What are the different ways to move to Monaco?
Prerequisites for becoming a Monégasque resident
To become a legal resident in Monaco, you must meet several strict requirements. Here's what you need to know.
You must be at least 16 years old
Below that age, no application for a residence permit is accepted.
1. Provide proof of accommodation in Monaco
You must demonstrate stable housing in Monaco through one of the following:
- A rental lease of at least 12 months, in your name
- A property deed proving you own a residence
- A signed attestation if you’re living with a family member or partner, along with supporting documents (ownership deed or rental contract)
The residence must be sized appropriately for your family. For example, a two-bedroom flat may not be accepted for a family of five.
2. Prove you have sufficient financial means
You need to show that you can support yourself in Monaco without working illegally. You can provide:
- A Monaco bank account with a minimum deposit of €500,000 to €1 million
- A permanent employment contract with a Monaco-based company
- Documents showing regular, stable income from abroad
- A formal financial guarantee from a close relative, covering your expenses
Opening a bank account in Monaco typically requires an in-person meeting and detailed documentation.
3. Present a clean criminal record
You must submit a police certificate from every country where you’ve lived in the last five years. Each document must be:
- Less than 3 months old
- Translated into French if not already
4. Prepare all required documents
To submit your application, gather:
- A valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Passport-size photos
- Marriage or divorce certificates, if applicable
- Proof of health insurance valid in Monaco
- Any documents not in French must be translated and legalized
5. Submit your application and attend an interview
Applications are handled by the Public Security Department. After submitting your file:
- You’ll be invited to an interview with a police officer
- The officer may ask about your living situation, income, and reasons for moving
- You must pay an application fee (~€80)
Processing time varies:
- 4 to 8 weeks for EU nationals
- 6 to 20 weeks for non-EU citizens
6. Understand the residence permit types
Monaco offers different residency cards depending on your time spent in the country:
- Temporary Card: Valid 1 year, renewable annually for 3 years
→ Renewal fee: ~€80 - Ordinary Card: Available after 3 years of residence, valid for 3 years
→ Renewal fee: ~€100 - Privileged Card: Available after 10 years, valid for 10 years
→ Renewal fee: ~€160 - Spouse of a Monégasque: Card valid for 5 years after one year of marriage
→ Renewal fee: ~€80
Fees are reduced for dependents.
7. Meet the physical presence requirement
To maintain your residency status and qualify for long-term cards, you must live in Monaco at least 183 days per year.
Do you need a residence permit for a short stay in Monaco ?
A residence permit (Carte de Séjour) becomes mandatory once a foreign national intends to live in Monaco for more than three months per year, or to establish their main home there. Below that threshold, EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can enter and stay freely with a valid passport or ID card, while other nationalities remain subject to standard Schengen short-stay rules.
This three-month threshold is distinct from the 183-day physical presence requirement described further in this guide, which relates to maintaining long-term card eligibility and tax residency once a permit has already been granted.
Is Monaco residency available "by investment" ?
Monaco does not run an official residency-by-investment programme. The term is sometimes used informally to describe the financial self-sufficiency route, since most applicants demonstrate their means through a bank deposit, typically €500,000 to €1 million.
Unlike countries with formal golden visa schemes, Monaco does not grant residency in exchange for a defined investment amount: the deposit demonstrates solvency, it does not purchase status, and authorities retain full discretion over each application regardless of the sum deposited.
How to become a permanent resident step by step?
Step 1: Secure accommodation
Rent or purchase a property in Monaco or stay with a family member who provides an official housing certificate. The property must correspond to the size of your household, for example a studio is not accepted for a family of four. Lease agreements must be long term and registered.
Step 2: Open a Monaco bank account
Deposit funds in a local bank, most applicants place €500,000 to €1 million, or provide official proof of steady income. Banks may request detailed financial records, tax declarations and references to confirm your solvency.
Step 3: Prepare your documents
Gather the following:
- Valid passport and birth certificate
- Police clearance certificates from every country where you lived in the last 5 years
- Proof of income or wealth such as bank statements or employment contracts
- Proof of accommodation such as a lease deed or housing certificate
- Proof of health insurance covering Monaco and France
- Marriage or family documents if applying with relatives
Translate all documents into French and legalize them if issued abroad.
Step 4: Apply for a residence permit
Submit the full file to the Monaco Public Security Department and pay the application fee which is around €80. Non European applicants must present a French long stay visa obtained before arrival.
Step 5: Attend the interview
Authorities will ask about your professional background, financial stability and reasons for relocating. They may also visit your residence to confirm living conditions.
Step 6: Receive your temporary card
You first receive a temporary residency card valid for 1 year. Renew it annually for three consecutive years. After this period you qualify for a 3 year residency card called Ordinary Residence.
Step 7: Progress to privileged residency
After three consecutive 3 year cards, about 9 years in total, you can apply for the 10 year privileged card also called Carte de Résident Privilegié. This offers near permanent status and is renewable every decade.
The difference between European and non European residents
European residents such as EU EEA and Swiss citizens
No visa required to enter Monaco. Residency applications are processed faster, usually within 1 to 2 months. Financial requirements remain but are less heavily scrutinized. Family reunification is also more straightforward.
Non European residents
Must secure a French long stay visa before applying in Monaco. The review process involves additional background checks and may extend to 4 or 5 months. Greater emphasis is placed on financial proof and accommodation suitability.
British citizens after Brexit : a different process
Since 1 January 2021, British citizens are treated as third-country nationals for Monaco residency purposes, following the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union. This means British applicants, like other non-EU nationals, must first secure a French long-stay visa (Type D) before applying for a Monaco residence card, and no exception applies to family members of a British resident already settled in the Principality.
How to obtain Monégasque citizenship?
You must reside in Monaco continuously for 10 years if you were born outside Monaco to non Monégasque parents, or 20 years in other cases.
Submit an application for naturalization to the Department of Justice. You must demonstrate integration into Monégasque society including knowledge of local culture, participation in community life and proficiency in French.
You must also show stable income, proper accommodation and have no criminal record. Monaco requires you to renounce previous citizenship as it does not allow dual nationality. Final approval rests solely with the Sovereign Prince and there is no appeal if denied.
By marriage
After 10 years of marriage to a Monégasque citizen you may request naturalization, this period is reduced to 3 years if the couple resides in Monaco. The marriage must be valid and ongoing at the time of application. The decision also depends on the Sovereign Prince.
How to find accommodation in Monaco?
Finding accommodation in Monaco requires local expertise and access to exclusive listings. Balkin Estates-Knight Frank Monaco offers a wide range of luxury properties for sale and rent, from elegant apartments to prestigious villas. Their strong local connections and deep market knowledge help you discover the perfect home that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Balkin Estates provides personalized support throughout the process, including property valuation, legal guidance, and negotiation assistance. Whether you are looking for a short-term rental or a permanent residence, Balkin Estates-Knight Frank Monaco guides you smoothly to secure your ideal property.
.avif)