Your Total Guide to Liechtenstein Visas

Liechtenstein, though small, is a charming country that thousands of foreigners travel to each and every year.

Before you pack your bags, it’s important to understand whether or not you need a visa to travel to Liechtenstein – as well as the requirements to complete your application so you can be on your way to Vaduz, Schaan, or wherever it is you’re off to in Liechtenstein.

This article will answer everything you need to know!

Do I need a visa to go to Liechtenstein?

First, it's important to note that Liechtenstein does not issue visas. Instead, typically the Swiss embassy/consulate and partnering visa centers issue visas for Liechtenstein. That doesn't mean you won't need a visa to go to Liechtenstein.

Whether you need a visa to visit Liechtenstein largely depends on your nationality and the purpose of your stay. If you're traveling from certain countries, you may not need a visa at all!

For example, citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and others do not need a visa to visit Liechtenstein for tourism or business, as long as their trip doesn’t exceed 90 days within a 180 day period.

On the other hand, citizens from countries such as China, Russia, India, and others will need to apply for a visa to go to Liechtenstein.

All travelers who wish to spend more than 90 days in Liechtenstein will need to apply for a visa.

Do US citizens need a visa for Liechtenstein?

For short stays, no! If you’re traveling to Liechtenstein for fewer than 90 days, you do not need to apply for a Liechtenstein visa.

If you’re planning to be in Liechtenstein for more than 90 days, or will be working or studying, you will need to apply for a visa for Liechtenstein.

How do I apply for a Liechtenstein visa?

Applying for a Liechtenstein differs slightly from other Schengen visa application processes. Liechtenstein does not issue its own visas. That doesn’t mean you can’t get one, however.

When applying for a visa for Liechtenstein, you will need to apply through a Swiss consulate or visa center in your country of residence. The Swiss Embassy processes and issues all visa for Liechtenstein travel.

With that being known, the steps are as follows:

• Decide which type of visa you need for Liechtenstein (tourism, study, work, etc.)
• Gather all of the necessary documents.
• Book an appointment at a Swiss visa center or consulate in your country of residence.
• Attend your visa appointment where you’ll submit your application and provide biometrics (fingerprints).
• Receive your answer!

Can I apply for a Liechtenstein visa online?

No, you cannot apply for a visa for Liechtenstein online. All a visas for Liechtenstein must be obtained through an in-person appointment.

However, there is a legitimate system in the works that will allow you to apply for Schengen visas online. This system is a platform called EU VAP. EU VAP isn’t ready yet, but you can expect it to be fully operational by 2030.

Is a visa for Liechtenstein difficult to get?

The visa process is relatively straightforward. As far as approvals, the embassy holds the decision as to whether or not your visa application will be approved.

What is the processing time for a visa for Liechtenstein?

Processing times can vary, but typically, you can expect to wait around 15 calendar days. While processing times are typically reasonable, visa appointments (which are mandatory) can get booked out weeks or even months in advance, so it’s best to start the process early.

Visa application requirements

All visa applications for travel to Liechtenstein require a variety of documents from the applicant. There are a few standard documents that you can expect to be asked to submit no matter which specific visa you’re applying for.

Standard documents required:

• A completed visa application form.
• A valid passport.
• Recent passport-sized photographs.
• Proof of travel arrangements (like flight bookings).
• Proof of accommodation in Liechtenstein.
• Schengen travel insurance coverage that meets the bare minimum requirements set by the Schengen area.
• Proof of sufficient funds to sustain yourself during your time in Liechtenstein.

What are the requirements for specific visas?

In addition to the standard documents above, you may need to submit supplementary records and papers based on the type of visa you’re applying for. Let’s break them down further.

Visitor visa requirements

This visa is typically for tourism or visiting friends and family. You’ll need the standard documents listed above. If you’re going to be staying with a friend or a family member, you will also need to submit a letter of invitation, showing that you’ve been invited to stay in their residence during your stay.

Type D (long-stay) visa requirements

For stays longer than 90 days, additional documents will likely be required, depending on the length of stay and the purpose of your visit. For example, if you’re studying in Liechtenstein, you may be asked to provide proof of enrollment in a Liechtensteinian educational institution.

Does Liechtenstein have a digital nomad visa?

No. Currently, there isn’t a visa dedicated to remote workers in Liechtenstein. To work remotely in Liechtenstein, you will need to obtain a visa that permits you to work on Liechtensteinian soil.

Is there an interview when applying for a visa for Liechtenstein?

You will be required to attend an in-person appointment in order to apply for a visa to travel to Liechtenstein. This appointment is to check to make sure your application is complete, collect biometrics (fingerprints), and send your application to the Swiss consulate or embassy for processing.

This won’t be a “question-and-answer” meeting per se, though you may be asked a few questions directly relating to the documents in your file or your travels.

How much does a visa cost to visit Liechtenstein?

Schengen visa application fees are 90 euros for adults, 45 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under the age of 6. Long-stay visas may vary in cost. Additionally, when applying through a visa center, you may be required to pay additional fees. Sometimes applying through a visa center is mandatory.

Do I need to apply for ETIAS if I have a visa for Liechtenstein?

No, if you hold a valid Schengen visa, you don’t need to apply for ETIAS authorization. Additionally, if you have a passport from a Schengen member country, you do not need ETIAS to travel to Liechtenstein.

Who needs ETIAS to visit Liechtenstein?

Anyone who does not have a Schengen visa will need to apply for ETIAS authorization to travel to Liechtenstein for stays 90 days and under, from 2025 on. This includes citizens from the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and others.

This excludes Schengen country citizens.

Is Liechtenstein part of the Schengen zone?

Yes, Liechtenstein is one of the 29 members of the Schengen zone, allowing for easy travel across many European countries.

Does my Liechtenstein visa allow me to travel through the Schengen zone?

Yes! A Liechtenstein visa grants you access to other Schengen countries, making it a great option for exploring Europe.

It is worth noting that in some cases, travel authorization can vary. Always check the permissions of your specific visa before making travel plans.

Can I go anywhere in Europe with a visa for Liechtenstein?

No, though it allows you to visit the vast majority of European countries. With a Schengen visa, you can typically visit any of the 29 countries of the Schengen area without requiring additional visas or permissions.

Liechtenstein Visas: Key Takeaways

• All travelers needing a Liechtenstein visa must apply through a Swiss consulate/visa center as Liechtenstein doesn’t offer its own visas.
• There are many types of visas for traveling to Liechtenstein, including work, study, visitor, and more. Each visa type will require specific documents in order to apply.
• Liechtenstein is part of the Schengen zone. Processing times for Liechtenstein visas vary but are typically around 15 business days. However, appointments can book weeks to months in advance.
• Schengen visas cost 90 euros for adults, 45 euros for children ages 6-12, and free for children under the age of 6.
• To apply for a Schengen visa, you must show proof of sufficient funds, a flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation.
• To apply, you must have Schengen-compliant travel insurance, and proof of it at the time of your appointment.
• You must apply for a Schengen visa in person at a visa center or Swiss consulate/embassy.
• In the coming years, you’ll be able to apply for a Schengen visa online with EU VAP.
• From 2025 onward, US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens will need to apply for ETIAS before traveling to Liechtenstein, if they do not hold a valid Liechtenstein visa.
• Some visas allow you to work on Liechtenstein soil, others do not.
• Liechtenstein doesn’t offers a specific digital nomad visa for remote workers; and it’s illegal to work in Liechtenstein without a visa.