Since June 3, 2024, biometric facial images for passports, identity cards and biometric residence permits have been captured directly on site at the counter of the Foreigners and Passport Office (APA) in Vaduz. The system has been well received by customers. However, in order for the capture stations to produce a facial image that meets the requirements, the applicant must look straight, focused and with open eyes into the camera lens for a few seconds. This is often a major challenge with small children. In many cases, the capture procedure has to be repeated several times or even aborted.
Against this backdrop, the government adopted an amendment to the Ordinance on the Admission and Residence of Foreign Nationals (HSchV) and the Ordinance on the Admission and Residence of Foreign Nationals (ZAV) at its meeting on April 1, 2025. This creates an alternative to the on-site recording of the biometric facial image of children who have not yet reached the age of 2. From June 1, 2025, the child's legal representatives will be able to take the digital photo at home in a familiar environment, upload it via an online form and send it electronically to the APA. Once the data has been checked by the authority, a request will be made to appear in person at the APA counter for the ID card to be issued.
In addition, the Ordinance on Citizenship Documents has been amended to introduce a general validity period of ten years for diplomatic passports. Previously, this was limited to the respective duration in the case of temporary employment relationships or mandates. The adjustment is intended to reduce the administrative burden and save costs. Regardless of the period of validity of a diplomatic passport, it may only be used for official purposes and must be returned.