My employer doesn't pay my wages — who do I contact?

Direct answer

Unpaid wages are the one dispute where waiting costs you: claims expire. Write to the employer with the amount and a short deadline, then contact Amt für Volkswirtschaft — Arbeitnehmerschutz (+423 236 68 71) — the body that enforces employment law in Liechtenstein; they can inspect and order payment. A union, Liechtensteinischer ArbeitnehmerInnenverband (LANV) (+423 399 38 38), takes the case for members and often for new members too. If the employer is insolvent, Insolvenzentschädigung (Arbeitslosenversicherung) pays the last months from a guarantee fund. Keep contracts, payslips and hours worked.

Call firstAmt für Volkswirtschaft — Arbeitnehmerschutz

Report toLiechtensteinischer ArbeitnehmerInnenverband (LANV)

If that failsInsolvenzentschädigung (Arbeitslosenversicherung)

🗣️ What to say

"My wages for [month] of €… gross were due on [date] and have not been paid. I request payment within 7 days. If not, I will file with Amt für Volkswirtschaft — Arbeitnehmerschutz and claim interest and costs."

🪜 Step by step

Put it in writingAmount, period, due date, 7-day deadline. Keep every message about pay.
Gather proofContract, payslips, bank statements, your own record of hours and days worked, work chat messages.
Report to Amt für Volkswirtschaft — ArbeitnehmerschutzComplaints are confidential; the inspectorate can visit and fine. It costs nothing.
Get Liechtensteinischer ArbeitnehmerInnenverband (LANV) on your sideUnions know the collective agreement that may set a higher wage than your contract, and they represent you in court.
Insolvent employer? Insolvenzentschädigung (Arbeitslosenversicherung)The wage guarantee fund pays a capped amount of unpaid wages when the company goes bust — apply quickly, deadlines are short.

📇 All contacts

Amt für Volkswirtschaft — ArbeitnehmerschutzEmployer supervision, labour law adviceAs soon as wages are overdue📞 +423 236 68 71 🔗 www.llv.li/de/landesverwaltung/amt-fuer-volkswirtschaft/arbeit

Liechtensteinischer ArbeitnehmerInnenverband (LANV)Legal advice and representation for membersFor members; you can join right away📞 +423 399 38 38 🔗 www.lanv.li

Insolvenzentschädigung (Arbeitslosenversicherung)Pays up to 4 months' wages in bankruptcyWithin 60 days of the bankruptcy🔗 www.llv.li/de/landesverwaltung/amt-fuer-volkswirtschaft/arbeitslosenversicherung

❓ Frequently asked

Can I stop working until I am paid?

In most countries yes, after a written warning, if the arrears are substantial — check with Liechtensteinischer ArbeitnehmerInnenverband (LANV) first so it cannot be treated as abandonment.

I worked without a contract

You are still an employee. Messages, hours, colleagues and payments prove the relationship, and the inspectorate can enforce the minimum wage.

How long do I have?

Limitation periods are short — often one to three years, and collective agreements may cut it to months. Act now.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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💼 My employer doesn't pay my wages — who do I contact?