Switzerland to represent Liechtenstein consular interests at four new locations

Press releases, 26.04.2022

From 1 May 2022, Switzerland will also represent the consular interests of the Principality of Liechtenstein at selected locations where Liechtenstein itself operates a representation. This is another sign of the close relations that exist between the two countries. On 18 March 2022, the Federal Council gave its approval for the conclusion of an agreement with Liechtenstein.

Based on an exchange of letters on 21 and 24 October 1919 between Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein, for over a hundred years Switzerland has been safeguarding the consular and, upon request, the diplomatic interests of Liechtenstein in countries where Liechtenstein does not have its own representation.

The new agreement will further expand this cooperation. Liechtenstein currently maintains its own representation in Berlin, Bern, Brussels, Geneva, New York, Strasbourg, Washington and Vienna. Under the new agreement, which will enter into force on 1 May 2022, Switzerland will in future also represent Liechtenstein in consular matters in the United States, Belgium and Germany, where Liechtenstein does not have its own consular service, and to a limited extent through our embassy in Vienna.

Safeguarding Liechtenstein's consular interests enhances the already excellent and close bilateral relations that our two countries enjoy and expands them further. The additional costs for the consular representation of Liechtenstein at the four locations is estimated to be low. No precise figures are available for the number of Liechtenstein citizens residing abroad, though the total is estimated to be around 3,500. Swiss representations around the world already serve about 780,000 Swiss citizens living abroad.


Further information:

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Liechtenstein


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