Monaco allows foreign nationals to become legal residents through the Carte de Séjour (residence permit). The process requires demonstrating financial self-sufficiency, securing accommodation, and passing background checks. This guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining Monaco residency.
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Monaco Residence Card Types
The Principality issues four categories of residence permits:
Carte de Séjour Temporaire (Temporary)
Validity: 1 year, renewable annually for up to 3 years.
First issue fee: €80 | Renewal: €40
Carte de Séjour Ordinaire (Ordinary)
Validity: 3 years, renewable.
Eligibility: After 3 years of continuous residence.
First issue fee: €100 | Renewal: €50
Carte de Séjour Privilégiée (Privileged)
Validity: 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
Eligibility: After 10 years of residence with genuine presence.
First issue fee: €160 | Renewal: €80
Carte Conjoint de Monégasque (Spouse of Monegasque)
For foreign spouses of Monegasque nationals.
Requirements for Monaco Residency
All applicants must satisfy these core requirements:
Accommodation in Monaco
You must have a registered address in the Principality, either through purchasing property, renting (minimum 12-month lease), or living with a spouse or close relative who is already resident. The accommodation must be suitable for the number of family members applying.
Financial self-sufficiency
A Monegasque bank must confirm you have sufficient funds to support yourself. In practice, banks typically require deposits starting from €500,000, though the exact amount varies by institution and applicant profile.
Clean criminal record
You must provide a police clearance certificate from all countries where you have resided during the past five years. The certificate must be less than 3 months old at the time of application.
For non-EU/EEA nationals
You must first obtain a French long-stay visa (Type D) from the French embassy or consulate in your country of residence before applying for Monaco residency.
Application Process
Step 1: Prepare your documentation
Gather all required documents including birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), criminal record extracts, proof of accommodation (lease or property deed), and bank attestation letter confirming sufficient funds.
Step 2: Submit your application
Applications are submitted to the Residency Section (Section des Résidents) of the Public Security Directorate, either online through MonGuichet.mc or in person at 9 rue Suffren-Reymond, Monaco. Non-EU citizens must first secure their French Type D visa before this step.
Step 3: Attend the interview
Approximately 5 to 7 weeks after submission, you will be invited to an official interview. Authorities will ask about your education, work experience, family situation, and intentions for residing in Monaco. All original supporting documents must be presented at this meeting.
Step 4: Due diligence and approval
The authorities conduct background and compliance checks, which typically take 8 to 10 weeks. Upon approval, you will be notified to collect your residence card and pay the issuance fee.
Note: As of 2026, there are certain limitations regarding nationals from Iran, Russia, and Belarus.
Benefits of Monaco Residency
Holders of a valid Monaco Carte de Séjour enjoy:
Schengen Area access
Non-EU residents can enter, leave, and travel within the Schengen Area without a short-stay visa, using their residence card alongside their passport.
Tax efficiency
Monaco residents are not subject to personal income tax, capital gains tax, or wealth tax. Inheritance and gift taxes are 0% for spouses and direct descendants. French nationals are an exception and remain subject to French taxation.
Security and lifestyle
Monaco is one of the safest jurisdictions in the world, with exceptional infrastructure, healthcare, and quality of life.
Path to citizenship
After 10 years of continuous residence, you may apply for Monaco citizenship.
For detailed information on Monaco’s tax benefits, see our complete guide to Monaco tax residency.
Minimum Stay Requirements
To maintain your residence permit, you must demonstrate genuine presence in Monaco. The authorities typically expect residents to spend at least 3 months per year in the Principality for temporary cards, with stricter requirements (6 months or more) for privileged cards and those seeking the tax certificate.
Proof of presence is verified through utility bills, bank statements, and credit card activity in Monaco.
Read our detailed guide on Monaco residency minimum stay.
How We Can Help
At Monaco Relocation Group, we assist high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and professionals with their relocation to Monaco. Our team coordinates with trusted local partners for banking introductions, property search, and administrative procedures.
Contact us to discuss your situation, or write to us at [email protected].
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