The most prestigious civil-law foundation framework in Europe.
Liechtenstein’s Persons and Companies Act (PGR) of 1926 is the world’s oldest continuously-operating civil-law foundation framework. Three vehicle types — Stiftung (foundation), Anstalt (establishment), and Treuunternehmen (trust enterprise) — cover every wealth-structuring objective in EU/EEA’s most discreet jurisdiction.
What makes Liechtenstein the right pick.
100 years of continuous practice in civil-law foundation law plus EEA membership and AAA sovereign rating — the prestige tier of Europe.
Stiftung (Foundation) under § 552 PGR
The classical civil-law foundation: a separate legal person endowed by a founder, governed by a council, with assets held for purpose or for beneficiaries. The most flexible foundation framework in Europe.
Anstalt (Establishment) under § 534 PGR
A unique Liechtenstein hybrid — a legal person somewhere between a foundation and a corporation. Used for active business holding, IP licensing, and family-office structures where commercial activity is contemplated.
Treuunternehmen (Trust Enterprise) under § 932a PGR
Liechtenstein’s bridge between civil-law foundations and common-law trusts — a legal-person entity governed by trust-like principles. Recognised by US/UK common-law courts as a trust equivalent.
EEA member with full European market access
Liechtenstein is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Schengen area. EEA membership delivers EU single-market access for goods and services without EU membership constraints.
AAA sovereign rating and prestige tier
Liechtenstein holds an S&P AAA rating — one of only a handful of countries worldwide. The combined sovereign credit, banking sophistication, and 100-year foundation tradition give Liechtenstein structures a prestige differential vs Caribbean alternatives.
Strong banking partners and substantial substance
VP Bank, LGT, Liechtensteinische Landesbank, Centrum Bank, and Bendura serve as the foundation’s banking infrastructure. Genuine substance is required and routinely satisfied.
When Liechtenstein is the right choice.
The fact patterns where this jurisdiction outperforms alternatives.
European HNW family-office structuring
Liechtenstein Stiftungen are the standard European HNW family-office wrapper for clients seeking civil-law domicile with EEA market access and prestige reputation.
Multi-billion-euro succession planning
The largest privately-held European fortunes routinely use Liechtenstein Stiftungen for multi-generational succession given the AAA sovereign credit and 100-year track record.
Cross-border art and collectibles holding
Liechtenstein Anstalten are widely used for art, collectibles, and luxury-asset holding given their hybrid commercial-personal nature and the strong banking partners’ freeport custody offerings.
Trust-equivalent structures for civil-law residents
The Treuunternehmen lets civil-law-tradition residents access trust-like legal mechanics without leaving the civil-law tradition — valuable for German, French, Italian, and Spanish settlors.
Setup
Annual administration
Timeline
What clients ask before settling.
Pragmatic answers on the Liechtenstein framework specifically.
Why is Liechtenstein the premium tier?
Is Liechtenstein still a ‘tax haven’?
What’s the difference between Stiftung and Anstalt?
Do I need to live in Liechtenstein?
How does the framework handle US-person founders?
Ready to set up your Liechtenstein structure?
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