Liechtenstein (LI)
Liechtenstein is a tiny constitutional principality nestled between Switzerland and Austria — one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world — yet it punches far above its 39,000-person weight as one of the wealthiest nations on earth per capita.
Estate & Inheritance in Liechtenstein
Wills, intestacy, inheritance tax, and cross-border estate planning for expats.
Inheritance and estate law in Liechtenstein is governed by the Liechtensteinisches Erbrecht (Law of Succession), which closely mirrors Austrian civil law (ABGB — Allgemeines Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch) as adapted for the principality. Liechtenstein is a highly favourable jurisdiction for inheritance: there is NO inheritance tax between direct family members (spouses, children, grandchildren), and inheritance tax between other relatives and non-related persons is also absent under current law. This makes Liechtenstein one of the few European jurisdictions with effectively zero inheritance tax. The principality's highly developed foundation (Stiftung) and trust law makes it a premier private wealth succession planning jurisdiction globally.
Intestacy — What Happens Without a Will
If a person dies without a valid will (intestate), Liechtenstein law distributes the estate according to statutory succession rules: the surviving spouse inherits 1/3 (or 1/2 if no descendants); children share the remaining estate equally. If no spouse or children, parents inherit; then siblings; then more distant relatives. An illegitimate child has equal inheritance rights as legitimate children. If no legal heirs exist, the estate passes to the Principality of Liechtenstein (Erbunfähige Erben).
Types of Valid Will
Handwritten Will (Holographic Testament)
Eigenhändiges Testament / Holographisches TestamentA will written, dated, and signed entirely in the testator's own handwriting. No witnesses required. The most accessible form of will. Must be entirely handwritten — a typed will with a handwritten signature is NOT valid.
Valid indefinitely until revoked. May be deposited with the Zivilstandsamt or the Landgericht for safekeeping.
Risk of misinterpretation, ambiguity, or challenge. Recommended to have a lawyer review even handwritten wills. Store in a known location — inform trusted persons of its existence.
Notarial Will
Öffentliches Testament / Notarielles TestamentA will dictated to a notary and executed as a Notariatsakt (notarial deed). The most legally secure form of will. Two witnesses required at execution. The notary retains the original.
Highest legal certainty. Extremely difficult to challenge. Original held by notary — cannot be lost or destroyed by heirs.
Strongly recommended for complex estates, international assets, family businesses, or specific bequests. The notary ensures the testator's mental capacity and voluntary intent.
Emergency Will (Nottestament)
Nottestament / Mündliches TestamentAn oral will made in emergency circumstances when death is imminent and neither written form is possible. Requires two adult witnesses. Loses validity if the testator survives the emergency and was able to make a formal will.
Valid only if testator dies within 3 months of making it; invalid if testator survives.
Only for genuine emergencies. Not suitable for planned estate management.
Forced Heirship
Liechtenstein law includes forced heirship provisions (Pflichtteil — compulsory share). Certain "forced heirs" cannot be fully disinherited: the spouse is entitled to a minimum Pflichtteil of half their intestate share; children (and remoter descendants if the child has predeceased) are entitled to half their intestate share. Disinheritance of forced heirs is only valid for very specific serious reasons (Enterbungsgründe — e.g., serious crimes against the testator). Even if disinherited for other reasons, forced heirs can challenge the will in court.
EU Succession Regulation (Brussels IV)
As an EEA member, Liechtenstein participates in the EU Succession Regulation (EU/650/2012) framework — which applies the succession law of the country where the deceased was habitually resident at death. A Liechtenstein resident can elect in their will that the succession law of their country of nationality should apply instead (professio juris). For international estates (assets in multiple countries), professional advice on applicable law and inheritance planning is strongly recommended. The EU Certificate of Succession (Europäisches Nachlasszeugnis) is recognised in Liechtenstein.
Inheritance Tax
Liechtenstein has NO inheritance tax (Erbschaftsteuer) and NO gift tax (Schenkungssteuer). This is one of the most significant tax advantages of Liechtenstein residence for high-net-worth individuals. Transfers of assets between family members and to non-family members are both free of inheritance or gift tax. This makes Liechtenstein an exceptionally attractive jurisdiction for intergenerational wealth transfer.
| Relationship | Tax-Free Allowance | Tax Rate (above allowance) |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse / Registered partner | Full exemption — no inheritance tax | 0% |
| Children / Descendants | Full exemption — no inheritance tax | 0% |
| Parents / Siblings / Other relatives | Full exemption — no inheritance tax | 0% |
| Unrelated persons | Full exemption — no inheritance tax | 0% |
While there is no inheritance or gift tax, the annual Vermögenssteuer (wealth tax at 0.6–1.2% on net assets above CHF 50,000) applies to the heir's ongoing wealth. Assets transferred as gifts or inheritance are included in the recipient's wealth tax base from that point forward.
Cross-Border & Multi-Country Estates
For expats with assets in multiple countries, succession planning is critical. The EU Succession Regulation determines applicable law based on habitual residence. Liechtenstein's own foundations (Stiftungen) and trusts (Trust Act) are world-leading tools for cross-border estate planning. A Liechtenstein Stiftung can hold assets internationally with Liechtenstein law governing succession — providing certainty, privacy, and tax efficiency. Swiss assets: Switzerland has its own inheritance rules and cantonal inheritance taxes — separate Swiss succession planning may be needed for Swiss-held assets. Austrian assets (Grenzgänger): Austrian inheritance rules apply to Austrian real estate.
Certificate of Inheritance
The Erbschein (certificate of inheritance) is issued by the Landgericht Vaduz upon application by the heirs. Required for accessing the deceased's bank accounts, transferring vehicles, updating land registry ownership, and claiming insurance proceeds. Application: to the Landgericht with death certificate, evidence of heirship, and any will. Processing: 4–12 weeks depending on complexity.
Will Registration
Wills can be deposited with the Landgericht Vaduz or with the notary who executed the will. A notarial will is automatically retained by the notary. For handwritten wills, voluntary deposit at the Landgericht provides security against loss. Inform your executor or a trusted family member of the will's existence and location.
Living Will & Healthcare Power of Attorney
A Patientenverfügung (living will / advance healthcare directive) specifies your wishes for medical treatment if you become incapacitated. Recommended for all residents. Should be registered with your GP (Hausarzt). A Vorsorgevollmacht (enduring power of attorney) designates someone to manage your affairs if incapacitated. Both documents require notarial execution for maximum legal certainty in Liechtenstein.
Useful Links
Estate & Inheritance
Unlock the complete Estate & Inheritance guide for Liechtenstein — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.
Become a SupporterSupport the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere