Private investigator licensing in Liechtenstein

Yes. Private investigators need a licence in Liechtenstein. Private detective (Privatdetektiv) is a qualified trade in Liechtenstein that needs a trade licence from the Office for Economic Affairs under the Trade Act 2020. The applicant must prove professional fitness: two years as a police officer, or a vocational qualification or Matura plus five years' practice in the trade. The licence also requires good repute, EEA or Swiss nationality (or five years' residence) and a business premises in Liechtenstein.

Amt für Volkswirtschaft (Office for Economic Affairs), under Gewerbegesetz (GewG) of 30 September 2020, LGBl. 2020 Nr. 415, with Gewerbeverordnung (GewV) of 15 December 2020, LGBl. 2020 Nr. 469.

Two years as a police officer with the National Police or another security authority, or a completed vocational qualification plus five years' practice in the trade, or the Matura plus five years' practice (GewV Art. 18)

1. Register the business purpose in the Commercial Register 2. Apply to the Amt für Volkswirtschaft for the trade licence with proof of professional fitness, good repute and premises 3. Pay the licence fee

EEA/Swiss detectives may work cross-border after notification; private detective is listed among trades whose qualifications can be checked before the first service (GewG cross-border rules, GewV annexes).

EEA and Swiss providers lawfully established at home may provide cross-border services after notifying the Office for Economic Affairs, with proof of no criminal record for themselves and their employees when the service is private detective work.