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.
Leaving Liechtenstein
How to properly exit — protecting your finances, rights and records.
📅 General Timeline
3 months before departure: Give notice on rental contract; notify employer (check notice period in employment contract — typically 1–3 months). 2 months before: Cancel or transfer Krankenkasse; notify utilities providers; arrange BVG information from Pensionskasse. 1 month before: Cancel bank direct debits; notify Steuerverwaltung; request AHV statement. 2 weeks before: Deregister at Gemeinde (Abmeldung); surrender Ausländerausweis to Ausländer- und Passamt; do final meter readings. After departure: File final tax return; claim BVG lump sum if eligible; update forwarding address.
Deregistration
Deregister from your Gemeinde (Abmeldung) at least 2 weeks before your departure date. Visit your municipality's Gemeindeamt with your Ausländerausweis, passport, and notification of destination country. The Ausländer- und Passamt must also be notified to cancel your residence permit. Deregistration triggers the formal end of tax residency. Failure to deregister may result in continued tax assessment in Liechtenstein.
Tax clearance
File your final Steuererklärung (tax return) for the partial year of departure with the Steuerverwaltung. You are taxed as a Liechtenstein resident for the portion of the year you were registered. Request a tax clearance certificate (Steuerausstandsausweis) if required by your destination country. Pay any outstanding tax liabilities before departure — the Steuerverwaltung is efficient and prompt. Wealth tax (Vermögenssteuer) is assessed on assets held on 31 December — timing of departure relative to year-end affects final liability.
Pension portability
AHV/IV (state pension): contributions made in Liechtenstein are credited to your AHV account. Liechtenstein participates in international social security agreements (totalisierungsabkommen) with Austria, Switzerland, and EU countries, allowing pension periods to be combined. Request an AHV statement from the AHV-Anstalt before departure. BVG (occupational pension — second pillar): if you are leaving Switzerland/Liechtenstein permanently without moving to another Swiss/Liechtenstein employer, you can claim a cash payment (Barauszahlung) of your BVG capital — subject to a waiting period and tax withholding. Contact your Pensionskasse. EU residents cannot claim BVG as lump sum — pension rights are preserved for retirement.
Health insurance
Notify your Krankenkasse of your departure date and request cancellation of your policy. Cancellation takes effect at the end of a calendar month after appropriate notice period (usually 1 month). Keep proof of cancellation for your records. If moving to Switzerland, health insurance continuity can be arranged. If moving to an EU country, your new country's health system applies from date of registration.
Bank account
You may keep your Liechtenstein bank account (LLB, VP Bank, LGT) open for some time after leaving, but most banks require a residency proof review within 12 months. Notify your bank of your departure. Close accounts you no longer need — obtain written confirmation of account closure. Consider keeping an account if you have ongoing Liechtenstein financial interests (property rental income, pension payments). International wire transfers are straightforward from Liechtenstein banks.
Utilities
Give Liechtensteinische Kraftwerke (LKW — electricity) and gas providers written notice of your moving-out date (Abmeldung). Request a final meter reading and settlement bill. Notify your internet and phone providers with the required notice period (typically 1–3 months depending on contract terms). Cancel any standing orders (Daueraufträge) and direct debits from your Liechtenstein bank account.
Rental contract
Standard notice period for residential rental in Liechtenstein: 3 months to the end of a month (or as specified in your contract). Review your Mietvertrag carefully for the exact notice requirements. Provide notice in writing (Kündigung) and retain proof of delivery. Arrange the final handover inspection (Übergabe) with the landlord. Receive your security deposit (Kaution) back within 30 days of departure, subject to deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Leaving the Country
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