Liechtenstein citizenship and general conditions
Liechtenstein is one of the small and sparsely populated countries in Europe, with 160 square kilometers and a population of 37,000. Liechtenstein’s capital, Vaduz, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and its largest city has a population of about 5,500. Its currency is the Swiss franc. Liechtenstein borders Austria to the north and east and Switzerland to the south, and it has a temperate Alpine climate with pretty cold winters and cool summers. Its official language is German, and its immigrants are usually from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Liechtenstein’s Kingdom has one of the highest living standards in the world.
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Liechtenstein citizenship and its validity
How valid is the Liechtenstein citizenship? Before talking about the validity of the Liechtenstein citizenship, we need to know which countries passport holders can travel to this country without a visa. In the latest citizenship validity survey in 2019, Liechtenstein is ranked tenth next to Cyprus. Liechtenstein citizenship holders can travel to 157 countries without a visa.
The methods of obtaining a Liechtenstein citizenship
In general, there are six main ways to immigrate to a country. The most critical of them are work, study, and investment. Different countries each have different rules for granting residency and citizenship through the six immigration methods. We will discuss all these methods in the following.
Obtaining a Liechtenstein citizenship by work
EU and Schengen countries citizens can work in Liechtenstein if they can prove that they live in a neighboring Liechtenstein country such as Austria, Germany, or Switzerland. These people need a CBC license, which is a daily border crossing permit to work in Liechtenstein. Each year, 56 CBC-licensed people can apply for Liechtenstein residency, half of which will be awarded by lottery and half by the government. Twelve residences per year are given to people with a CBC license with Swiss citizenship. People who work in bars and restaurants or jobs whose contracts also include accommodation do not need to return to their residence place every day and are legally required to leave Liechtenstein one day a week.
But non-EU and non-Schengen nationals need a residence permit to work in Liechtenstein. A person can obtain a Non-European work and residence permit if one receives a job offer from a company or employer in Liechtenstein. These people should be hired as qualified managers, specialists, or employees. The applicant in this method must have a valid degree, a brilliant resume, and a degree in English or German. The applicant must work full-time in Liechtenstein for ten years to become a permanent resident and live in Liechtenstein for 30 years to obtain a Liechtenstein citizenship.
Obtaining a Liechtenstein citizenship by study
Obtaining a Liechtenstein student visa is one way to immigrate and receive a temporary residence. Applicants can apply for all levels of public or private colleges or universities in Liechtenstein.
- Bachelor’s degree in Liechtenstein
The undergraduate study takes about three to four years and is in the German language at public universities and the English language at private universities. Tuition fees at Liechtenstein public universities are around 4,000 euros per year.
- Master’s Degree in Liechtenstein
The postgraduate study in Liechtenstein takes one to two years, and students can study in all branches of humanities, experimental sciences, and engineering.
- Doctorate in Liechtenstein
It is possible to study for a doctorate in Liechtenstein in all fields. However, it is necessary to have a tutor to be accepted into this course. The applicants need to have previous courses’ diplomas and a language certificate along with the supervisor’s approval.
Students can work part-time during their studies. Due to the pretty low unemployment rate in Liechtenstein, finding a job is not very difficult. After graduation in Liechtenstein, the students do not have accommodation to reside in this country and find a job unless they can sign an employment contract and receive a work permit after completing their university studies.
The required documents for a Liechtenstein student visa are as follows.
- A valid passport
- Admission to a prestigious public, private university or college in Liechtenstein
- A valid insurance policy approved by the Liechtenstein embassy
- Bank printout and letter of financial viability from a bank approved by Liechtenstein
- Official translation of all degrees in English or German
- German or English language certificate provided according to the applicant’s admission to the desired university.
- Two biometric photos
- Letter of no criminal background
- A health certificate indicating that you do not have any contagious or sexually transmitted diseases
Obtaining a Liechtenstein citizenship by investment
The applicants cannot obtain citizenship or permanent residence in Liechtenstein by investment. Although many investors may buy property in Liechtenstein due to the proper economic conditions, high living quality, and geographical location of Liechtenstein. Buying a property does not lead to a Liechtenstein residence. Buying a property in this country is just a safe investment. Another type of investment is management companies. There are about 75,000 registered companies in the country, which provide 30% of Liechtenstein’s revenue. But company registration will not lead to residency and citizenship.
Obtaining a Liechtenstein citizenship by birth
What law does Liechtenstein follow in obtaining citizenship by birth? All countries follow the two main rules in granting citizenship and passports.
- Soil law: If a child is born in countries whose citizenship is granted by the land law, one will have that country’s citizenship and passport and become that country’s citizen.
- Blood law: Countries that grant citizenship through the blood law will only issue citizenships to a child born from a parent who has that country’s citizenship or a child born in that country, and its parents are not known.
Liechtenstein follows the blood law in granting its citizenship. Therefore, a child born in Liechtenstein will not have a Liechtenstein citizenship unless one’s parent is a Liechtenstein citizen.
Obtaining a Liechtenstein citizenship by marriage
According to the Liechtenstein laws, if a person marries a Liechtenstein citizen or resident, one can apply for a Liechtenstein residence card.
A Liechtenstein resident or citizen must have proof of celibacy, employment, and financial viability to pay for the spouse’s living expenses. If a person marries a Liechtenstein citizen, one can apply for a visa by submitting the required documents, which include that person’s and spouse’s Liechtenstein passport, marriage documents, the Liechtenstein spouse’s financial assets, and the spouse’s address in Liechtenstein. To obtain a visa, a one-year residence permit is initially issued for one’s spouse, which can be renewed annually. After five years from their marriage, they can apply for a Liechtenstein permanent residence card, and after that, they can apply for a Liechtenstein citizenship. A person who marries a Liechtenstein citizen can apply for a citizenship under the following conditions.
- Living in Liechtenstein for at least ten years, which of course doubles the number of years you have lived together.
- Cancel previous citizenship
- Liechtenstein’s spouse should not have received one’s citizenship by a previous marriage.
- Knowledge of the German language
- Basic knowledge of Liechtenstein law and politics
Obtaining a Liechtenstein citizenship by asylum
Asylum is one of the most dangerous and troublesome ways to immigrate to Liechtenstein. An asylum seeker is a person who has no financial assets in one’s home country and has to apply for asylum in a country that is a party to the Geneva Convention to survive. The conditions for asylum seekers are quite strict in all countries that are party to the Geneva Convention. Asylum seekers have poor accommodation conditions in refugee camps, and the asylum seekers’ future is pretty uncertain. You can always obtain a Liechtenstein residence permit and then a Liechtenstein citizenship by legal and safe means. Liechtenstein is not an immigrant country although it is a party to the Geneva Convention it is quite strict in accepting asylum seekers.
Critical points about Liechtenstein citizenship
The most critical thing about obtaining a Liechtenstein citizenship is that you cannot get a Liechtenstein citizenship quickly in any of the ways we discussed in this article. After living in Liechtenstein for thirty years, you can apply for a citizenship. The years the applicant lived in this country before the age of 20 are doubles. You must have obtained permanent residence in Liechtenstein for at least five years in advance to apply for a citizenship. According to Liechtenstein rules, the applicants cannot have dual citizenship, and they must revoke their previous citizenship to obtain a Liechtenstein passport. The Parliament and the Prince of Liechtenstein must approve before the applicant can receive a Liechtenstein citizenship. The beautiful, rich country and kingdom of Liechtenstein is not immigrant-friendly and is quite strict in issuing its citizenship.
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