Monaco Immigration: How to Immigrate to Monaco and Apply for a Residence Permit

Monaco immigration first needs you to have a residence permit, also known as Carte de Séjourmis. This permit will require all applicants to show proof of financial self-sufficiency, having accommodation which can be through either rent or purchase, and having a clean criminal record. Non-EU/EEA nationals also need to initially obtain a long-stay visa. The process can take 2–3 months, starting with a 1-year temporary card, and lead up to permanent residency after 10 years. 

This article will outline everything about Monaco immigration, from who needs a residency permit, the types, to the application process, and much more.

Monaco Immigration: Key Takeaways

Monaco immigration requires most foreign nationals to obtain a residence permit (Carte de Séjour) if they plan to live in the country for more than three months per year. 

To qualify for residency, applicants need to prove financial self-sufficiency, accommodation in Monaco, and a clean criminal record. 

Non-EU/EEA citizens have to first apply for a French long-stay visa before applying for a Monaco residence permit. 

The most common immigration routes include financial independence (bank deposit), starting a business, employment with a Monaco company, or family reunification. 

Monaco has different types of residence permits, starting with a 1-year temporary permit, followed by a 3-year ordinary permit, and eventually a 10-year privileged residence permit after long-term residence. 

The application process includes securing housing, opening a Monaco bank account, preparing the official documents, and attending an in-person interview with Monaco authorities. 

After 10 years of continuous residence, residents could qualify for citizenship, but approval is rare and requires renouncing other nationalities. You are also only granted citizenship directly by the Prince of Monaco. 

A residence permit, also called a Carte de Séjourmis  is required for any foreign national aged 16 or older who wants to live in Monaco for more than three months in a year or establish their home there. The permit is issued by the Monégasque authorities and formally authorizes the applicant to reside in the country. 

• Children under 16 do not get residence permits. Instead, they will receive a travel document for foreign minors. 
• EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa to enter Monaco, but they must still apply for a residence permit if they plan to live there for more than 3 months. 
• Non-EU citizens: Need to first obtain a long-stay visa issued by the French authorities before applying for a Monaco residence permit. 

1. Financial self-sufficiency route (Independent Means): This is the most common route for wealthy individuals who do not plan to work in Monaco. Applicants need to deposit at least about €500,000 in a Monaco bank account and provide a bank certificate confirming the funds. 
2. Business formation route: You can immigrate to Monaco by starting a business or opening a company branch. The business has to be approved by Monaco’s economic authorities and requires around €150,000 in share capital. 
3. Employment route: Foreign nationals can move to Monaco if they have a job with a Monaco employer. They will need to show a valid employment contract, a work permit, and a residence permit that is linked to the job. 
4. Family reunification route: Family members of Monaco residents can apply through family reunification. The sponsor must prove they can financially support the applicant and provide accommodation. 

You can apply for a Monaco residence permit through a trusted Monaco immigration agency like Global Citizen Solutions.  

• Temporary Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Temporaire):  This is the first residence permit given to new residents and is valid for one year, with the option to renew it annually during the first three years. 
• Ordinary Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Ordinaire):  After three years of living in Monaco, residents can apply for this permit, which is valid for three years and renewable. 
• Privileged Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Privilégiée):  This long-term permit is available after 10 years of residence and is valid for 10 years. It is similar to permanent residency. 
• Spouse of a Monégasque Permit (Carte de Conjoint de Monégasque):  Foreign nationals who are married to a Monaco citizen can apply for this residence permit, which is valid for five years. 

To get a residence permit in Monaco, every applicant has to meet these three crucial requirements: accommodation, financial resources, and good character. The process is very structured and includes an in-person interview with the Residents Section of the Police Department. 

01/ Proof of accommodation 

You will need to show that you have a place to live in Monaco that is suitable for your household. The Monaco government will also check that the home is large enough for everyone applying. This can include: 

• Property ownership: A property deed in your name. 
• Rental agreement: A registered lease for at least 12 months. 
• Living with family: Confirmation from a spouse or close relative who already lives there. 

02/ Proof of sufficient funds  

You must prove that you can support yourself financially while living in Monaco. This can be shown through: 

• Bank deposit:  At least €500,000 in a Monaco bank account, with a certificate from the bank. 
• Employment: A valid job contract and work permit in Monaco. 
• Business activity: Proof that you run or own a Monaco-approved business. 
• Sponsorship: Financial support from a spouse or partner who already lives in Monaco. 

03/ Proof of good character 

You have shown that you have no serious criminal record. Applicants must provide a police clearance certificate from any country where they lived for more than 6 months in the past 5 years. These documents should be issued within the past 3 months prior to the residency interview. 

• Valid passport and, for non-EU citizens, a French long-stay visa. 
• Birth certificate, the long-form version. 
• Criminal record certificate from countries where you lived for more than six months in the last five years. 
• Marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable). 
• Passport-size photos. 
• Health insurance that covers medical care in Monaco. Applicants will also need to provide a basic medical declaration. 
• Lease or purchase agreement  
• Bank certificate from a Monaco bank confirming a deposit to prove you have sufficient financial resources.  
• Employment contract if you work in Monaco. 
• Business authorization if you are starting a company. 
• CV (resume) explaining your career and the source of your wealth. 

• Step 1: Apply for a long-stay visa (Non-EU Nationals Only): If you are not a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you have to first apply for a French long-stay visa (Type D) through a French consulate in your country. This visa allows you to enter Monaco and start the residency process. 
• Step 2: Get accommodation in Monaco: Before applying, you must arrange accommodation in Monaco. This can be through buying property, renting an apartment with a registered lease of at least 12 months, or living with a spouse or close relative who already lives in the Principality.  
• Step 3: Open a Monaco bank account: For many applicants, proving financial resources will require opening a bank account in Monaco and depositing enough funds. The bank will give an official attestation confirming the deposit, which is what you need for the residency application. 
• Step 4: Prepare the required documents: Make sure to have all your supporting documents, and if necessary, they should be translated into French, English, or Italian.  
• Step 5: Schedule and attend the residency interview: You will have to schedule an in-person appointment with the Residents Section of the Monaco Police Department. During the interview, officials will review your documents and verify your eligibility. 
• Step 6: Receive your residence card: If your application is approved, you will receive a temporary residence card valid for one year. This card must be renewed annually during the first few years of residence. 

Yes, a residence permit can lead to citizenship, but it is one of the most selective and difficult naturalization processes in the world. Residency is a prerequisite in Monaco, but it does not automatically grant a passport. 

01/ 10 years of residence 

To apply for citizenship, you must live in Monaco for at least 10 continuous years after turning 18. Authorities will also check that you actually live in Monaco. This means spending around six months per year in the country and showing proof such as utility bills, school records for children, or other signs of that your daily life revolves in Monaco. 

02/ Citizenship is granted by the prince 

Citizenship in Monaco is not automatic, even if you meet the requirements. It is given by the Prince of Monaco, who has full authority to approve or reject applications. Applicants have to send a formal request directly to the Prince. Only a small number of people are naturalized each year. These will mostly be people who are well integrated or have made important contributions to Monaco. 

03/ No dual citizenship 

Monaco does not allow dual citizenship. Anyone who acquires a Monaco passport has to give up their current nationality before becoming a Monaco citizen. They also need to be free from military service obligations in their home country.