Requirements for Obtaining Citizenship by Investment in Liechtenstein: My Best Advice
Liechtenstein, a small Alpine principality, has stringent requirements for citizenship. My best advice is to overlook the notion of citizenship by investment. The path to becoming a Liechtenstein citizen is challenging and strict, with clear stipulations based on birth, adoption, or naturalization. This article delves into the various ways to acquire Liechtenstein citizenship and the unique challenges faced by naturalization candidates.
Birth and Natural Rights to Citizenship
Children Born to Liechtenstein Citizens
Liechtenstein citizenship is automatically granted to every child born to at least one Liechtenstein citizen parent. This policy ensures that children are treated equally, regardless of the marital status of their parents.
Children Born Out of Wedlock
Children born out of wedlock to a Liechtenstein father are granted citizenship retroactively at birth. This means that if a Liechtenstein father has a child with a non-Liechtenstein mother, the child becomes a Liechtenstein citizen from the moment of birth.
Children Born in Liechtenstein to Liechtenstein Parents
A child born in Liechtenstein to parents who are Liechtenstein citizens, even if they live outside Liechtenstein, is also a Liechtenstein citizen. Prior to 1996, Liechtenstein did not treat children equally through the dual citizenship route. However, with the legal changes in 1996, children of Liechtenstein parents can now acquire dual citizenship through descent when it is earned.
Adopted Children and Orphans
Immediate Citizenship for Adopted and Orphaned Children
Adopted children and orphans become Liechtenstein citizens immediately upon adoption or when they enter the foster care system, provided the adoption or placement was completed in Liechtenstein.
Becoming a Naturalized Citizen in Liechtenstein
The Harsh Reality of Naturalization
Liechtenstein, alongside Vatican City, is one of the hardest European countries for foreign nationals to apply for citizenship. This means that the standard naturalization process for most European countries is much faster, with periods ranging from 5 to 10 years. Liechtenstein requires a significantly longer period of at least 30 years as a legal resident, with an additional stipulation for those under 20 years old serving as two years each.
For those who have lived in Liechtenstein for at least 30 years and meet the residency requirement, the process is thorough and rigorous. Even if you are married to a Liechtenstein citizen and already reside in the country, the time limit is merely reduced to five years instead of the standard 30.
Alternative Option for Reducing Residency Requirement
If the 30-year residency requirement seems excessively long, there is an alternative route. You can petition the community where you reside to grant you citizenship after 10 years of residence. This option requires community approval but provides a way to bypass the lengthy residency period.
Conclusion
The road to Liechtenstein citizenship is long, arduous, and regulated. While there are several paths to citizenship through birth, adoption, and naturalization, the naturalization process remains one of the most stringent in Europe. Prospective citizens should carefully consider the requirements based on their individual circumstances before embarking on the process.