SCHEIBER LAW / NOTARY / APOSTILLE
Apostille and over-certification in Liechtenstein
When a document certified in Liechtenstein needs an apostille abroad, who issues it, and what applies to foreign documents filed with the Liechtenstein commercial register.
What an apostille confirms
The apostille is a standard confirmation under the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (for Liechtenstein LGBl. 1987 No. 60). It confirms the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the signing official acted and, where applicable, the authenticity of the seal or stamp. It does not confirm the content of the document.
A document with an apostille is recognised in all states party to the Hague Convention, without further legalisation by an embassy or consulate.
Who issues the apostille in Liechtenstein
The competent authority is the Government Chancellery (Stabsstelle Regierungskanzlei) in Vaduz. For international use it over-certifies the signatures of authorised officials of the National Administration and the courts, of notaries and notarial deputies, and of mayors and authorised officials of the municipalities (National Administration: over-certifications).
- Fee: CHF 30 per over-certification, payable in cash or by common credit and debit cards.
- Original signatures only: over-certifications are issued for original signatures; a plain copy cannot be over-certified.
Procedure: from the notary to the apostille
- Notarial certification: first the notary certifies the signature or the copy (notarial certification). The document then bears the original signature of an official to which the apostille can refer.
- Over-certification: the Government Chancellery confirms the notary's signature and capacity with the apostille.
- Use in the destination state: the receiving body, such as a register or authority, checks the document against its own requirements on form and language.
We clarify with you before the appointment which confirmation the destination state requires.
States without apostille: superlegalisation
If the destination state is not party to the Hague Convention, superlegalisation is required: the consulate of the destination state responsible for Liechtenstein must additionally certify the Government Chancellery's over-certification. According to the National Administration, for most countries this is also possible by post via the Liechtenstein embassy in Bern.
Austria: no further certification
Under the treaty between Liechtenstein and Austria on legal assistance, certification, documents and guardianship (LGBl. 1956 No. 10, Art. 11 to 13), public documents and official certifications of signatures and copies are recognised mutually without further certification (Office of Justice information sheet, German). We clarify before the appointment whether the receiving body in Austria has additional requirements in the individual case.
Foreign documents for the Liechtenstein land and commercial registers
Documents drawn up abroad and used in Liechtenstein for land register or commercial register matters are subject to Liechtenstein formal requirements. According to its information sheet (AJU/h70.025.07, 08/2025), the Office of Justice generally requires an apostille or an over-certification for foreign public documents and certifications.
- Austria: public documents and certifications made in Austria are exempt (1956 treaty).
- Diplomatic and consular missions: certifications by missions of Council of Europe member states are exempt under the European Convention of 7 June 1968 (LGBl. 1972 No. 64).
- Switzerland and Germany: for signature certifications made there, the Office of Justice also waives the apostille or over-certification, but reserves the right to request one in cases of doubt.
The Hague Conference publishes the authorities competent to issue apostilles in each contracting state (HCCH: competent authorities).
Frequently asked questions about the apostille
How much does an apostille cost in Liechtenstein?
The Government Chancellery charges an administrative fee of CHF 30 per over-certification. The fee for the preceding notarial certification is separate and depends on the nature, extent and difficulty of the work (Art. 21 NotarG).
Who issues the apostille in Liechtenstein?
The Government Chancellery in Vaduz. Among others, it over-certifies the signatures of notaries, courts, the National Administration and the municipalities.
Can I get an apostille on a copy?
Not on a plain copy, because only original signatures are over-certified. Have the copy certified by a notary first; the apostille then confirms the notary's signature.
Do I need an apostille for Austria?
Under the 1956 treaty between Liechtenstein and Austria (LGBl. 1956 No. 10, Art. 11 to 13), official certifications of signatures and copies are recognised mutually without further certification.
What if the destination state is not party to the Hague Convention?
Then superlegalisation is required: the destination state's consulate responsible for Liechtenstein additionally certifies the Government Chancellery's over-certification.
Does a foreign signature certification for the Liechtenstein commercial register need an apostille?
As a rule yes, according to the Office of Justice information sheet. Documents and certifications from Austria are exempt; for signature certifications from Switzerland and Germany the Office usually waives it but may request it in cases of doubt.
NEXT STEP