Regulatory Alerts2026-05-26
Added · Updated
Clarification of FMA Practice Regarding Cash Payments Due to Self-Employment
The Liechtenstein Financial Market Authority (FMA) issues this guideline to clarify the conditions and procedures for releasing pension fund blocked accounts for cash payouts under the Occupational Old Age, Survivors' and Disability Pension Schemes Act (BPVG). It outlines three statutory exceptions to the general prohibition on cash withdrawals: benefits below one annual contribution, permanent departure from the Liechtenstein-Switzerland economic area without mandatory EEA coverage, and the commencement of self-employment in Liechtenstein or Switzerland within one year of application. The document specifies required documentation, fee structures, data protection standards, and penal sanctions for false declarations, while detailing recent amendments to align self-employment payout rules with Swiss practice and clarify procedural responsibilities.