Liechtenstein - Living abroad in an EU country
This chapter describes the rights to social security that citizens of Liechtenstein have when they work or live in another country in the EU.
In what situation can I claim?
If you travel to an EU country to work, you are generally no longer covered by Liechtenstein's social security system. In principle, the regulations of the country in which you are working apply. However, there is an exception for posted employees.
If you have lived, worked or paid social security contributions in an EU country, your stay in this country, the work completed there or the contributions paid there may be counted when claiming entitlement to specific benefits in Liechtenstein (crediting of insurance periods).
The regulations agreed between the EU and Liechtenstein safeguard your rights to social security when living abroad in Europe. They apply to citizens of not only the EU but also Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and the UK*.
* Each case needs to be assessed individually to determine whether a person falls within the scope of Art 30 of the Withdrawal Agreement, and so the EU Coordination Regulations apply, or whether they fall within the scope of domestic legislation. The personal scope of the Withdrawal Agreement only applies to persons living or working since before 1 January 2021.
What conditions do I need to meet?
The regulations for coordination of social security systems in the European Union apply to the following benefits:
- sick pay, maternity and paternity benefits
- old-age pensions
- invalidity pensions
- survivors' benefits
- benefits for unemployed people
- family benefits
- accidents at work and occupational diseases.
The rules on coordination apply directly to these benefits in all of the countries concerned. They must therefore be observed by the authorities, administrations, social security organisations and national courts.
In certain cases, it is difficult to decide whether a specific benefit is subject to the rules on coordination or not. If you have any doubts, please contact the institution responsible for this benefit.
Jargon busters
Habitual residence: the habitual residence is defined by the European Union: guide on determining the habitual residence. In practice, it is the country in which you usually live and where your most important areas of interest are found. The European Commission has set a number of criteria which are used to determine the habitual residence (see the chapter on habitual residence).
Know your rights
European Commission publications:
Who do you need to contact?
Liechtensteinische AHV-IV-FAK
Gerberweg 2
Postfach 84
9490 Vaduz
LIECHTENSTEIN
Tel. +423 2381616
Fax +423 2381600
Email: ahv@ahv.li