Applying for a Liechtenstein short-stay visa from Japan

Where to apply and the process

Liechtenstein maintains a very small diplomatic network, and in countries without a Liechtenstein mission, Swiss representations receive visa applications (as designated by Liechtenstein's Migration and Passport Office, llv.li). From Japan, the Visa Desk of the Embassy of Switzerland in Tokyo is the receiving office.

The application starts with online registration on the Swiss visa portal swiss-visa.ch. Follow the instructions to book an in-person appointment at the embassy — appointments are required and walk-ins are not accepted.

Apply for a Liechtenstein visa when Liechtenstein is the main destination of your itinerary. If Switzerland (or another Schengen country) is the main destination, apply there instead.

Preparing the photograph (dimensions not officially published)

The receiving representation's checklist (Swiss embassy in Tokyo, March 2026 edition, common to tourism/family-visit/business visits) requires "1 colored passport photo (good quality, white background)" — one photograph, colour, white background. The count is one.

No millimetre dimension is published by either Liechtenstein or Switzerland; photo quality is delegated to the ICAO guidelines (35-40mm width, face 70-80%, plain light background). Because a white background is specified, pay attention to the background colour, and if in doubt about the size, confirm with the embassy before your visit.

At lodgement, fingerprints and a digital facial image are captured as biometrics (with exemptions such as children under 12 for fingerprints). This is separate from the photograph attached to the file.

Common mistakes and cautions

Liechtenstein-specific risks: because no official dimension exists, mistaking another country's size or generic advice for an official specification. The checklist and instructions of the receiving Swiss embassy are authoritative.

Also take care with the receiving office: even when Liechtenstein is the destination, applications from Japan are received through the Swiss system (swiss-visa.ch and the Swiss embassy in Tokyo). If the main destination of your trip is another Schengen country, apply at that country's mission.