Joint-Stock Company / Establishment (Anstalt) (AG / Anstalt)
Aktiengesellschaft / Anstalt
Company formation in Liechtenstein
The AG / Anstalt is best suited for: Private wealth management and family office structures, Foundations (Stiftung) for asset protection and succession planning, Blockchain and fintech companies operating under the TVTG (Token and Trustworthy Technologies Act), Holding companies and IP structures benefiting from 12.5% CT and EEA/EFTA access. The corporate income tax rate is 12.5% on net taxable income. A minimum tax of CHF 1,800/year applies regardless of profitability. Dividends received from qualifying participations (at least 10% ownership or CHF 1 million value) are exempt from tax under the participation exemption. Capital gains on the disposal of qualifying participations are also exempt. There is no withholding tax on dividends, interest, or royalties paid by Liechtenstein entities — a significant advantage for holding and IP structures. VAT is 8.1% (aligned with Switzerland under a customs union). The coupon tax (Couponsteuer) of 4% was abolished in 2011. Liechtenstein foundations (Stiftung) are subject to the same 12.5% corporate tax if they conduct commercial activities; pure asset-holding foundations pay the CHF 1,800 minimum. The tax system is designed to attract holding companies, IP structures, and private wealth vehicles.
- Private wealth management and family office structures
- Foundations (Stiftung) for asset protection and succession planning
- Blockchain and fintech companies operating under the TVTG (Token and Trustworthy Technologies Act)
- Holding companies and IP structures benefiting from 12.5% CT and EEA/EFTA access
Key Facts
Step-by-Step Formation Process
Engage a Liechtenstein trustee or corporate service provider
All Liechtenstein entities require a representative (Repräsentant) who must be a licensed trustee or attorney resident in Liechtenstein. Engage a licensed trustee company (e.g., First Advisory Group, IFM, Allgemeines Treuunternehmen) or a Liechtenstein law firm. The trustee handles formation filings and ongoing compliance.
Complete due diligence and prepare formation documents
Submit certified identification documents, proof of address, source-of-funds, and source-of-wealth documentation for all founders, directors, and beneficial owners. The trustee conducts due diligence under Liechtenstein's Due Diligence Act (SPG). Draft the articles of association (Statuten) for the AG or the founding deed (Gründungsurkunde) for the Anstalt. Documents are in German.
Notarise documents and deposit minimum capital
The founding documents must be notarised by a Liechtenstein notary. Deposit the minimum share capital at a Liechtenstein bank (LGT, VP Bank, Liechtensteinische Landesbank). The bank issues a capital confirmation letter. For an AG, the minimum paid-in capital is CHF 50,000; for an Anstalt, CHF 30,000.
Register with the Commercial Register (Handelsregister) and obtain the tax number
The trustee submits the notarised founding documents, capital confirmation, and director details to the Office of Justice (Amt für Justiz), which maintains the Commercial Register. Upon registration, the entity receives a legal personality and a registration number. Register with the Tax Administration (Steuerverwaltung) for corporate income tax. The entity can then commence operations.
Required Documents
- Certified passport copies and proof of address for all founders, directors, and beneficial owners
- Source-of-funds and source-of-wealth documentation
- Articles of association (AG) or founding deed (Anstalt) in German, notarised
- Bank confirmation of capital deposit
- Director and beneficial owner declarations
- Completed trustee due diligence forms
Cost Overview
Tax Treatment
The corporate income tax rate is 12.5% on net taxable income. A minimum tax of CHF 1,800/year applies regardless of profitability. Dividends received from qualifying participations (at least 10% ownership or CHF 1 million value) are exempt from tax under the participation exemption. Capital gains on the disposal of qualifying participations are also exempt. There is no withholding tax on dividends, interest, or royalties paid by Liechtenstein entities — a significant advantage for holding and IP structures. VAT is 8.1% (aligned with Switzerland under a customs union). The coupon tax (Couponsteuer) of 4% was abolished in 2011. Liechtenstein foundations (Stiftung) are subject to the same 12.5% corporate tax if they conduct commercial activities; pure asset-holding foundations pay the CHF 1,800 minimum. The tax system is designed to attract holding companies, IP structures, and private wealth vehicles.
Pros & Cons
- 12.5% corporate tax rate — one of the lowest in Europe while maintaining full EEA/EFTA membership
- EEA membership provides passporting rights for financial services across the EU/EEA
- World-renowned for private wealth structuring — foundations (Stiftung), trusts, and Anstalt are unique and flexible vehicles
- Progressive blockchain regulation — the TVTG (Blockchain Act) is one of Europe's most comprehensive crypto-asset frameworks
- Swiss franc (CHF) currency — one of the world's most stable currencies
- Mandatory Liechtenstein-resident trustee/representative adds ongoing cost
- German-language requirement for all official documents and filings
- Minimum capital requirements (CHF 30,000–50,000) are higher than many offshore jurisdictions
- Very small domestic market (approximately 40,000 residents) — Liechtenstein is a structuring jurisdiction, not a market
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Get StartedThis content is educational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation. Data last verified March 2026.