Any company wishing to transport goods or passengers on a commercial basis requires a transport company license from the Office of Economic Affairs.

The Act on the Licensing of Road Transport Companies and Cross-Border Passenger and Goods Transport by Road, LGBl. 2006 No. 185, forms the basis for the commercial transportation of passengers and goods within Switzerland. An activity is deemed to be commercial if it is carried out regularly, independently and with the intention of making a profit.

The EEA provisions on the activity of a transport operator apply to road haulage companies with vehicles over a total weight of 3.5 tons and to road passenger transport companies with vehicles with more than 9 seats. The EEA Directive contains provisions on reliability, professional qualifications and financial capacity (see requirements).

If the vehicles of a company have a maximum of 3.5 t (in goods transport), 9 seats (in passenger transport), a transport operator's license can be issued up to this limit. The regulations on professional qualifications and financial capacity do not apply.

Permanent establishment

Anyone wishing to operate a transport company in Liechtenstein requires a suitable business establishment that meets the legal requirements.

Information sheet

Information sheet on submitting an application for a road transport company