Moving to Liechtenstein or planning to spend a lot of time there? Perhaps you’re starting a business, or working or studying there.
Opening a local bank account in Liechtenstein could be useful, especially if you’re working and need to get paid.
But which is the best bank to choose? Read on for a full list of the top banks in Liechtenstein, including info on the everyday banking accounts on offer at each.
But first, let’s begin with a quick look at how the banking sector works in Liechtenstein.
Banking in Liechtenstein (an overview)
For such a tiny country, Liechtenstein has a surprisingly large number of banks. This is because the microstate has become known as a private banking hub, with many institutions focusing on wealth management for high net worth individuals and businesses.
It is still possible to get an everyday current account there, although some banks may require you to have a minimum income or to make large, regular deposits.¹
The good news though is that you should only need your passport, proof of address and proof of income to open an account in Liechtenstein.¹ Its banks are welcoming to applicants from all over the world.
Banks in Liechtenstein are likely to charge some fees for their current account services. Although it depends on the bank and account, you can expect to pay a monthly, quarterly or annual maintenance fee (sometimes called a balancing fee). You might also pay an annual fee for a debit card.
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Top 10 banks in Liechtenstein
Now, let’s take a look at the biggest and most popular banks in Liechtenstein, so that you can compare all the options. The majority are focused on private banking for wealthy individuals, but there are some universal banks too.
| Bank name | Operational HQ |
|---|---|
| LGT Bank | Vaduz |
| Liechtensteinische Landesbank (LLB) | Vaduz |
| VP Bank | Vaduz |
| Bank Frick | Balzers |
| Bendura Bank | Gamprin-Bendern |
| Neue Bank | Vaduz |
| SIGMA Bank | Vaduz |
| Kaiser Partner Privatbank | Vaduz |
| Banque Havilland | Vaduz |
| EFG Bank von Ernst | Vaduz |
LGT Bank
LGT bills itself as a global private bank for wealthy clients. It’s the largest and most trusted bank in the country, as it is owned and managed by the Princely House of Liechtenstein.
Its services include private banking and investment solutions. The bank doesn’t offer any everyday accounts for retail or business customers.
Liechtensteinische Landesbank (LLB)
Founded all the way back in 1861, Liechtensteinische Landesbank (LLB) is another of the biggest banks in the country. It is majority state-owned, and offers a comprehensive selection of retail, business and private banking solutions and services.
For personal customers, there is a choice of LLB Daily bank packages. This includes LLB Light, a digital package featuring a private account, savings account, debit card and worldwide transfers - all for a small monthly fee.²
For businesses, Liechtensteinische Landesbank offers tailored SME support, payments solutions, financing, investments and much more.
VP Bank
Based in the capital of Vaduz, VP Bank in Liechtenstein is the parent company of the VP Bank Group. The company also has operations in Switzerland, Luxembourg, Singapore and Hong Kong.
It’s another bank highly focused on private banking and wealth management, but it does also have everyday banking packages and accounts.
For everyday banking, the VP Bank Basic package could be worth a look. It offers a debit card, online and mobile banking, as well as additional savings accounts and a foreign currency account.³
VP also offers financing, investment advice and wealth management services for business clients.
Bank Frick
Established in 1998, Bank Frick is a family-run institution which specialises in banking for financial intermediaries and professional clients. This includes fintechs, asset managements, pension funds and payment service providers.
Its service bundles for businesses include Corporate Starter and Corporate Professional.
If you’re looking for an everyday bank account for your personal funds though, Bank Frick isn’t the right choice for you.
Bendura Bank
Bendura Bank specialises in providing customised financial services to wealthy private individuals, as well as medium-sized businesses. It is owned by the Hong Kong-based luxury goods group Citychamp Watch & Jewellery Group.
The bank’s services include asset management, loan financing and investment advice. It doesn’t offer current accounts to retail customers.
Neue Bank
Founded in 1992 and based in Vaduz, Neue Bank is what you might call a classic private bank. It serves private clients from Liechtenstein, as well as international customers. It’s also a custodian bank for fund assets.
Neue Bank offers investment advice, asset management solutions and professional services. It’s not a retail or universal bank though, so you can’t open an everyday current account there.
SIGMA Bank
Formerly known as Volksbank, SIGMA Bank is independent and specialises in private and trust banking.
However, it also offers retail banking, with a range of accounts and payments, credit cards, savings, investments, mortgages and loan products available.
It doesn’t have details of specific products and features available on its website though, so you’ll need to get in touch to start a relationship with the bank.
Kaiser Partner Privatbank
Kaiser Partner Privatbank is a family-owned wealth management specialist and private bank operating in Liechtenstein and Switzerland. It has roots dating back to 1931, so it’s one of the country’s well-established financial institutions.
Its services include sustainable investment services, digital assets and private markets investment.
As it's not a retail or universal bank, Kaiser Partner Privatbank doesn’t offer everyday current accounts.
Banque Havilland
A private, family-owned private bank, Banque Havilland serves both private and institutional clients. It was established in 2014 after acquiring the majority stake in asset management specialist Banque Pasche. The bank has operations in Luxembourg, Monaco, Switzerland and Dubai as well as Liechtenstein.
It provides comprehensive wealth management services, as well as personalised asset management strategies for institutional clients.
Banque Havilland doesn’t have everyday banking products for personal or business customers.
EFG Bank von Ernst
EFG Bank von Ernst is part of EFG International, a global private banking group headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. The group announced in 2015 that it would be acquiring Bank von Ernst.
Today, the bank offers private banking, wealth and investment management. Its services include current accounts in multiple currencies, credit cards, foreign exchange services and investment finance.
To start a relationship with EFG Bank von Ernst, you’ll need to contact the bank directly.
Best online bank accounts and money management alternatives in Liechtenstein
Of course, a high-street bank isn’t the only way to manage your money. If you’re looking to try something different, you could try a digital account or a money app.
Here are a few of the most popular choices in Liechtenstein:
Revolut - an all-in-one financial app with a debit card and banking services.
N26 - a fully digital bank offering an app-managed bank account and debit card.
Bunq - a mobile-first bank licensed in the Netherlands offering personal and business accounts to customers across the EEA.
Vivid Money - a German mobile banking platform available across the EEA. It offers accounts and cards for personal and business customers.
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You can even get an international debit card for spending in over 150+ countries, including Liechtenstein. It automatically converts your money to the local currency at the mid-market exchange rate, adding only a low, transparent conversion fee*, whenever you spend.
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And that’s it - our list of the 10 top banks in Liechtenstein, including the country’s biggest institutions.
Most are focused on private banking, wealth management and investment. But there are still a handful of options if you want to open a current account in Liechtenstein.
Sources used for this article:
Sources last checked on 03-May-2024.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information. This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
