The Monaco tax certificate (certificat à des fins de formalités fiscales) is the official document issued by the Principality to prove that an individual holds Monaco tax residency status. This certificate serves as your primary defense against claims from foreign tax authorities.

Tax certificate issuance is regulated by Sovereign Ordinance 8.372 of 26 November 2020, which amended Sovereign Ordinance 8.566 of 28 March 1986 (published in the Journal de Monaco on 4 December 2020).

Who qualifies for a Monaco tax certificate?

To obtain a Monaco tax certificate, an individual must demonstrate they meet one of the following criteria established by Monegasque law.

The 183-day physical presence rule

The most straightforward way to qualify is by being physically present in Monaco for at least 183 days per calendar year. If you spend fewer than 183 days in Monaco, you may still qualify if you are present in the Principality for longer than in any other single country.

The Monegasque authorities count both the day of arrival and the day of departure. For example, arriving on Thursday and leaving Monday counts as 5 days. For a detailed explanation of how days are counted, see our guide on Monaco’s minimum stay requirements.

Principal center of economic activities

You may also qualify for a Monaco tax certificate if your principal center of activities is located in Monaco. This means the place where you have made your principal investments (banking assets or real estate), hold your registered office or place of effective management, and administer your assets.

These concepts align with the Common Law equivalent of “Central Management and Control”. For instance, establishing a family office in Monaco may help reinforce the effective place of management in the country.

The “foyer” criterion

This criterion only applies if the principal place of residence cannot be determined through the methods above. The foyer refers to where the individual and/or their family habitually lives and where family interests are based.

How the authorities verify your residence

In practice, the tax authorities often determine residence by examining bank account statements. A transaction in a given country implies a day spent there. When submitting bank statements, confidentiality can be ensured by concealing personal data and amounts, with the decisive factor being the country of the debit. This is why opening a bank account in Monaco and using it regularly is essential for establishing your tax residence.

How to apply for a Monaco tax certificate

Applications for a Monaco tax certificate must be filed at the Directorate of Public Security (Direction de la Sûreté Publique), Section des Résidents, located at 9 rue Suffren-Reymond, Monaco. You can submit your application in person or by email to [email protected].

Required documents for Monegasque citizens

• Valid ID or passport
• Evidence of Monaco residency

Required documents for foreign nationals

• Valid residence permit (carte de séjour)
• Declaration stating Monaco is your principal place of residence, foyer, or center of activities
• Proof of accommodation (title deed, rental agreement, or certificate of accommodation)
• Utility bills (water, electricity, telephone) from the past year
• Proof of income: bank certificate dated within the last month, pay slip, or declaration of financial support
• Any additional documents requested by the Administration

Fees, validity and collection

The Monaco tax certificate is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be renewed annually. Collection is by appointment only (the Residency Section will notify you by email or SMS when your certificate is ready). A stamp duty of €600 must be paid upon collection in cash, by bank card, or by cheque.

While the certificate is not mandatory under the Common Reporting Standard, many Monaco private banks request it as part of their compliance procedures.

Criminal penalties for false declarations

Any false declaration when applying for a Monaco tax certificate falls under Article 98 of the Monaco Criminal Code. Penalties include imprisonment from three months to one year and/or a fine of €2,250 to €9,000.

Why the Monaco tax certificate matters

The Monaco tax certificate is your primary proof of tax residence in the Principality. It protects you from claims by foreign tax authorities who may question your residency status, particularly if you maintain ties to other countries.

The proof of residence required to obtain this certificate deserves special attention if you have a secondary residence in a neighboring town (such as the French Riviera) or maintain strong economic ties with your home country. In such cases, the Monegasque Administration typically requests additional documentation to verify the authenticity of your residency claim, including electricity bills for properties designated as secondary residences or detailed bank statements.

For a complete overview of Monaco’s tax system and how the tax certificate fits into your overall tax planning, we recommend reading our comprehensive guide.

If you are considering becoming a tax resident in Monaco, we will be pleased to assist you, provided you are committed to meeting the requirements set by the authorities. For more information, download our free report “The definitive guide to living in Monaco” below, or contact us at [email protected].