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.
Social Security in Liechtenstein
Benefits, contributions, and how the system works for expats.
Liechtenstein's social security system is essentially modelled on the Swiss AHV (Alters- und Hinterlassenenversicherung) system — one of Europe's most comprehensive and well-funded. The system covers old-age pension (AHV), disability (IV), maternity/paternity compensation (EO), unemployment insurance (ALV), accident insurance (UVG), family allowances (FAK), and health insurance (OKP/Krankenkasse). Managed by the AHV-Anstalt and coordinated with the Amt für Soziale Dienste. Liechtenstein participates in international social security agreements with EU/EEA countries, allowing totalization of contribution periods for pension purposes.
AHV Number (Sozialversicherungsnummer)
AHV-Nummer / Versichertennummer
Issued automatically by the AHV-Anstalt upon taking up residence and registering at the Gemeinde and with an employer. Apply directly at the AHV-Anstalt (Heiligkreuz 27, Vaduz) if not automatically issued within a few weeks of starting work. Self-employed persons apply directly to the AHV-Anstalt.
- Pension contributions and entitlements (AHV)
- Disability insurance (IV) claims
- Maternity/paternity compensation (EO)
- Employer payroll and social insurance reporting
- Tax return identification (used alongside personal tax number)
- Healthcare and Krankenkasse verification
- Cross-border social security coordination with Austria and Switzerland
Benefits & Support Payments
Old Age Pension (AHV)
Alters- und Hinterlassenenversicherung (AHV)
The state old-age pension — the first pillar of the three-pillar pension system (Dreisäulenprinzip). Provides a basic retirement pension based on contribution years and average income.
All residents who have paid AHV contributions. Full pension requires 44 contribution years (men) or 44 years (women, equalised to men). Partial pension proportional to contribution years.
Apply to the AHV-Anstalt 3–6 months before retirement age (65 for both men and women in 2026). Application via AHV-Anstalt portal or in person at Heiligkreuz 27, Vaduz.
Disability Insurance (IV)
Invalidenversicherung (IV)
Provides income replacement and rehabilitation support for persons who become unable to work due to illness or accident.
Persons resident in Liechtenstein who have paid IV contributions and have a medically certified degree of invalidity of at least 40% (for partial IV pension) or 70% (for full IV pension).
Application to the AHV-IV-Anstalt (same office as AHV). Medical evidence of disability required. IV assessment takes several months.
Unemployment Benefit (Arbeitslosengeld)
Arbeitslosengeld (ALV)
Income replacement for eligible workers who become involuntarily unemployed.
Must have paid ALV contributions for at least 12 months within the last 2 years. Must be actively seeking work. Must register at the AMS Liechtenstein within 3 days of becoming unemployed. Grenzgänger (cross-border workers) claim in their country of residence.
Register at AMS Liechtenstein (Gerberweg 5, Schaan) within 3 days of becoming unemployed. Bring: Ausländerausweis, employment contract, last payslips, and dismissal letter.
Child Allowance (Familienzulage)
Familienzulage / Kinderzulage
Monthly allowance paid to parents with children — supports families with the costs of raising children.
All employees and self-employed persons with children under 16 (or 25 if in education) residing in Liechtenstein or an EEA country with a bilateral agreement.
Employees: through employer (employer applies to FAK — Familienausgleichskasse). Self-employed: directly to the AHV-Anstalt.
Social Assistance (Sozialhilfe)
Sozialhilfe / Fürsorge
Last-resort social assistance for persons with no other means of support — covers basic living costs.
Liechtenstein residents who have exhausted all other entitlements and cannot cover basic needs. Foreigners: subject to integration conditions. Long-term receipt affects residence permit renewal prospects.
Application to the Amt für Soziale Dienste, Postplatz 2, Vaduz.
Contribution Overview
Employee social insurance contributions (effective 1 January 2026, source: ahv.li): AHV 4.025% + IV 0.675% + FAK 0.200% = 4.900% employee share. Employer: AHV 4.225% + IV 0.675% + FAK 1.900% + VK 0.585% = 7.385%. EO (Erwerbsersatz) contribution is separate — verify current EO rate at ahv.li. ALV (unemployment): 0.5% employee + 0.5% employer on salary up to CHF 126,000/year (= CHF 10,500/month ceiling). BVG (occupational pension): minimum 3.5–9% employee (age-dependent) + at least equal employer contribution (age-graduated). Krankenkasse (health): individual flat premium (not salary-based) — confirm current premium at the annual announcement. Total employee social contribution load: approximately 10–15% of salary depending on pension contributions.
International Social Security Agreements
Liechtenstein has comprehensive social security coordination agreements: the EEA Agreement covers all EU/EEA countries (pensionable periods from multiple EEA countries combined for eligibility); bilateral agreements with Switzerland (comprehensive — shared AHV system in many respects); Austria (strong bilateral coordination for Grenzgänger); other countries via EEA framework. Contribution periods in EU/EEA member states can be combined to meet eligibility thresholds for Liechtenstein pensions and benefits.
The AHV number is a lifetime identifier — keep it permanently. Request an AHV statement (Kontoauszug) from the AHV-Anstalt annually to verify contributions are correctly recorded. For Grenzgänger: social security is generally handled in Liechtenstein (employment country) for most branches except unemployment insurance (which follows the country of residence). Cross-border workers from Austria apply for unemployment benefits in Austria (AMS Vorarlberg) if they lose their Liechtenstein job.
Social Security
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