Liechtenstein companies may be used for any purpose, commercial or financial, for holding securities or other private assets. It is, however, clear that such companies are in themselves not sufficient to solve all matters related to the solution of personal estates.
The Limited Company (Aktiengesellschaft)
The characteristics of a Liechtenstein Limited Company and its organization are basically the same as those for corporate bodies of this type internationally. These companies are most commonly used when the purpose is to conduct international trade or commercial business. It may also be organized as a holding company, especially if it is considered advantageous to have an internationally recognized legal form.
The minimum capital of the Limited Company is CHF 50000. Only the company's assets are liable to third parties for the debts of the company. There is no personal liability as far as the members of the board of directors are concerned.
The Establishment (Anstalt)
Contrary to foreign legal systems, the Establishment is not an institution under public law, but a corporate body with its own legal personality. Its net assets represent an autonomous property fund, which is the only fund available to meet the Establishment's liabilities.
The Establishment only acknowledges beneficiaries who benefit from it economically and who are designated in By-Laws. There are no members, partners or shareholders and, in principle, there is no division of its capital into parts or shares.
The Establishment may perform commercial and financial transactions of any kind whatsoever in its own right , it may administer its own assets, or it may pursue any other legally permitted object.
The minimum capital of the Establishment is CHF 30000. Only the Establishment's assets are liable to third parties for the debts of the Establishment. There is no personal liability as far as the members of the board of directors are concerned.
Trust reg.
When setting up a trust enterprise, a settlor transfers assets to a trustee. The assets are then administered by the trustee in a separate legal subject for the benefit of the beneficiaries.
The settlor may at its own discretion determine the object of the trust enterprise provided that the object is not against the law or public morals. The trust articles must indicate whether or not the trust enterprise may engage in commercial activities. The pure holding or property administration activity is not a commercial activity.
The minimum capital of the trust enterprise is CHF 30000. Only the trust assets are liable to third parties for the debts of the trust enterprise. There is no personal liability as far as the members of the board of trustees are concerned.
Tax status
Liechtenstein Companies are liable to a capital tax of 0,1% of the net assets, with a minimum of CHF 1000 per annum.
In addition, distributions are subject to a 4% coupon tax if distributed by a company whose capital is divided into parts.