Nationality of Liechtenstein: all obtaining pathways
Liechtenstein requires thirty years of residence — the last five continuous — for ordinary naturalization, one of the world's longest timelines. The spouse of a Liechtensteiner accesses the facilitated pathway with five years of residence, and birth nationality is transmitted by filiation.
1Nationality by birth (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by birth (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- Child of a Liechtenstein parent (nationality law, Landesgesetz über das Staatsangehörigkeitsrecht; the community of nationality — Gemeinde — is competent for the grant)
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Nationality document of the parent
2Facilitated naturalization by long-term residence (30 years)
Facilitated naturalization by long-term residence (30 years)
Requirements
- Ordinary residence of 30 years in Liechtenstein, with years between birth and age 20 counted double (art. 5a §1a BüG)
- Continuous ordinary residence in Liechtenstein during the last 5 years before applying (art. 5a §1b)
- Renunciation of the previous nationality, unless invalid under the law of origin (art. 5a §1c)
- Assent of the Gemeinde (municipality of domicile) and integration
Documentation
- Application to the Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office of the Government of the Principality)
- Proofs of residence (Einwohnerkontrolle), language and integration
3Facilitated naturalization by marriage (spouse of a Liechtensteiner)
Facilitated naturalization by marriage (spouse of a Liechtensteiner)
Requirements
- Marriage in force with a Liechtenstein citizen for at least 5 years (art. 5 §1b BüG)
- Ordinary residence of 10 years in Liechtenstein, with years after the wedding counted double (art. 5 §1a BüG)
- Renunciation of the previous nationality, unless invalid under the law of origin (art. 5 §1c)
Documentation
- Form and proof of the marriage
- Residence certificates
- Proof of German language
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Liechtenstein
How many years of residence does Liechtenstein require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Liechtenstein (Facilitated naturalization by long-term residence (30 years)), the term is 30 years of residence (last 5 continuous). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Liechtenstein allow dual nationality?
Renunciation of the previous nationality, unless invalid under the law of origin (art. 5a §1c)
Can the nationality of Liechtenstein be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Facilitated naturalization by marriage pathway (10 years of residence with double counting after the wedding + 5 years of marriage (art. 5 BüG)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Liechtenstein require?
The Facilitated naturalization by long-term residence pathway requires: Application to the Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office of the Government of the Principality); Proofs of residence (Einwohnerkontrolle), language and integration.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Liechtenstein?
Liechtenstein provides 3 pathways: Nationality by birth, Facilitated naturalization by long-term residence, Facilitated naturalization by marriage.
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