The asylum procedure in Liechtenstein is conducted by the national authorities. UNHCR has no formal role in it and does not provide individual legal representation or counselling.
For all questions about the asylum procedure, we recommend that you contact the Asylum Division of the Liechtenstein Migration and Passport Office (Ausländer- und Passamt):
Migration and Passport Office (Ausländer- und Passamt, APA)
Address: Giessenstrasse 3 , 9490 Vaduz
Email: [email protected] (Asylum Division)
Phone: +423 236 61 41 (Asylum Division)
Website: Migration and Passport Office (APA)
Important information: The European Union’s “Dublin Regulation” also applies to Liechtenstein. The Dublin Regulation determines the State responsible for the examination of an asylum request based on a set of agreed criteria. Your application for asylum in Liechtenstein may therefore not be examined if another European State accepts responsibility for the examination of your application. In that case, you will be obliged to return to that State. The country that will examine your application is usually the first “Dublin country” which you entered on your way to Liechtenstein or where you first applied for asylum. But it can also be a European country where you have family or close relatives. More on the Dublin Procedure in Liechtenstein (available in German only).
How do I seek asylum?
You need to be physically present in Liechtenstein or at the Liechtenstein border to submit an asylum application. It is not possible to apply for asylum if you are outside the country. You can ask for asylum at the border checkpoint when entering Liechtenstein, or at the Migration and Passport Office (Ausländer- und Passamt) if you are already in the country. Outside office hours, you can contact the National Police.
For more information on how to apply for asylum in Liechtenstein, please visit Ausländer- und Passamt (APA).
What happens after I apply for asylum?
In Liechtenstein, the Migration and Passport Office (Ausländer- und Passamt) is responsible for the asylum procedure. The purpose of the asylum procedure is to determine whether you need protection and can therefore stay in Liechtenstein. The Migration and Passport Office prepares the decision for the government.
The government has tasked the Liechtenstein Refugee Assistance (Flüchtlingshilfe Liechtenstein) with providing accommodation and care for asylum-seekers. This service is offered free of charge.
UNHCR has no formal role in the asylum procedure and does not generally intervene in individual cases or provide individual legal representation or counselling.
What if I already applied for asylum in another European country?
When you submit your asylum request, the Migration and Passport Office (Ausländer- und Passamt) first examines whether Liechtenstein is responsible for your asylum process. This will depend on whether you first applied for asylum in Liechtenstein or in another European country. This examination is called the “Dublin Procedure”. The law that clarifies this is called the Dublin Regulation.
The Dublin Regulation identifies which State is responsible for your asylum procedure. If you already applied for asylum in another European country before coming to Liechtenstein, the Migration and Passport Office (Ausländer- und Passamt) will consider another European State responsible for the examination of your asylum application and you will be obliged to return to that State.
If you are asked to return to another European State, but you think the decision is not correct, you can appeal against it at the Administrative Court (Verwaltungsgerichtshof). Please be aware of the very tight time limits for such an appeal. If you wish to appeal, we recommend that you contact a legal advisor immediately.
For more information on the Dublin Procedure, please visit:
- Fact sheet “I’m in the Dublin procedure – what does this mean?” provided by the European Union
- Dublin Procedure (available in German only)
Where do I get legal support?
You are assisted by a free legal adviser during the asylum procedure. Please inform the Migration and Passport Office (Ausländer- und Passamt) of your intention to consult a legal advisor, and they will arrange a meeting for you.
You can also seek help from the Human Rights Association (Verein für Menschenrechte):
Verein für Menschenrechte in Liechtenstein (VMR)
Werdenbergerweg 20
FL-9490 Vaduz
Phone: +423 230 22 40
Email: [email protected]
The Chamber of Lawyers (Liechtensteinische Rechtsanwaltskammer) can provide you with a list of lawyers. Their services are not free of charge.
Liechtensteinische Rechtsanwaltskammer
Heiligkreuz 43
FL-9490 Vaduz
Phone: +423 232 99 32
Email: [email protected]
Website: Liechtensteinische Rechtsanwaltskammer
What if I’m a child and travelling alone?
Are you below 18 years old and alone in Liechtenstein?
The asylum procedure will be different for you and adapted to your special needs. Most importantly, you will get help from an expert called a “person of trust” who will help you free of charge and support you in all non-legal matters.
In addition, a curator (a legal representative to represent your best interest) will assist you with all legal matters related to the asylum procedure.
Accommodation and care:
If you are younger than 16 years old, the Office of Social Services (Amt für Soziale Dienste) will accommodate you in a residential group according to your age. If you are older than 16, you might need to stay in a collective reception centre administered by the Liechtenstein Refugee Council (Flüchtlingshilfe Liechtenstein).
Education: See “Right to education” section.
Family search:
If you don’t know where your family is, you can contact the Liechtenstein Red Cross (Liechtensteinisches Rotes Kreuz) via email ([email protected]) or phone (+423 222 01 30).
Further support:
You can contact the Ombudsman’s Office for Children and Adolescents (Ombudsstelle für Kinder und Jugendliche) if you need help:
Ombudsstelle für Kinder und Jugendliche (OSKJ)
Helen Konzett
Ombudsperson
Poststrasse 14
9494 Schaan
Phone: +423 230 22 33
Email: [email protected]
Website: Ombudsstelle für Kinder und Jugendliche (OSKJ)
What if I get a positive decision?
A positive decision means that Liechtenstein grants you asylum. You can stay in Liechtenstein.
However, even if you have not been granted asylum, you might have the right to stay in Liechtenstein. Persons who cannot safely return to their home country are provisionally admitted to Liechtenstein (F permit). A provisional admission means that you can stay in Liechtenstein, but your status and rights will differ from the status and rights of those who have been granted asylum. An F permit has a validity of one year and will be renewed if it is not possible for you to return to your home country.
Information specific to people fleeing Ukraine and status S can be found here:
What if I get a negative decision?
If your asylum application has been rejected, you must leave Liechtenstein. If you do not leave Liechtenstein within the deadline given to you, you might be removed by force.
You can appeal against the decision at the Administrative Court (Verwaltungsgerichtshof). We recommend that you contact a legal advisor who can explain the procedure to you and help you with the appeal (see “Where do I get legal support?” section).
