Settling in the Principality as an expatriate or to become a permanent resident requires a thorough knowledge of the procedure to follow and the conditions to meet. In this article, you will find all the important information you need to know to settle in Monaco.

Staying in Monaco for less than 3 months

Foreigners planning to stay in Monaco for a maximum of three months per year generally only need an identity document, such as an identity card or a travel passport. For non-Europeans, the same document required to enter France is needed.

Staying in Monaco for more than 3 months

Requirements for Europeans:

For European citizens, with the exception of French residents planning to stay more than three months in the Principality, the following evidence is required to obtain an official residence permit from the Public Security Department:

  • Proof of accommodation in Monaco (it can be rented or owned).
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources such as:
    • An employment contract
    • An authorised document stating that you are a company director, self-employed, etc.
    • A bank certificate
    • Proof of support from a third party
    • Proof of sufficient savings
  • Proof of good character, such as:
    • An extract from your criminal record
    • A sworn statement certifying that you have never been convicted before.

European residents do not need to apply for a visa to settle in Monaco.

Requirements for non-Europeans:

If you are a citizen of a state that is not part of the European Economic Area, you will need to apply for a visa to come to Monaco by submitting the following documents to the French consulate:

  • Proof of accommodation in Monaco (it can be rented, owned or promised).
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources such as:
    • An employment contract
    • An authorised document stating that you are a company director, self-employed, etc.
    • A bank certificate
    • Proof of support from a third party
    • Proof of sufficient savings
  • Proof of good character, such as:
    • An extract from your criminal record
    • A sworn statement certifying that you have never been convicted before.
  • Identity documents
  • The long-stay visa application form

Once you have obtained the visa, you must apply for the official residence permit from the Public Security Department, following the same procedure as European nationals.

However, if you have been staying in France before your move to Monaco, the procedure is slightly different.

Applicants who have been staying in France for more than one year

If you are a national of a non-European Economic Area state and have been residing in France for more than one year, here is what you need to do:

  • Submit the settlement application to the French Embassy in Monaco.
  • Present a copy of the French residence permit

Applicants who have been staying in France for less than one year

As a non-European national staying in France for less than one year, you must follow the rules applicable to foreigners from states outside the European Economic Area and submit your visa application to the French consulate.

Overall, the formal application procedure is pleasantly straightforward and, above all, well worth it! The Principality offers the advantages of an unparalleled tax system, an exceptionally high standard of living, the most prestigious environment you could ask for, and visa-free access to all Schengen states for its residents.