Biometric residence permit

The biometric residence permit

The ID card confirms residence status in Liechtenstein and, together with a valid national passport, entitles the holder to visa-free travel within the Schengen area. With its association to the Schengen Agreement, Liechtenstein issues the biometric residence permit in credit card format and thus implements Schengen Legal Division.

The biometric residence permit has a standardized design in all Schengen member states. State-of-the-art security components offer the highest level of ID security and make misuse more difficult.

The symbol on the front of the card in the top left-hand corner indicates that this card contains a chip with biometric data. The chip is not visible. In addition to the personal and document data (document type, country of issue, document number, expiration date, date of birth, surname, first name, gender, citizenship, verification number, etc.), two digital fingerprints and the facial image are stored on the chip. The fingerprints are stored exclusively on the chip. Fingerprints must therefore be taken again each time the card is reissued.

A biometric passport photo not older than 6 months in accordance with Swiss standards is required for the issue of a biometric residence permit.

The biometric residence permit meets strict International Affairs standards. The data is protected by a secure access procedure and electronic keys. The fingerprints are additionally secured. Tracking or electronic surveillance is not possible with the chip

Group of people affected

The biometric residence permit is issued to persons who are resident in Liechtenstein and are nationals of countries that are not members of the European Union (EU) or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), as well as persons from third countries that cannot invoke the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons.

Citizens of EU and EFTA countries and persons from third countries who can invoke the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons are issued blue-grey residence permits. Asylum seekers are issued with paper ID cards.

Application and issuing procedure

The biometric data is recorded at the counter of the Migration and Passport Office. Identification is based on the national passport. The biometric residence permit is personalized at the Migration and Passport Office and sent by post. A collection date can be arranged on request.

The fees for the biometric residence permit are divided into fees for the authorization procedure, card production and the recording of biometric data.

Certificate Policy

Certificate policy for the Country Verifying Certification Authority (CVCA) of the Liechtenstein National Administration

Certificate Policy

Certificate Policy

Biometric residence permits already issued

The biometric residence permit shown below was issued from the time Liechtenstein joined the Schengen area in 2011 until the introduction of the new biometric residence permit (see above) on December 21, 2020. An existing biometric residence permit remains valid until its expiration date and is only exchanged for the new one when it has to be renewed due to expiry or due to data changes (e.g. change of name).