Residence in MonacoOverview
Monaco does not sell residence. Any adult who intends to live in the Principality must apply in person for a carte de séjour, and the Sûreté Publique decides on the basis of three pillars: suitable accommodation in Monaco, sufficient financial means, and good character. Because the authorities do not publish a fixed financial threshold, the bank attestation issued by a Monegasque bank is the decisive document. A figure of around EUR 500,000 deposited is widely used as a guideline; in practice established private banks often expect substantially more, linked to a broader wealth-management relationship.
Nationals of EU and EEA countries can apply directly once they have a home and a bank attestation. Other nationals must first obtain a long-stay settlement visa from a French consulate, since entry to Monaco passes through French territory and the Schengen framework. Applicants then attend an interview with the Residents Section and present original documents, including criminal record extracts for every country of residence in the previous five years.
Residence is tiered. The first card is a one-year temporary card, renewed annually. After three years of continuous residence an ordinary card valid for three years may be issued, and after ten years a privileged card valid for ten years. Renewal is not automatic: residents must show that Monaco is genuinely their main home, typically by spending a substantial part of the year in the Principality, and must keep their accommodation and financial means in place.
The 2025-2026 context matters for planning. Monaco was placed under FATF increased monitoring in June 2024, and the European Commission added it to the EU list of high-risk third countries with effect from 5 August 2025. This means European banks and counterparties apply enhanced due diligence to Monaco-linked relationships. The FATF found in June 2026 that Monaco had substantially completed its action plan, and a decision on removal was expected at the October 2026 plenary. Source-of-wealth documentation should therefore be prepared to the highest standard from the outset.
Key benefits
- No personal income tax for most nationalities and no wealth tax
- No inheritance tax between spouses or in the direct line under Monegasque succession duties
- Exceptional personal security, privacy and quality of life on the Côte d'Azur
- Access to a concentrated private-banking and family-office community
- Progressive card tiers leading to a ten-year privileged permit
- Ability to bring spouse and dependent children under the same household
- Proximity to Nice international airport and the wider Schengen area
Requirements
- Valid passport; non-EU nationals must hold a French long-stay settlement visa
- Lease of at least 12 months or title deed for a residential property in Monaco, of a size appropriate to the household
- Bank attestation from a Monegasque bank confirming sufficient financial means
- Criminal record extracts for every country lived in during the previous five years, under three months old
- Signed sworn statement (déclaration sur l'honneur) on the official form
- Civil-status documents for spouse and children, with sworn translations if not in French, English or Italian
- Personal interview at the Residents Section of the Sûreté Publique
- Genuine intention to make Monaco the main place of residence, evidenced at each renewal
Investment options
Private means (economically inactive)
Monaco bank attestation; ~EUR 500,000 commonly cited
The usual route for retirees, investors and family principals. Financial means are evidenced through a Monegasque bank relationship and, where relevant, recurring income.
Business activity
Business authorisation required
Founders who create or take over a Monaco company or branch need a government activity authorisation; the business itself supports the residence application alongside personal means.
Employment
Employment contract and work permit
Executives hired by a Monaco employer obtain a work permit and use their salary as evidence of means.
Spouse of a Monegasque national
Official fee EUR 80
A dedicated permit category exists for spouses of Monegasque citizens, with separate fees under Ministerial Decree 2020-814.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Feasibility and tax review
We review your nationality, current tax residence and family situation, including the French-national exception and exit-tax exposure in your current country.
- 2
Banking relationship
We prepare a source-of-wealth file for Monaco banks, open the account and secure the bank attestation once funds are placed.
- 3
Accommodation
We coordinate with agents and lawyers to secure a lease or purchase that meets the Sûreté Publique's expectations for the household.
- 4
Settlement visa (non-EU)
Non-EU applicants obtain a French long-stay visa from the competent consulate before submitting the residence file.
- 5
Interview and filing
You attend the Residents Section in person with original documents; decisions typically follow within weeks to a few months.
- 6
Renewals and certificates
We calendar annual renewals, help evidence effective residence and assist with tax residence certificates when needed.
Typical documents
- Passport and, for non-EU nationals, French long-stay visa
- Monaco lease or property title deed
- Bank attestation from a Monegasque bank
- Criminal record extracts for the last five years of residence
- Birth and marriage certificates, with sworn translations
- Signed sworn statement on the official form
- Evidence of source of wealth and source of funds
- Recent utility bill for the Monaco property (at renewal)
How Legal Wealth helps
Legal Wealth prepares Monaco applications with the rigour that the Principality's current AML context requires. We assemble a coherent source-of-wealth narrative for bank onboarding, coordinate housing and the French visa step, review the interaction with your existing tax residence and succession arrangements, and manage renewals so that your residence remains defensible over time. Our approach is discreet and documentation-led, with no shortcuts.
Enquire with Legal WealthFrequently asked questions
Is there an official minimum deposit for Monaco residence?
No published figure exists. The Sûreté Publique relies on a bank attestation from a Monegasque bank. Around EUR 500,000 is a commonly cited benchmark, but many banks set higher entry levels.
Do I pay income tax as a Monaco resident?
Most residents pay no personal income tax in Monaco. French nationals are the main exception, remaining taxable in France under the 1963 Franco-Monegasque convention. US citizens remain subject to US taxation on worldwide income.
How long must I spend in Monaco?
There is no single published day count, but residents must show that Monaco is their genuine main home. Renewals examine effective residence, and a substantial part of the year should be spent there.
How does the grey-listing affect me?
It mainly affects banking: counterparties in the EU apply enhanced due diligence to Monaco-linked clients. The FATF found in June 2026 that Monaco had substantially completed its action plan; removal depends on the October 2026 plenary.
When can I obtain a longer card?
After three years of continuous residence an ordinary three-year card may be issued, and after ten years a privileged ten-year card.
Can Monaco residence lead to citizenship?
Naturalisation is exceptional and at the Sovereign Prince's discretion, generally after at least ten years of residence. It should not be the objective of a residence plan.
Last reviewed: 2026-10. Requirements, fees and timelines change. Information is general, reviewed on the date shown, and is not legal or tax advice.
