Due to its small size and a regulatory environment that is attractive for foreigners, the Principality of Liechtenstein has for a considerable time been obliged to regulate the entry of foreign citizens. In the framework of this country’s joining the European Economic Area (EEA) on 1 May 1995 Liechtenstein was granted a period of transition, after which improved opportunities for establishing domicile had to be granted to citizens of the EEA. With the desision of the EEA Joint Committee of 17 December 1999[1] and the approval of the Liechtenstein Landtag (parliament) on 16 March 2000, Liechtenstein was allowed to keep in force measures for restricting settlement in this country, although at the same time certain relaxation for EEA citizens had to be guaranteed.[2] Consequently, on 1 June 2000 the law on the procedure for the issuing of residence permits (ABVG)[3] and the Ordinance on the Movement of Persons (PVO)[4] came into force.

1] Decision of the EEA Joint Committee No. 191/1999 of 17 December 1999 on the amendment to Appendix VIII (Right to Establish Domicile) and V (Free Movement of workers) of the EEA Agreement.
[2] EEA citizenship applies to persons from: Norway, Iceland, Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Greece, Denmark, Italy, Austria, United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland und the Irish Republic.
[3] Law of 12. April 2000 on the Procedure for the Issuing of Residence Permits (Gesetz über das Verfahren zur Erteilung von Aufenthaltsbewilligungen, ABVG), LGBl. 2000 No 98, LR 152.21
[4] Ordinance on the Movement of Persons of 16. May 2000 (Personenverkehrsverordnung, PVO), LGBl. 2000 No 99, LR 152.22