell their products and services across the
world. The small domestic market means that foreign trade is of central importance to businesses
based in the Principality. International agreements guarantee access to important markets, with
Liechtenstein’s companies enjoying direct access to the EU/EEA Single Market and its free movement
of people, goods, services and capital. In accordance with the provisions of the customs treaty
concluded with Switzerland, the Swiss franc is the official currency in Liechtenstein and the two
countries share a common customs area. This means that free trade agreements concluded by
Switzerland with other countries also apply to Liechtenstein. As a member of the European Free Trade
Association (EFTA), the Principality also enjoys the benefits provided by a large network of free trade
agreements.
Triple A rating and a ‘job miracle’
Instead of public debt, Liechtenstein has financial reserves. It is characterised by political continuity
and liberal economic policies. In 2014, Standard & Poor's confirmed the Principality’s AAA rating and
emphasised the country’s stable economic outlook. Surprisingly, Liechtenstein has roughly as many
jobs as inhabitants. Of the 36,000 jobs in the country, slightly less than half are carried out by workers
living in Liechtenstein. The other half – more than 18,000 jobs – are filled by workers who live in one of
the neighbouring regions (St. Gallen in Switzerland, Vorarlberg in Austria and the area around Lake
Constance in southern Germany) and commute to Liechtenstein every day. This is the reason why
Liechtenstein traditionally has a very low unemployment rate of between 2% and 3%.
About Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein lies between Switzerland and Austria. With a total surface area of 160 km², it is the sixthsmallest country in the world and has a population of approximately 37,000 people. The head of state
is the Reigning Prince. According to the 1921 Constitution, state power is shared between the Prince
and the people. The Principality has a stable and highly diversified economy with over 4000
businesses and almost as many jobs as inhabitants. With its restaurants, museums, festivals and
sports facilities down in the valley and high up in the mountains, it is has plenty to offer families, food
lovers, culture enthusiasts and those simply looking for a little relaxation. To find out more visit
www.liechtenstein.li/en, www.liechtenstein-business.li/en and www.tourismus.li/en.
Contact
Liechtenstein Marketing
Patrik Schaedler, Head of Communication
Telephone +423 239 63 05, [email protected]
Liechtenstein Marketing
Äulestrasse 30 | Postfach 139 | 9490 Vaduz | Liechtenstein
T +423 239 63 63 | [email protected] | www.liechtenstein-marketing.li