Inheritance Liechtenstein: who inherits, what to do, which deadlines
<p>An inheritance in Liechtenstein raises legal, tax and emotional questions. This guide summarises who inherits by law, the deadlines for acceptance or renunciation, how to obtain the certificate of inheritance and the typical level of inheritance tax. The <a href="/app" class="text-primary underline">Wegbegleiter App</a> supports you with templates and a country-specific checklist.</p>
Who inherits under the law?
Inheritance law in Liechtenstein provides statutory succession when there is no will. Spouse or registered partner and children inherit first; in their absence, parents, siblings and then more distant relatives. The spouse always has a protected minimum share.
Liechtenstein follows an Austrian-style estate procedure – the Vaduz district court is competent.
Will and inheritance contract
To deviate from statutory succession you need a will (holographic, notarial) or an inheritance contract. The forced share (Pflichtteil, réserve, legittima) protects close relatives by guaranteeing them a minimum portion.
Accept or renounce
The estate is transferred automatically upon death. If you have doubts about its value, renounce within estate proceedings at Vaduz district court, otherwise you may have to pay debts from your personal assets. A public inventory clarifies assets and liabilities.
Certificate of inheritance
Banks, the land registry and insurers require a certificate of inheritance issued by the probate court, a notary or the competent authority. It costs several hundred euros depending on the estate's value – order several certified copies.
Inheritance tax and allowances
Inheritance tax in Liechtenstein depends on the degree of kinship and the estate's value. Spouses and children enjoy the highest tax-free allowances. Ask the tax authority early about rates, allowances and payment-deferral options, especially for real estate and shareholdings.
Step-by-step procedure
1. Locate the will and have it opened. 2. Arrange the funeral. 3. Apply for the certificate of inheritance. 4. Draw up an inventory of assets and liabilities. 5. Close accounts, contracts and policies. 6. File the inheritance-tax return. 7. Distribute the estate among co-heirs.
The Wegbegleiter App guides you through each step and provides country-specific letter templates.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the forced share?
- It is the statutory minimum reserved for close relatives and represents 25-50% of the statutory share depending on the country.
- How long does an inheritance take?
- A simple estate is settled within 6-9 months; real estate, businesses or disputes can extend it to several years.
- What is the renunciation deadline in Liechtenstein?
- estate proceedings at Vaduz district court starting from the moment you learn about the death.
- How high is inheritance tax?
- It depends on the degree of kinship and the value of the estate; spouses and children pay the least, more distant relatives pay much more.
- How do co-heirs divide an estate?
- By amicable division, buying out shares, or selling. If they cannot agree, a court can order a forced partition.
Wegbegleiter – the app for difficult moments
Checklists, letter templates and an encrypted emergency folder – free to start.