Estates due in Liechtenstein are subject to estate tax. Estates are considered due in Liechtenstein if the temporary or permanent residence of the deceased was in Liechtenstein at the time of death or if the estate consists of real property in Liechtenstein. Estate tax liability rests with the successors.

The estate tax is progressively indexed to the amount of the estate assets. The tax rate increases from 1% for the first 200,000 Swiss francs to 5% for the amount of the estate exceeding 2 million francs. If the estate is left to the spouse, children, or parents of the deceased, the tax rate is only half of the general rate.

The acquisition in Liechtenstein of assets due to death is subject to inheritance tax, whether inheritance is pursuant to legal succession or last will and testament. Assets are considered acquired in Liechtenstein if the assets constitute real property in Liechtenstein or moveable assets left by a deceased whose temporary or permanent residence was in Liechtenstein at the time of death.

Inheritance tax on moveable assets is also levied if only the recipient (successor, devisee) is resident in Liechtenstein and the recipient cannot demonstrate that a similar tax on the inheritance is levied abroad.

Inheritance tax liability rests with the successor. The tax rates depend on the family relationship between the deceased and the recipient; surcharges are added based on the amount of the inheritance. For example, the inheritance tax is between 0.5% and 0.75% for spouses and children and between 18% and 27% for non-related persons.

Assets acquired in Liechtenstein through donations among living persons are subject to gift tax. As in the case of acquisition of assets due to death, acquisition among living persons is considered to take place in Liechtenstein if the assets constitute real property in Liechtenstein or moveable assets donated by a donor with permanent or temporary residence in Liechtenstein at the time of the donation.

In the case of donations of moveable assets, the gift tax is also levied if only the recipient is resident in Liechtenstein and the recipient cannot demonstrate that a similar tax is levied abroad. Gift tax liability rests with the recipient. The calculation of the tax is according to the same principles as the calculation of inheritance tax.

Estate and inheritance taxes and gift tax