Liechtenstein is a scenic sanctuary for natives and expatriates alike, nestled in the Alps and flanked by the Rhine river. If you've decided to move to this alpine microstate, you'll need to open a bank account in order to buy ski equipment and other necessities.
As a resident or non-resident, you can open a bank account in Lichtenstein. Opening a bank account as a non-resident in Liechtenstein is subject to a set of laws aimed at preventing money laundering. In Liechtenstein, you can open an offshore personal or business account.
Liechtenstein's private banking laws are comparable to those of Switzerland. If you wish to better understand the banking rules, you can obtain legal assistance from lawyers while opening a bank account in Liechtenstein.
That said, all this might seem exciting, which is why in this guide, we have covered a complete process to help you open a bank account in Liechtenstein online as a resident, foreigner or as an expat.
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Banking System in Liechtenstein and What to Expect from its Bank Account
The low tax rates in Liechtenstein tend to attract wealthy individuals from all over the world. Many banks in Liechtenstein require significant, consistent deposits to open and maintain an account, which has spawned a cottage industry of consultants promising to set you up for anywhere between €500 and €2,000. They should be avoided.
Always engage directly with your preferred bank when opening a personal checking account. Liechtenstein has an incredibly great number of banks for such a small country. Inquire about the cost of opening an account and whether a minimum deposit is required.
It's not even a problem if you are still learning German — In Liechtenstein, the majority of banks provide services in English.
Domestic bank accounts come with an IBAN, which allows you to move money between countries in the Single Euro Payment Area (SEPA) for free. This applies to every country in Europe, including those that are not members of the European Union (EU).
Keep in mind that Liechtenstein uses the Swiss Franc as its official currency. As a result, paying using a card issued in another European country may incur currency exchange fees. It's also worth noting that many Liechtenstein banks make money by charging deposit fees.
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Who is Eligible to Open a Bank Account in Liechtenstein?
Anyone can open a bank accounts in Liechtenstein as the country records bank account opening from many countries in the world on a regular basis. Though higher-income individuals will be given precedence at certain banks, anyone with a passport and the ability to verify their address and income should be able to open a bank account in Liechtenstein.
It is, nevertheless, critical to read the terms. Some banks will ask you to deposit money on a regular basis, and if you don't, your account will be closed.
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What are the Requirements to Open a Bank Account in Liechtenstein?
Because of Liechtenstein's relaxed eligibility standards, you'll only need a few documents to open a bank account in the country:
- A copy of ID or passport
- Proof of address and utility bill
- Contact details like email address
- Income statements
How to Open a Bank Account in Liechtenstein as a Non Resident
Non-residents can open a bank account in Liechtenstein, but you must make a substantial initial deposit. You'll also have to pay fees to keep the bank account open. Before you may open a bank account with them, many banks will need you to invest a particular amount in their investment products. The amount varies depending on the bank. Foreigners are not served by all banks.
As a result, you must carefully select the best bank for you before opening a bank account in Liechtenstein as a foreigner. Before you open an account with a bank, it is always advisable to contact them first to be clear on the type of accounts they offer.
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Best Banks to Open an Account in Liechtenstein
If you wish to open a bank account in Liechtenstein, you should think about the fees and deposits that will be necessary. It's because you have to make a deposit before you can open a bank account. The amount of the deposit varies from one bank to the next. You can open an account with one of the traditional Liechtenstein banks listed below.
1. Raiffeisen Privatbank
This is a bank in Liechtenstein where you can open a private account. Traditional investing and portfolio management solutions are available through the bank. It has a large branch network and ATMs throughout Liechtenstein. It also has fantastic customer service.
2. Banque Havilland
This is a family bank that caters mostly to high-net-worth individuals. It also collaborates with private equity firms. Credit cards, foreign exchange, and asset management are just a few of the services available through the account.
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3. VP Bank
It's a bank that uses your fingerprints to help you manage your investments. VP Bank allows you to open an online bank account in Liechtenstein. VP Bank also allows you to open a personal or business account. When you open an account, you will receive investing, real estate, and wealth planning advice. Basic, Comfort, and Premium banking packages are available.
4. Volksbank
Volksbank makes it simple to open a private bank account. Insurance, business loans, mortgages, current accounts, and savings accounts are just a few of the fantastic advantages it offers. If you want to open a regular bank account, this is the finest bank to go with.
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5. Liechtenstein Landesbank
It's a retail bank where you can open a standard account. They provide mortgages, retirement funds, and basic accounts. Due to its attractive rates, gift vouchers, and high-interest rates, this is the finest bank for students and young people.
6. LGT
LGT is a well-known private bank that provides personalized service and a wide range of services. They claim to have exclusive access to investments, a passion for wealth preservation, and a full-service wealth management and financial planning team to assist you with your financial decisions.
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How to Open a Bank Account Online in Liechtenstein
if you rather love digital banking, then you can open an online bank account in Liechtenstein. You get a European IBAN when you open a virtual bank account in Liechtenstein, which you may use to transfer and receive money in the EU. You may also send money to over 200 other countries in over 30 different currencies.
The following digital banks allow you to open a virtual bank account in Liechtenstein:
1. N26 - Liechtenstein Online Bank Account
N26 can be used to open an online bank account in Liechtenstein. The bank accepts all SEPA transfers and offers Euro IBAN, N26 personal and N26 business accounts. Its international money transfer service is given in collaboration with Wise Money Transfer, which is one of the world's cheapest and fastest money transfer providers.
Signing up for a N26 account takes only a few minutes. You can order a contactless debit MasterCard and begin making contactless payments once you've signed up.
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2. Wise - Liechtenstein Online Bank Account
Wise can also be used to open a Liechtenstein virtual bank account. You will receive a Euro IBAN when you open a Wise account, which you can use to make SEPA transfers. You have the option of opening a personal or business account.
Wise multicurrency account allows you to hold, send, receive, and spend money in multiple currencies. Wise converts currencies using real exchange rates.
3. Revolut - Liechtenstein Online Bank Account
Revolut is a crypto-friendly bank that offers 28-currency multi-currency accounts, IBAN for personal and business accounts, virtual cards, money transfer services, and crypto trading.
Prepaid debit cards, currency exchange, peer-to-peer payments, withdrawals in over 120 currencies, and direct money transfers in over 29 currencies are just a few of Revolut's core goods and services.
You can buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, as well as altcoins like Ethereum. You cannot, however, move them to another wallet; instead, you can only trade them for fiat money within the Revolut app.
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4. Dukascopy - Liechtenstein Online Bank Account
Dukascopy is an online bank that offers forex trading and a multicurrency account with IBAN. It is a crypto-friendly bank that allows customers to trade cryptocurrency CFDs, trade and pay with Dukascoin (the first regulated and licensed cryptocurrency in Switzerland), and invest in cryptocurrency.
5. Monese - Liechtenstein Online Bank Account
Monese is a British digital bank with customers from all around the world, including Liechtenstein. It accepts SEPA payments and has a multicurrency digital bank with IBAN.
Monese allows you to open personal, joint, or commercial accounts in EUR or GBP. Contactless payments such as Google Pay, Apple Pay, and PayPal are supported by Monese accounts.
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Bank for Sale in Liechtenstein
If you think you are financially fit for purchasing a whole bank in Liechtenstein, then you can checkout offshorepremium's "Liechtenstein bank for sale". They have listed all the company's financial assets and a contact info to reach them if you are interested in purchasing the bank. We are not affiliated to the seller and we recommend you to carryout researches on the bank before going in for it.
However, we will advise you to start a bank on your own if you are financially fit.
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International Virtual Bank Account
There are many digital banks such as N26, Wise offering international virtual bank accounts to residents of European and American countries. However, for a brief orientation, don't hesitate to checkout our complete review on best international virtual banks offering online accounts.
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Final Thoughts on Opening a Bank Account in Liechtenstein With Best Local and Online Banks
Before opening a bank account in Liechtenstein, think about the services the banks provide, how much you can deposit, how many monthly transactions you will do, and how much you want to invest in the bank.
You can open a bank account in Liechtenstein as a non resident, but you will need to make an initial deposit or invest in a bank's investment products before you can do so.
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