General information

The licensing requirements for operating as a road transport company are regulated in the Act on the Licensing of Road Transport Companies and Cross-Border Passenger and Goods Transport by Road, LGBl. 2006 No. 185 and in the Ordinance on the Licensing and Operation of Road Transport Companies in Passenger and Goods Transport (STUV), LGBl. 2006 No. 259.

In the area of goods transport, the regulations refer to the commercial operation of goods transport with vehicles over 3.5 tons total weight and in the area of passenger transport to the commercial use of vehicles with which more than 9 persons (including the driver) can be transported. An activity is deemed to be commercial if it is carried out regularly, independently and with the intention of making a profit. In all these cases, a transport company license is required.

Founding a company

EEA nationals: When examining the requirements under trade law, the Office of Economic Affairs also takes into account the place of residence, among other things. However, EEA nationals do not need to be resident in the Principality of Liechtenstein. However, a foreign place of residence will only be accepted if the actual exercise of the trade in Liechtenstein is possible due to the activity to be carried out.

Third-country nationals require at least 12 years of uninterrupted residence in Liechtenstein for gainful employment. The corresponding confirmation of residence can be requested from the Foreigners and Passport Office.

Persons from countries domiciled outside Liechtenstein may only take over the management of a legal entity if they are in possession of a work permit for third-country nationals under the law on foreign nationals.

Swiss nationals resident in Switzerland can establish a sole proprietorship in Liechtenstein. In this case, however, it is not possible to take on the role of managing director under commercial law in a Liechtenstein legal entity. Swiss citizens must be ordinarily resident in Liechtenstein for this.

Natural persons and legal entities

Transport company licenses can be issued to natural persons and legal entities. Legal entities can obtain permits in the same way as natural persons. To do so, they must, among other things, appoint a managing director who fulfills the conditions required for natural persons. These include a right of signature entered in the commercial register and full-time management of the company in the sense of being actually active and in charge of the company.

The majority of the capital must be in domestic hands. In this respect, Swiss and EEA citizens are treated equally to nationals.