The Principality of Liechtenstein has officially joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as its 191st member. The membership was formalized when Prime Minister Daniel Risch signed the IMF's Articles of Agreement during a ceremony held in Washington, D.C., on October 21, 2024.
Liechtenstein initially applied for membership in May 2023. An IMF team visited Vaduz from November 27 to December 8, 2023, as part of the process. The decision to join was confirmed by a national referendum on September 22, 2024. Liechtenstein's initial quota is set at SDR 100 million, equivalent to approximately US$134.7 million.
Following the signing ceremony, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva met with Prime Minister Risch and expressed her support: “I am delighted to welcome Liechtenstein as the 191st member of our global IMF community. This membership signifies Liechtenstein’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of economic policy and cooperation on the international stage. The IMF will work closely with the authorities to support Liechtenstein’s efforts toward sustainable growth and further integration into the global economy.”
Georgieva also highlighted the timing of this accession: “Liechtenstein is joining the IMF at a time when our members and the global economy are navigating greater uncertainty and long-term challenges such as economic fragmentation and climate change. This accession reaffirms the important role entrusted to the IMF in fostering global economic cooperation and stability."
Prime Minister Daniel Risch shared his thoughts on this development: “The Government is very pleased that Liechtenstein was able to join the IMF as the 191st member, this Monday, October 21. As a small country with limited administrative resources, we reflect carefully before joining international organizations, evaluating not only what benefits they can bring us but also what we can contribute ourselves." He added that Liechtenstein looks forward to engaging constructively within the organization.