Liechtenstein
ISO2: LI
Liechtenstein citizenship by naturalisation through residence: simplified naturalisation due to long-term ordinary residence generally requires 30 years (years from birth to age 20 count double) plus ordinary residence in the last 5 years before applying, German language proof, civics/state-structure knowledge, and renunciation of prior citizenship; the official procedure is handled via the Civil Registry Office (ZSA) workflow (as of 2026).
Passport
Citizenship by residence
- Minimum years of residence
- 30.0
- Requires permanent residence
- No
- Last updated
- Feb. 27, 2026
- Notes
- Residence-based naturalisation in Liechtenstein is governed by the Citizenship Act (BüG) and can be obtained via simplified naturalisation due to long-term residence: ordinary residence of 30 years (years from birth to age 20 count double) and continued ordinary residence during the last 5 years prior to application. Key requirements include renunciation of previous citizenship, proof of sufficient German language knowledge, and proof of basic knowledge of Liechtenstein’s legal system and state structure (civics exam). The official process is handled via a staged procedure (inquiry → examination → application submission) through the Civil Registry Office (ZSA). The official online service for the long-term residence route also highlights exclusion/conditions such as no serious criminal record or pending serious proceedings and no recent economic assistance in the prior 3 years (case-specific checks apply).
- Dual citizenship
-
Dual citizenship: Not allowed
Renunciation required: Yes
- Notes for dual citizenship
- For naturalisation routes shown in the official requirements (long-term residence and marriage), Liechtenstein requires relinquishment/waiver (renunciation) of prior citizenship, so dual/multiple citizenship is generally not accepted for naturalised applicants.
Qualifying residence permits
Residence permit (B) / Aufenthaltsbewilligung (B)
Long-term “ordinary/regular residence” is the key condition for residence-based naturalisation; a residence permit (B) is the standard basis for living in Liechtenstein long-term and building ordinary residence time.
Counts
Settlement / permanent residence (if applicable) / Niederlassung
Not explicitly required as a named prerequisite in the published requirements; however, any lawful status that constitutes “ordinary residence” may support the residence clock, subject to the authority’s interpretation and the applicant meeting all other conditions.
Counts
Short-term residence permit (L) / Kurzaufenthaltsbewilligung (L)
Short-term permits are not typically consistent with building the required long-term “ordinary residence” period for the 30-year residence-based naturalisation route.
Doesn’t count
Required documents
| Document | Mandatory | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Birth certificate (civil status document)
Birth certificate to prove identity/civil status; typically requires formal legalization/apostille and translation as required.
|
Mandatory | Civil status documentation as part of identity verification. |
|
Criminal record extract / proof of no serious convictions
Used to assess exclusion grounds (e.g., serious convictions / pending serious proceedings).
|
Mandatory | Supports assessment of exclusion grounds (e.g., serious convictions / pending serious proceedings). |
|
Naturalisation application form (ZSA) - Liechtenstein
Formal application submission step in the ZSA-managed naturalisation procedure.
|
Mandatory | Submit the formal application to the ZSA together with the required enclosures after the inquiry/examination step. |
|
Naturalisation inquiry form (ZSA) - Liechtenstein
Initial inquiry step in the official naturalisation procedure handled by the Civil Registry Office (ZSA).
|
Mandatory | Start with the inquiry step handled by the Civil Registry Office (ZSA) as part of the staged procedure. |
|
Proof of civics / state structure knowledge (civics examination)
Proof of basic knowledge of Liechtenstein’s legal system and state structure (civics exam) for the long-term residence route.
|
Mandatory | Required for long-term residence naturalisation (basic knowledge of legal system and state structure). |
|
Proof of financial self-sufficiency / no recent economic assistance
Evidence relating to exclusion/conditions such as no recent economic assistance (as highlighted on the official long-term residence service page).
|
Mandatory | Relevant to exclusion/conditions; the official service notes no economic assistance in the last 3 years for the long-term residence route. |
|
Proof of German language proficiency
Proof of sufficient knowledge of the German language (required for the long-term residence route and other routes).
|
Mandatory | Required proof of sufficient German language knowledge. |
|
Proof of renunciation / relinquishment of previous citizenship
Evidence that the applicant has relinquished or is in the process required to relinquish previous citizenship, as required by the procedure.
|
Mandatory | Renunciation (relinquishment/waiver) of previous citizenship is listed as a requirement. |
|
Residence history / proof of ordinary residence (permits, confirmations)
Evidence of lawful ordinary/regular residence in Liechtenstein for the required period, including the last 5 years prior to application.
|
Mandatory | Prove ordinary/regular residence meeting the long-term residence criteria (30 years; last 5 years continuous ordinary residence). |
|
Valid passport / proof of identity
Identity document proving nationality and personal identity.
|
Mandatory | Valid identity document is required to establish identity. |
Submission offices
Civil Registry Office (Zivilstandsamt, ZSA) – Naturalisation procedure intake
NATIONAL
· Vaduz
The official naturalisation procedure is staged and handled via the Civil Registry Office (ZSA): inquiry, examination/feedback, then application submission with required enclosures.
Official sources
Liechtenstein National Administration – Naturalization as a result of longer-term residency (requirements)
GOVERNMENT_PORTAL
Requirements: 30 years ordinary residence (years up to age 20 counted double), last 5 years ordinary residence, renunciation of prior citizenship, German language proof, and civics/state-structure knowledge.
en
Liechtenstein National Administration – Naturalization as a result of marriage (requirements)
GOVERNMENT_PORTAL
Marriage route requirements (for context): 10 years regular residence with years after marriage counted double; at least 5 years in an intact marriage; renunciation; German language proof.
en
Liechtenstein National Administration – Naturalization (overview, law reference, and procedure steps via ZSA)
GOVERNMENT_PORTAL
Overview of naturalisation procedures, reference to the Citizenship Act (BüG), and the staged procedure (inquiry → examination → application) handled through the Civil Registry Office (ZSA).
en
Liechtenstein National Administration – Online service: Application for admission to national and communal citizenship due to long-term residence
GOVERNMENT_PORTAL
Highlights additional conditions/exclusions shown on the service page (e.g., no serious convictions/pending serious proceedings; no economic assistance in the last 3 years), alongside the 30-year residence and renunciation requirement.
de
Latest ranking snapshot
As of Feb. 27, 2026
- Travel freedom181.00
- Residency rights31.00
- Quality of life143.00
- Economic freedom60.40
- Tax friendliness40.00