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Liechtenstein Banking License

Liechtenstein Banking License: FMA Authorisation with Full EEA Passporting Rights

The Financial Market Authority Liechtenstein (FMA Liechtenstein) is the banking supervisor under the Banking Act (Bankengesetz). Liechtenstein is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) through its membership in the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which gives FMA-authorised banks full passporting rights across all 27 EU member states plus Norway and Iceland, without separate authorisation in each country. Despite its very small geographic size, Liechtenstein manages assets exceeding CHF 60 billion through its licensed banking institutions, making it one of the most asset-rich financial centres per capita in the world.

Liechtenstein is a particularly attractive licensing jurisdiction for financial groups that want full EEA market access without establishing a bank in a major EU financial centre such as Luxembourg, Ireland, or the Netherlands. Its compact regulatory environment and the FMA's accessible, professional approach make it well suited to mid-sized international banking and wealth management operations.

Minimum Capital

CHF 10 million minimum paid-up capital for a full banking authorisation. The FMA may require higher capital based on the proposed business model and risk profile.

FMA Fit and Proper Assessment

At least two directors with demonstrated banking or financial services management competence must pass the FMA fit and proper assessment. This covers professional qualifications, experience, integrity, and financial soundness.

Resident Senior Management

A locally resident senior manager or managing director with authority over day-to-day operations must be in place. The FMA requires genuine management substance in Liechtenstein, not a letterbox arrangement.

Business Plan

A three-year business plan with capital adequacy and liquidity stress test scenarios is required. The FMA scrutinises the credibility of financial projections and the quality of the proposed internal governance framework.

AML/CFT Programme

A comprehensive AML/CFT programme compliant with Liechtenstein's Due Diligence Act (SPG) is required. Annual audited accounts and FMA supervisory returns must be filed.

Tax and Passporting Advantage

Liechtenstein's corporate income tax rate is 12.5% on net taxable income. There is no capital gains tax on qualifying participations. FMA-authorised banks carry full EEA passporting rights, enabling direct banking operations in all EU and EEA states.

Neptune Fiduciaries: Liechtenstein Banking Licence Support

Neptune Fiduciaries assists with Liechtenstein banking licence applications including FMA pre-application engagement, business plan drafting, AML/CFT programme design, and director vetting coordination for institutions seeking EEA passporting rights from outside the EU.

Get in Touch

Contact Neptune Fiduciaries at info@neptunecorporate.com or sales@neptunecorporate.com or visit our Contact Us page.

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