Principality of Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein's history is one of the most unusual in Europe. The Principality did not come into being through war or conquest, but thanks to foresight, diplomacy and a long-term perspective.
This amalgamation of stable statehood, family responsibility and an intergenerational approach still characterises Liechtenstein today. It has produced a financial centre that is an international byword for reliability, discretion and long-term protection of assets.
The history of the Principality
In 1719, Emperor Charles VI raised the county of Vaduz and the lordship of Schellenberg to the status of an imperial principality. To this very day, the state bears the name of the dynasty that shaped it: the Princely House of Liechtenstein. What began as a tiny sovereign territory nestled between larger powers developed over the generations into one of the most stable jurisdictions in Europe.
Over a period of more than 300 years, this small state beside the River Rhine evolved into a stable, independent economic and financial centre with a global reputation. While Europe was seized by political turmoil, wars and crises, the Principality of Liechtenstein maintained its sovereignty, its continuity and its special form of governance.
The Princely House of Liechtenstein still stands as a symbol of this continuity today. The head of state is H.S.H. Prince Hans-Adam II; H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois has served as Regent since 2004.
Situated at the centre of Europe and with close ties to Switzerland, Liechtenstein combines political stability and access to the European Economic Area with the power of the Swiss franc. Particularly in a time of increasing uncertainty, this combination of continuity, legal certainty and long-term perspective is especially important.
In the heart of Europe.
At the centre of the EEA.
Since 1995, Liechtenstein has been a member of the European Economic Area (EEA). The Principality thus pairs the independence of a sovereign state with access to the European single market.
For founders, this brings a high degree of legal certainty and regulatory compatibility, plus Europe-wide recognition.
It means that Liechtenstein is not an isolated jurisdiction, but an integrated, internationally connected financial centre at the heart of Europe.
For foundations in particular, these connections are crucial: independent in terms of structure, yet compatible with the European legal and economic environment.
