Changing Employers in Liechtenstein on a Work Permit

Changing employers in Liechtenstein on a work permit depends on your permit type. Under Article 30 of the Foreign Nationals Act (AuG), holders of a residence permit (B) who were admitted for employment can change jobs within Liechtenstein, while settlement permit (C) holders can change freely. Short-term (L) and cross-border commuter (G) permits are more closely tied to the original employer, so a new job usually means a new permit from the Migration and Passport Office (Ausländer- und Passamt, APA). Because Liechtenstein admits only qualified workers and checks that pay matches local and sector standards, your new job should meet the same conditions. This EU Helpers guide explains the process — international candidates can explore opportunities in Liechtenstein through EU Helpers. Liechtenstein is NOT an EU member, but it has been part of the European Economic Area (EEA) since 1995 and the Schengen area since 2011. It uses the Swiss franc (not the euro) under a customs and currency union with Switzerland, is NOT a NATO member, and has been a member of the Council of Europe since 1978.

Essential Context: How Liechtenstein Work Permits Relate to Employers

Your permit type decides how easily you can change jobs.

When You Can Change Employers in Liechtenstein

• Residence permit (B) holders — can move to a new job within Liechtenstein; inform the APA and keep the new contract for your next renewal.
• Settlement permit (C) holders — can change jobs freely.
• Short-term (L) holders — usually need approval or a new permit; check with the APA before resigning.
• Cross-border commuters (G) — a new employer typically needs a new permit, and work can only start once it is issued.
• EEA and Swiss citizens — follow free movement rules.

The Step-by-Step Process

1. Check your permit type and expiry date.
2. Agree on the new job — it should be a qualified role with local and sector-standard pay.
3. Ask the APA whether your permit allows the change or whether a new permit is needed.
4. Give notice to your current employer according to your contract and the ABGB.
5. If a new permit is needed, your new employer applies to the APA — and you wait for approval before starting.
6. Start the new job and update the APA, using the new contract at your next renewal.

Documentation You Will Need

Timing: How Long the Switch Takes

Rules on Notice, Probation and Severance

• Notice — after probation, statutory notice is usually one month in the first year of service, two months from the second to the ninth year and three months thereafter, to the end of a month, unless the contract says otherwise.
• Probation — the first month is usually a probation period, which can be extended by contract up to three months.
• Severance — not generally owed when you resign; check your contract.
• Final pay — unused holiday is settled when you leave.

If You Lose Your Job

Losing your job does not automatically end your residence permit, but you must be able to support yourself. If you rely on social assistance, your permit may not be renewed or could be revoked. Look for a new qualified job quickly and keep the APA informed.

Salary and Benefits When Switching

There is no fixed salary threshold, but pay and working conditions must match local, occupational and sector standards. Liechtenstein salaries are among the highest in Europe and are paid in Swiss francs. Compare pension contributions, health insurance subsidies and 13th-month salaries before you switch.

Risks and Common Mistakes

• Starting before a new permit is issued — for L and G holders, this is illegal work.
• Assuming all permits allow job changes — only B and C holders have this flexibility.
• Dropping below 80% working time — this can affect your residence permit.
• Pay below sector standards — a new job must meet local conditions.
• Long unemployment — relying on social assistance can block renewal.
• Not informing the APA — keep your file up to date.

Special Cases

• Managers and specialists of international companies — may hold three-year permits linked to the group.
• Cross-border commuters living in Switzerland or Austria — need a G permit for each new employer.
• Family members — can work while the sponsor's permit is valid.
• Settlement permit holders — can also become self-employed, subject to special provisions.

Final Guidance

Changing employers in Liechtenstein on a work permit is most straightforward for residence permit (B) holders, who can change jobs within the country under Article 30 of the Foreign Nationals Act, and for settlement permit (C) holders, who can change freely. Short-term and cross-border commuter permit holders usually need a new permit before starting. Make sure the new job meets local pay standards, give the correct notice and keep the Migration and Passport Office informed. Always confirm your situation with the APA before resigning. International candidates can explore opportunities in Liechtenstein through EU Helpers. EU Helpers supports foreign workers with permit checks, new applications, notice planning and renewals.