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Deportation and immigration law in Liechtenstein

Deportation and immigration matters in Liechtenstein are handled within a distinct legal framework. The country is a civil-law jurisdiction and a member of the EEA, so EEA law and the EFTA Court play a role. The following points give you an overview of how the system works in practice.

Three instances and a constitutional court

Ordinary jurisdiction in Liechtenstein has three levels: the Fürstliches Landgericht in Vaduz as first instance, the Obergericht as second instance, and the Oberster Gerichtshof as third instance. The Oberster Gerichtshof also sits as the Verwaltungsgerichtshof (Administrative Court). The Staatsgerichtshof is separate and hears constitutional complaints. This structure matters if your case reaches the higher courts.

EEA law and the EFTA Court

As an EEA member, Liechtenstein is bound by EEA internal-market law, including free movement of persons. The EFTA Court in Luxembourg has jurisdiction in EEA-law matters. The Oberster Gerichtshof has confirmed that national rules cannot prevent a court from requesting an advisory opinion from the EFTA Court. A lawyer can assess whether an EEA-law argument is relevant to your case.

Who may represent you

Only persons entered in the Liechtenstein lawyers’ list (Rechtsanwaltsliste), kept by the Liechtensteinische Rechtsanwaltskammer, may practise as Liechtenstein lawyers. The Lawyers Act (RAG) requires, among other things, EEA or equivalent nationality, a bar examination or three years of practice, a domestic office and professional indemnity insurance. EEA-qualified lawyers may also provide services under free movement rules.

Language and free legal information

Proceedings and legal advice in Liechtenstein are conducted in German. In simple cases, court interns (Gerichtspraktikanten) give free oral legal advice and may draft submissions, claims and other filings in German, by telephone and subject to prior appointment. They do not provide written opinions or expert reports. For complex deportation matters, a qualified lawyer is advisable.

Legal aid and court fees

Verfahrenshilfe (legal aid) under § 63 ZPO is available to parties who cannot meet the costs of proceedings without impairing their necessary livelihood; it may include exemption from fees and the assignment of a lawyer. Court fees are governed by the Gerichtsgebührengesetz (GGG) and are generally based on the value in dispute, payable in Swiss francs.

Costs and payment orders

Under the GGG, the assessment base is usually the value in dispute, amounts are rounded up to the next franc, and foreign-currency amounts are converted at the SIX AG reference rate. If a fee is not paid on time, a Zahlungsauftrag is issued demanding payment within two weeks plus a CHF 25 surcharge, after which it becomes directly enforceable.

Data comes from official Liechtenstein sources (courts, legislation, bar association) as published on their websites.

• Oberster Gerichtshof – Liechtenstein courts
• Liechtensteinische Rechtsanwaltskammer
• Gesetz über die Rechtsanwälte (RAG)
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
• Allgemeines Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (ABGB) – limitation periods
• Gerichtsgebührengesetz (GGG)
• Oberster Gerichtshof – legal principles
• Government of Liechtenstein – media release on limitation reform
• Fürstliche Gerichte – free legal advice