Liechtenstein private banks are among the most exclusive (and difficult to access) in the world. They cater to the super-rich, royal families, and wealthy individuals seeking privacy and prestigious banking.
Understandably though, applying for prestigious banking and opening a private bank account in Liechtenstein doesn’t come easy. Even foreign non-residents who can afford the sizeable deposit requirements can often have a difficult time opening here.
That said, our team has helped numerous members open accounts and establish private banking relationships in Liechtenstein – including with the most exclusive Liechtenstein private banks.
In this article, we’ll share how to navigate the process of opening private bank accounts with banks in Liechtenstein as a foreign non-resident.
Can Non-Resident Open Accounts with Liechtenstein Private Banks?
Yes, it is possible to open accounts with Liechtenstein private banks as a foreign non-resident. To do so, you need to present yourself as an attractive client, know which banks to approach, and make a sizeable deposit. We go into the details of this and much more below.
But, before diving in, if this is your first time visiting GlobalBanks, don’t forget to download your FREE Private Banking Starter Guide. It’s designed to help you navigate the complexities of private banking while unlocking as much value as possible.
Here’s a look at everything we’ll cover in this article…
Table of Contents
- Who Can Open Bank Accounts with Liechtenstein Private Banks?
- What Are the Benefits of Opening Accounts with Liechtenstein Private Banks?
- What Are the Challenges of Banking with Liechtenstein Private Banks?
- How Can You Open a Bank Account in Liechtenstein?
- Ready to Open an Offshore Bank Account?
Who Can Open Bank Accounts with Liechtenstein Private Banks?
Situated between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is one of the richest countries in the world with the highest number of private banks. Making it an attractive banking hub for the super-rich.
But, just because you have money doesn’t automatically make you an appealing client to the banks here.
We’ll explain how you can successfully open a bank account in Liechtenstein below.
But first, let’s look at the specific client types that typically can open an account with Liechtenstein private banks.
Who Can Open Bank Account with Liechtenstein Private Banks?
- Non-residents that can meet the deposit requirements
- Liechtenstein foundations and entities
- Foreign wealth management structures
- Non-residents looking for enhanced asset protection
- Non-residents looking to hold money in Swiss francs
As you can see, banking in Liechtenstein isn’t for those looking for an everyday transactional bank account. Instead, it is for foreign non-residents looking for wealth management services, lucrative investment opportunities, and private banking.
Individuals who are seeking alternative private banking solutions might consider looking into the best banks in Monaco instead.
As you can imagine, banking with Liechtenstein private banks comes with a large price tag.
In fact, you’ll likely be required to make a six to eight-figure initial deposit to open an account with a Liechtenstein private bank. Generally speaking, this can be anywhere between US $100,000 and $10,000,000.
Of course, your required deposit level will depend on your client profile, banking needs, and the services you’re after.
Now that you know whether or not you qualify for a Liechtenstein private bank account, let’s look at the benefits you can tap into when banking here.
What Are the Benefits of Opening Accounts with Liechtenstein Private Banks?
As mentioned, Liechtenstein is an attractive banking hub for many foreign non-residents with large assets seeking unique financing solutions, such as Lombard credit loans. And, as you can imagine, banking with the largest private banks in the world comes with many benefits.
Let’s look at the benefits foreign non-residents can unlock when opening accounts with Liechtenstein private banks.
Benefits of Opening Accounts with Liechtenstein Private Banks:
- Banks in Liechtenstein are well-capitalized & financially sound
- Stable banking jurisdiction
- Liechtenstein holds no national debt
- Politically and economically stable
- Excellent customer service
- Personalized banking services
- Access to foreign currency accounts
- Enhanced privacy
- And more…
Now, it’s important to note that the benefits available to you not only depend on your deposit level, client profile, and specific banking needs. But also, on the Liechtenstein private bank you choose to open with.
Before we dive into uncovering how to open an account to unlock these benefits, it’s important to understand the common challenges you’re likely to face when opening bank accounts with Liechtenstein private banks.
What Are the Challenges of Banking with Liechtenstein Private Banks?
Like banking anywhere, when it comes to opening accounts with Liechtenstein private banks, there are several challenges you’ll need to overcome. And, unfortunately, for some foreign non-residents, these challenges can often be impossible to navigate.
This is especially true if you don’t know which Liechtenstein bank will accept your client profile. But also, if you don’t know which account opening requirements you need to meet ahead of time.
To help you get started, here’s a look at the common challenges that foreign non-residents face when opening accounts with Liechtenstein private banks.
Challenges of Opening Accounts with Liechtenstein Private Banks:
- Finding a Liechtenstein private bank that will accept your client profile
- Investing in the bank’s investment products may be required (varies by bank)
- Sizeable deposit requirements
- Higher account fees
- The application process can take up to 2-3 weeks to complete & account opening is not guaranteed
- In-person account opening is often required
- And more…
By far the biggest challenge that foreign non-residents face is choosing the right bank to open an account with. This is because not all Liechtenstein private banks accept foreign non-residents.
And, the ones that do, often require sizeable deposits, hefty account fees, and that their clients invest a certain sum of money directly into their investment products.
However, if you’re seeking out the crème de la crème of private banking, this is to be expected.
So, before applying, it’s important to understand how to navigate these challenges. Doing so will increase your chances of successfully opening a bank account with a Liechtenstein private bank. If not, you’ll be turned away immediately and hurt your chances of being able to reapply in the future.
Of course, the challenges you face will depend on your banking situation and your client profile. In other words, whether you are an attractive client to the bank, can meet all bank-specific account opening requirements, and can open an account in person. All of these factors are crucial to your account opening success.
Alternatively, if you’re currently in the process of inheriting money from someone in Liechtenstein and you’re wondering how long the executor has to pay the beneficiaries, you can click this like now to get your answer.
With this in mind, let’s look at how foreign non-residents can open an account with Liechtenstein private banks. In the next section, we’ll take you through the steps to successfully open a bank account here.
How Can You Open a Bank Account in Liechtenstein?
First things first, preparation. To open accounts with Liechtenstein private banks, you need to be well prepared.
To help you get started, here are the steps you’ll need to take to successfully open a bank account with a private bank in Liechtenstein.
Step 1: Choose a Suitable Liechtenstein Private Bank to Apply With
Compared to many other banking jurisdictions, Liechtenstein is home to only 15 private banks. This means, if you wanted to, you could contact all Liechtenstein private banks for an overview of their bank selection requirements and account offerings.
This step is crucial to your account opening success. In fact, choosing a suitable bank that matches your client profile and banking needs will ensure you unlock the benefits and banking services you’re after. To do so also requires understanding the bank-specific terms and conditions.
Step 2: Understand the Bank-Specific Conditions
Like all banks, there are specific terms and conditions all banking clients need to adhere to. For instance, banking regulations, opening requirements, account maintenance, investment requirements, and much more.
With this in mind, Liechtenstein private banks are known for having some of the highest account management fees. Of course, depending on the type of account you open, the private banking services you require, and even the bank you choose, these account management fees can accumulate up to thousands of francs each year.
So, before you apply, it’s important to understand the fees, terms, and conditions of your account. This way, you can make an informed decision on whether or not the bank you’ve chosen is the right fit for your banking needs.
Step 3: Complete Application
The next step is to complete your application. This means, submitting supporting documents and meeting bank-specific account opening requirements.
Of course, the requirements will vary depending on the Liechtenstein private bank you’ve chosen. And also, on your client profile and banking needs. But, generally speaking, here’s a look at the common requirements you’ll likely need to meet.
Requirements to Open a Liechtenstein Private Bank Account:
- Completed bank-specific application form
- Two forms of government-issued identification
- Proof of source of income & wealth
- Account opening deposit
- Proof you’re able to invest in bank-specific investment products
It’s important to take the time to ensure you have collected all the proper information and documents before submitting your application. This is because the account opening approval process can take some time and you’ll not be able to add documents after it’s been submitted.
Step 4: Approval Process
Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll want to remain patient as private banks in Liechtenstein can take two to three weeks to review and evaluate an application.
Unfortunately, you may wait three weeks only to find out you’ve been denied due to missing documents, inaccurate information, or because you applied to the wrong bank.
So, if you don’t want to risk being denied and limit your chances of ever reapplying to open a bank account here again, don’t worry. We can help guide you through every step of the process. Here’s how…
Ready to Open an Offshore Bank Account?
If so, you can access GlobalBanks Insider and start the process of applying for an offshore account in a few clicks.
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And “yes!” GlobalBanks Insider is designed to help foreign and non-resident individuals and companies open bank accounts.
Use this link to see how GlobalBanks Insider can help you successfully open accounts.
