Liechtenstein Trust Law - Practical Handbook

Liechtenstein was the first continental European country to introduce an independent body of trust law into its legal system. As early as 1926, the provisions on trusts were incorporated into Liechtenstein’s Persons and Companies Act. Liechtenstein can therefore draw on decades of experience with the trust. Nevertheless, Liechtenstein trust law continues to pose practical challenges. The fact is that the concept of the trust, originating from the Anglo-Saxon legal tradition, is not easily understood by practitioners trained in continental European legal systems.

The aim of this handbook is to provide practical answers to the most pressing questions arising under Liechtenstein trust law. Experts and practitioners from Liechtenstein and Switzerland offer an overview of the fundamental principles of the trust, its possible applications, its advantages over other structures (keyword: asset protection), as well as the rights and obligations of the parties involved in a trust. The handbook also addresses the tax treatment of trusts and the role of the supervisory court. Beyond Liechtenstein, it analyses how the trust is viewed from a Swiss perspective, how it is treated under AIA and CRS, and the extent to which it is recognised internationally. Finally, it answers key questions relating to the Commercial Register.