You can open a corporate account with our support, remotely (or in person) in Liechtenstein, a jurisdiction in the European Economic Area and Schengen, with strong privacy protection and a prestigious banking system. The Liechtenstein banking system is acknowledged globally for its reliability and customer loyalty. It shares many similarities with the Swiss model of financial services, but in some respects, it even surpasses it, particularly in matters related to banking secrecy and privacy guarantees for its customers.
Banks in Liechtenstein are licensed, and their compliance with the law is monitored at the highest state authority level. This is not surprising, as almost a quarter of the GDP of the Principality is generated through banking activities.
The Principality of Liechtenstein maintains a high degree of confidentiality in its banking sector, particularly through its legal structures and tradition of discretion. However, this privacy now operates within the framework of international tax transparency agreements. Liechtenstein is a participant in the OECD’s Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and has also implemented the U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), which means it automatically exchanges banking and tax information with a wide range of countries, not just the United States as it did before.
In recent years, Liechtenstein has reformed its financial and regulatory systems to comply with global standards. These reforms were critical in removing the country from international blacklists and strengthening its reputation as a compliant, well-regulated financial center. While confidentiality remains important, banking institutions are required to conduct thorough due diligence and comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) rules. Information may still be protected in certain non-criminal matters, but banks no longer have the discretion to withhold information in cases involving tax evasion or other violations covered under international agreements.
That is not to say there aren’t stringent privacy protections that you can benefit from. That said, individuals and entities with legal, well-documented funds continue to benefit from strong banking privacy protections. Liechtenstein banks are selective and offer:
- Numbered or coded accounts for added client anonymity;
- Strict internal confidentiality protocols, protecting client identity within the institution;
- Private banking services that do not disclose client names unless legally required;
- Highly personalized account structures (e.g., foundations or holding companies) to separate ownership and control for privacy and asset planning.
Unlike jurisdictions that have moved entirely toward open reporting, Liechtenstein strikes a balance: while it complies with international rules, it still protects client information that falls outside the scope of automatic exchange, particularly in non-criminal, non-tax-evasion cases.
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Banks of Liechtenstein
The Principality of Liechtenstein is part of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). It is a partner of Switzerland in the Customs Union Treaty , but is not an EU member. This gives the country several advantages. For example, the national currency of Liechtenstein is Swiss franc (CHF). However, financial institutions also work with other currencies: euros (EUR), dollars (USD), and British pounds (GBP).
Regarding the benefits of non-residents opening an account with Liechtenstein banks:
- It is risk-free because Liechtenstein’s banking institutions are highly reliable.
- You enjoy strong privacy protections
- Liechtenstein is an economically stable, low-tax jurisdiction, thereby minimizing risks to investment and savings.
Banks in Liechtenstein offer different types of services:
- capital saving;
- account maintenance;
- internet and mobile banking;
- investment services;
- transactions with shares, bonds;
- purchase and sale of precious metals;
- fiduciary management.
Customers also appreciate the convenience of remote authentication via telephone or video interviews with banks.
However, each banking institution provides an individual approach, so it is essential to consider the products and services offered by each bank before making the right choice. We can help you set up with a bank that suits you, as we have in-depth knowledge of the sector.
How can a non-resident benefit from opening a personal account in Liechtenstein?
There are more than 15 licensed banks in Liechtenstein, with the largest being among the top 50 most reliable in the world. There is a country-wide Deposit Guarantee Scheme: deposits of individual private or corporate clients of all banking institutions in Liechtenstein are guaranteed up to a maximum of CHF 100,000 or the equivalent amount in another currency. Additionally, the Liechtenstein State Bank guarantees unlimited coverage of deposits in the national currency for all private individuals.
An account at a Liechtenstein bank allows non-residents to safeguard their assets and grow them through prudent investments. Bank employees will provide asset management and investment services and will act as representatives in other jurisdictions. Taking into account both the personal needs of the client and the compliance with the anti-money laundering legislation and taxation rules, the Liechtenstein banks will offer a range of sound investment options.
Who is allowed to open an account, and who is prohibited from doing so in Liechtenstein?
To become a customer of a bank in Liechtenstein, several conditions must be met.
First, ensure that you have at least 300,000 EUR/CHF/USD in your deposit within six months of opening, or collect a portfolio of securities worth the same amount.
With this investment, it is possible to execute up to 250 payments per year. If their number increases during the year, the bank will require more guarantees. The company will be required to replenish the deposit or increase the securities portfolio proportionally to the number of increased payments.
To open a non-resident bank account in Liechtenstein, the client does not have to come to the bank in person. Everything can also be done remotely, including the online interview. Documents can be sent to the bank by mail or courier, but they need to be properly certified. Information about this can be found below.
Our professional experts are ready to advise you and offer services in setting up the account you need in Liechtenstein. Please contact us at info@qwealthreport.com
Client Limitations by Country and Client Market
While Liechtenstein banks are known for discretion and stability, they operate within a strict regulatory and geopolitical framework, and not all applicants will be accepted. Limitations are typically based on:
- International sanctions and compliance policies
- Anti-money laundering (AML) standards
- FATCA and CRS obligations
Restricted or Denied Clients Typically Include:
- U.S. taxpayers or residents
Due to FATCA, most Liechtenstein banks either do not accept U.S. persons or do so under very limited and regulated conditions. The cost and complexity of FATCA compliance have made onboarding U.S. clients unattractive for many institutions, not because of secrecy conflicts, but due to legal exposure and reporting burdens. - Residents or nationals of sanctioned or high-risk countries, including:
- North Korea
- Iran
- Syria
- Afghanistan
- Certain regions of Libya, Iraq, or countries under EU or UN sanctions
These restrictions are primarily driven by international security policies and financial blacklists (such as those issued by the FATF).
Preferred Client Markets Include:
Liechtenstein banks tend to be welcoming to clients from countries with stable regulatory environments or with strong banking relationships. These include:
- European Union and EEA countries
- Switzerland and the United Kingdom
- Turkey, the UAE, and wealthy individuals from the Middle East
- China, Hong Kong, and Singapore
- Some CIS countries (with proper due diligence)
- Latin American high-net-worth individuals from select countries such as Chile, Brazil, and Colombia
Note: Acceptance always depends on the individual’s background, source of wealth, and business structure.
Limitations by Type of Business Activity
Liechtenstein banks conduct rigorous due diligence and only work with clients engaged in transparent, legal, and easily understood business activities. Any activity that increases reputational, legal, or regulatory risk is likely to be rejected.
Preferred Business Types:
- Commodity trading firms (with clear supply chains and audited turnover)
- Retail and e-commerce businesses (with verifiable logistics)
- IT and technology firms
- Asset management or family office structures
- Real estate holding companies
- International trading companies with legitimate operations
Most banks prefer companies with a minimum annual turnover of USD 2–5 million, though some private banks may accept lower thresholds for individuals with high personal wealth.
Activities Commonly Rejected by Banks:
- Any illegal or prohibited activity
- Unlicensed financial services (e.g., forex trading, investment schemes, or offshore brokerage without proper regulation)
- Online gambling (casinos, betting, lotteries)
- High-volume art or precious metals trading without full documentation and provenance
- Cryptocurrency businesses
(Note: This area is evolving. Some banks now accept crypto-related clients, but only if they are fully licensed and meet strict compliance standards.) - Aggressive online marketing or affiliate programs, particularly in high-risk sectors
Types of non-resident corporate accounts in Liechtenstein for foreigners
A non-resident corporate bank account in Liechtenstein can be opened by companies of most legal forms (Ltd Company, IBC, LLC), foundations, and trust partnerships.
Currencies:
- CHF
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- other currencies – on request.
Customers can conduct payments, make deposits, transfers, and investments. Other banking transactions in any chosen currency.
Accounts:
- personal
- corporate multi-currency
Banking Cards and Fees in Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein banks typically do not issue payment cards directly. Instead, they often provide cards through partnerships with Swiss card service providers, such as Viseca, a well-known Swiss card issuer.
Credit Cards
Obtaining a credit card usually involves submitting an application and agreeing to provide collateral. In many cases, banks require clients to deposit an amount exceeding the credit limit (e.g., typically around 110% of the requested limit) as a guarantee. This deposit is held separately and cannot be accessed during the card’s use. The client must also sign a formal agreement (such as a Deed of Pledge) to secure the credit card.
Monthly credit card bills are paid from the client’s account according to statements from the Swiss card provider. Banks may require clients to maintain a minimum account balance as a condition for credit card approval.
Debit Cards
Debit cards, such as the Swiss Travel Cash card, can be issued to allow ATM withdrawals and payments wherever Mastercard is accepted. Some Liechtenstein banks offer cards with features emphasizing privacy; for example, cards may carry minimal information beyond the card number. Typical limits can include a maximum card balance and annual transaction caps (often around 10,000 currency units for the balance and up to 100,000 units annually).
Clients are usually limited to a small number of cards per account (often no more than two).
Fees and Charges
Liechtenstein bank cards and accounts often carry various fees, including but not limited to:
- Processing fee: Approximately CHF 300 (varies by bank)
- Guarantee issuance fee: Around CHF 500
- Annual card fee: Roughly CHF 200
- ATM withdrawal fee: Around CHF/EUR/USD 5 per transaction
- Cashless payment fees: Usually small fixed amounts per transaction
- Direct deposit fees: Typically a small percentage (around 1.5%) of the deposit amount
In addition, banks usually charge for:
- Account opening: Starting from CHF 500
- Minimum account balance: Often CHF/USD/EUR 5,000 required
- Account maintenance fees: Around CHF 500 per year
- Account closure fees: Up to CHF 1,000
- Transaction fees: Percentage-based, with minimum and maximum limits (e.g., 0.125% to 0.25%) depending on payment type and currency
- SWIFT transfer fees: Typically higher than standard transaction fees
- Custody and management fees for securities and precious metals, varying by asset type
- Additional service fees for special requests, mail storage, power of attorney administration, and bank references
Important Notes
- Fee structures and services can vary significantly between banks in Liechtenstein; the above figures are approximate and should be confirmed directly with the institution.
- Internet banking and remote account management services are widely offered, usually for an additional annual fee.
- Due to Liechtenstein’s strong regulatory environment, banks maintain high standards for due diligence and compliance, which may impact card issuance and account services.
- Cryptocurrency-related services and accounts may be subject to additional restrictions or higher fees.
- Privacy features of cards and accounts are subject to international transparency standards and cooperation agreements, so anonymity is not absolute.
How to open a non-resident corporate account in Liechtenstein?
If you need to open a non-resident corporate account in Liechtenstein seamlessly and with no unnecessary trouble, you should use us, as we specialize in such services. Professionals will advise you on the requirements of a particular bank and provide you with the bank forms and a list of papers. You will only need to send us scans of the required documents, and the consultant will check your application before submission.
Procedure for opening a corporate account in Liechtenstein:
First, please get in touch with us to inquire about our bank account opening services in this jurisdiction by emailing info@qwealthreport.com.
Then, pay for our services. We will accept payment in any form: bank transfer, Western Union, payment card, PayPal, or cryptocurrency. The cost of our services starts at 3999 EUR. For companies with a nominee director – from 4999 EUR.
Afterwards, we will guide you in your preparation of the required set of documents. If you plan to open a corporate account in Liechtenstein remotely, please ensure that you certify and notarize the documents.
Documents required to open a corporate account with a bank in Liechtenstein
You will need to fill out the forms provided by the bank. We will check and scan them, then send them directly to the bank. After receiving a preliminary confirmation from the bank, we will consult you about sending the package of documents by mail.
The set of documents:
- Copies of passports of all beneficiaries and persons authorized to manage the account. If you act remotely, submit to the bank their notarized copies. If you visit in person, submit the originals to the bank, and they will be copied on-site.
Originals or the following corporate papers:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Certificate of Good Standing, if the company is older than 1 year
- Certificate of Incumbency
- Trust declaration, if the shareholder is a legal entity/nominal one
- Power of attorney to open and manage an account, unless the Charter stipulates the right of a person to do so
- Certificate of shares
- Subscribers’ appointment of the company’s director/s
- Business plan or detailed description of the company’s activity (the document needs to be in English on 1-2 pages of legal paper).
Note: The Bank may also request other documents.
How long will it take you to open a corporate account in Liechtenstein?
Liechtenstein banks usually make a decision and inform non-resident applicants about opening a non-resident corporate account within two to three weeks after the application. Banks first considered the scanned copies submitted by email, then the notarized original copies need to be submitted by mail or in person to the bank.
Ready to get started and set up an account in the prestigious jurisdiction of Liechtenstein? If you are interested in our service, please contact us today by email at info@qwealthreport.com
