Liechtenstein: Offshore Financial Centres

The treaty between the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Federal Republic of Germany for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and fortune (DTT), including the minutes, was signed in Berlin on 17 November 2011.

The recent developments and changes in the last two years in the Principality of Liechtenstein underline the attractiveness for international asset protection for international clients.

Contrary to Switzerland where the Swiss Financial Market Authority (FMA) transferred client data on the basis of “fishing expeditions” (John Doe-summons - UBS case), Liechtenstein has never done this without court order, and only on the basis of sufficient case-by-case specification.

Foreign economic policy plays an important role in the foreign policy of the Principality of Liechtenstein. As Foreign Minister Rita Kieber-Beck declared, "The goal of our foreign economic policy is to create optimal framework conditions for domestic enterprises, so that they can assert themselves successfully on the world markets."

"Promoting and demanding" are the two pillars of the new Foreigners Law, which the Government has presented to the public for consultations.

With a package of legislative amendments and other adjustments, Liechtenstein is reacting to new international developments and challenges in all areas of justice, on the basis of a modern justice policy.