How to Become a Monaco Resident: Complete Guide (Residence Card)
Monaco, famous for its unrivalled setting, outstanding security and advantageous tax system, attracts every year many people wishing to move to this unique Principality. However, in order to live in Monaco for more than three months per year, it is essential to obtain a Monaco residence card (also known as a residence permit) issued by the authorities of the Principality. We have already covered the conditions for living in Monaco in a previous article. This article will explore in greater depth the steps to obtain your residence permit. Please note, this article discusses Monaco residency, not Monegasque nationality. We have written an article about the difference between residency and nationality in Monaco to explain and help you understand.
If you are from a country outside the European Union, you can consult our dedicated page to learn how to apply from outside Europe. This guide details the specific procedures to follow if you want to settle in Monaco from a non-EU country.
All foreigners over 16 years old are subject to this legal obligation. Whether you are a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) or a third country, obtaining resident status in Monaco requires that you meet strict criteria regarding identity, accommodation, financial resources and good character. This complete guide explains these requirements and steps, cross-referencing information from official sources and common practices in the Principality.
Conditions for Obtaining Your Residence Card in Monaco
Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) (which includes EU countries, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) as well as Swiss citizens benefit from a simplified process to become residents in Monaco. They do not need a visa to settle in the Principality: it is enough to present a valid national identity card or passport. Thanks to free movement agreements, no residence visa is required for Europeans, which makes administrative procedures much easier compared to non-European nationals.
However, visa exemption does not mean absence of requirements. European applicants for Monaco residency must prove several essential elements, namely appropriate accommodation in the Principality, sufficient financial resources to support themselves, and good character. Here in detail are the criteria that a European national must meet to obtain a Monaco residence card.
Proof of Identity and Right of Residence
To start your application, you will need to present a valid identity document (identity card or passport). No other residence authorisation is required if you are a citizen of an EEA country or Switzerland, thanks to European agreements. This means that a Schengen or national visa is not necessary to enter and settle in Monaco in this case. However, your passport or identity card must be valid throughout the entire procedure.
Note: Minors under 16 cannot obtain a Monaco residence card (this is only issued from age 16), but they can get a specific travel document if needed. Minor children accompanying an EEA national parent do not need a visa to enter Monaco, but will not be issued a residence card before turning 16.
Proof of Accommodation in Monaco
It is essential to prove that you have a place of residence in Monaco in order to obtain the residence card. This means you must demonstrate that you have housing in the Principality, and that this accommodation is suitable for the size of your household and your standard of living. If you need to rent an apartment in Monaco, our real estate agency specializing in the Monegasque market, Petrini Exclusive Real Estate Monaco, is here to assist you in your search. Our website is full of property listings, but we also have numerous off-market properties that are not published online. To access our full portfolio, we invite you to contact us directly. Our negotiators can provide you with personalized selections, whether you are searching, for example, for an apartment to rent in Mareterra or a three-room flat in Fontvieille. We can respond precisely to your request, even if the listings are not visible on our website.
Contacting us also ensures you access to updated listings. You have probably already checked generalist platforms that aggregate ads from several Monaco real estate agencies, only to discover the property was already rented? This won’t happen when you entrust your search to us: thanks to our internal software, we know in real time and with precision all availabilities on the market.
In concrete terms, several situations are accepted to provide this proof of accommodation:
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Registered rental contract: If you are a tenant in Monaco, you will need to provide a copy of your rental contract duly registered with the Monaco Tax Services Department. The lease must have a minimum duration of one year and state that the accommodation is your main residence. You will also need to attach a recent utility bill (electricity, water, or telephone) in your name, matching the address on the lease, to demonstrate that you actually occupy the property. A short-term furnished rental or short contract will not suffice: the authorities require a minimum level of stability in the accommodation.
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Title deed: If you have purchased a property in the Principality, you must provide a notarized title deed in your name. This document, issued by a Monaco notary, proves that you own a property in Monaco. If the property is held through a real estate company (a fairly common situation), you will also need to provide the company’s articles of association and a certificate proving that you hold shares. In short, you must show that you have a legal and permanent residence in Monaco, whether as a direct or indirect owner.
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Certificate of accommodation: If you are staying free of charge with a third party (friend or family member already residing in Monaco), you will need to present a certificate of accommodation signed by the person hosting you. This document must be accompanied by proof that the host themselves has regular accommodation (copy of their lease or title deed) and a recent utility bill in their name proving their address. The certificate must state that the accommodation is free of charge, and ideally indicate the expected duration. This solution is accepted, but note that the authorities will also examine the situation of the person hosting you (they must themselves comply with housing and income requirements).
Whatever type of accommodation is provided, the size and nature of the housing must be suited to your household’s needs. Monaco ensures that residents live in decent conditions consistent with their family and financial situation. For example, a studio or small one-bedroom may be fine for a single person or couple, but a family with children will need an apartment with several rooms (generally at least one separate bedroom for the children). Likewise, the authorities expect a very wealthy household to occupy accommodation in line with its means: a millionaire couple could not justify living in a tiny studio when they can easily afford a larger apartment. Conversely, a couple with modest means will not be penalized for living in a small two-room flat if that matches their financial capacity. For these reasons, it is not possible to settle in Monaco simply to establish a fictitious tax residence. Becoming a Monegasque resident means genuinely settling in the Principality. Did you know that the tax benefits vary according to your nationality? We have already detailed the subtleties and specific rules for obtaining tax residence for Spanish citizens, as well as for German citizens. You can discover our detailed guides according to your nationality below.
Note: “Chambres de bonne” (small attic rooms with limited amenities) are generally not accepted as your main residence for establishing Monaco residency. You should be wary of rental prices far below the
Monaco market prices. An exception exists for domestic staff housed by their employer: for example, a housekeeper occupying a service room provided by their Monegasque employer may, under certain conditions, use it to justify residence. Aside from these specific cases or social hardship situations reviewed case by case, living in a simple “chambre de bonne” does not allow you to obtain a residence card. The authorities consider this type of accommodation insufficiently comfortable for permanent residence.
Finally, it is important to note that in order to keep your residence card over time, you must truly reside in Monaco for a significant part of the year. In practice, a presence of at least six months and one day per year on Monegasque territory is required to be considered an effective resident. Spending most of your time outside Monaco while trying to maintain resident status could create difficulties during renewals, as the authorities may request evidence of actual residence (bills, local bank statements, etc.). In other words, obtaining the residence card is not enough: you must then genuinely live in Monaco for most of the year to fulfill the spirit of the residency requirements.
Those who choose to work in Monaco naturally benefit from a professional anchor that makes it easier to meet this presence requirement. If you are looking for a guide on how to rent an apartment in Monaco with all the necessary documents and procedures, we have written one!
Proof of Sufficient Financial Resources
In addition to housing, Monaco requires that new residents be able to support themselves without becoming a burden on the community. You will therefore need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources, taking into account a standard of living in line with local expectations. The average salary in Monaco can serve as a benchmark for assessing these expectations. This can be done by one (or several) of the following means, depending on your situation:
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Employment contract in Monaco: If you have salaried employment in the Principality, provide a copy of your current Monegasque employment contract, along with your last three payslips. A permanent or long-term contract is preferred, as it guarantees regular income. You will also need an employment authorization certificate issued by the Monegasque Employment Service (since every employer must have your hiring approved). The indicated salary must be consistent with Monaco’s high cost of living, even if there is no official minimum other than the Monegasque minimum wage.
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Income from self-employment or business: If you are self-employed (liberal profession, consultant, etc.) or a company director, you must prove the existence and viability of this activity. For example, if you manage a company in Monaco, provide a recent extract from the Trade and Industry Register (RCI) proving that the company is active and that you are its manager or administrator. If your company is abroad (e.g. in France), a Kbis extract or equivalent may be required to prove your role. Attach any documents showing the professional income derived from this activity (financial statements, income certificates, etc.). The idea is to reassure the authorities that you have stable income, even if it does not come from a Monegasque employer.
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Certificate from a Monegasque bank (sufficient savings): This means proving that you have significant personal funds, invested in a Monaco bank, sufficient to live off your capital income or to support yourself without working. Concretely, this involves opening an account with a Monegasque bank and depositing a substantial sum. After due diligence (banks must check the identity, origin of funds, and client profile according to the law), the bank will issue a letter of recommendation stating that the residence applicant has sufficient capital available on their account. In practice, the minimum deposit required by banks to issue this certificate is €500,000 per person. Some private banks even set a higher threshold, often around one million euros, to accept a new client seeking such a letter. These amounts are not set in Monegasque law itself, but result from coordinated banking practices (notably via the Monegasque Association of Financial Activities). It is therefore highly recommended to contact several banks in Monaco to find out their conditions for opening an account for a future resident and to prepare the necessary funds. Once your account is opened and the required amount deposited, you will obtain the bank certificate to include in your residence card application file. (NB: The certificate must be recent, generally less than one month old.)
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Letter of support from a third party: If you are financially dependent on someone else, such as a parent, spouse or any other person who undertakes to support you, you must provide an official letter of support. In this letter, the financial guarantor (third party) declares that they take charge of your expenses and financial obligations in Monaco. To be valid, this letter must be accompanied by supporting documents proving the guarantor’s financial resources (for example, their payslips, a bank certificate in their name, tax documents, etc.). The authorities will examine the financial strength of the guarantor just as carefully as if it were the applicant themselves. This option is often used for spouses without employment whose partner has high income, or for young adults supported by wealthy parents.
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Pension income (if you are retired): Monaco does not forget retirees among residence applicants. If you are retired, you must prove that you receive a sufficient and regular pension to live in the Principality. In practice, you will be asked for a recent pension certificate, issued by your pension fund, indicating the amount of your monthly or annual pension. There is no officially set minimum, but it must be consistent with the high cost of living in Monaco (which is much higher than in France, for example). If you have other passive income (annuities, dividends), this can supplement your file to show your financial independence.
In summary, you must convince the Monegasque authorities that you have the means to live in Monaco without social assistance. This financial capacity requirement is part of Monaco’s tradition of welcoming affluent residents and avoiding any undue burden on the State. Moreover, Monegasque law requires banks to thoroughly check the financial situation of applicants before accepting them as clients and providing a certificate. So expect to have to present a solid financial file, whatever the chosen method of proof.
Requirement of Good Character (Criminal Record)
The Principality of Monaco attaches particular importance to the character and criminal history of those wishing to reside there. For security and public order reasons, it is required to provide a criminal record extract (or equivalent document) to support any residence card application.
Here are the key points regarding this character requirement:
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Relevant period: You must provide a criminal record extract that is less than three months old at the date of the application. Moreover, Monaco generally requests the criminal record from every country where you have resided during the past five years. Therefore, if you have lived in several countries recently, you will need to obtain a criminal record extract for each of these countries covering the relevant period.
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Origin of the document: The criminal record extract (or certificate of good conduct) must be issued by the competent authority of the country in question – typically the Ministry of Justice or the national police. It must be an official and original document. Uncertified copies will not be accepted.
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Expected content: The criminal record should, of course, be free of any serious criminal conviction. Minor offenses (traffic tickets, old offenses already pardoned, etc.) may potentially be tolerated, but any serious record could jeopardize the application. Monaco reserves the right to refuse a resident whose criminal background does not meet the Principality’s high safety standards.
In practice, for a French applicant, a recent “bulletin n°3” criminal record extract is required. For a British or American applicant, a Police Certificate or FBI Background Check, respectively, may be required. Any foreign document must be translated into French (or English/Italian, which are accepted languages) by a sworn translator if necessary.
This requirement to provide a clean criminal record is non-negotiable – it ensures that Monaco remains one of the safest places in the world, by rigorously screening new residents based on their judicial history. In addition, note that during the processing of your application, the Monaco Public Security Department will conduct its own background check, in cooperation with authorities in your country of origin if needed. Therefore, it is pointless to embellish your record: any concealment or forged document will be grounds for rejection and subject to prosecution.
Steps of the Procedure
Once you have gathered all the required documents (identity document, proof of accommodation, financial resources, criminal record, etc.), the process of obtaining a Monegasque residence card for a European applicant unfolds in several official steps:
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Submission of the application: You must submit your residence card application to the Residents Section of the Public Security (Administrative Police), located at 3 rue Louis Notari in Monaco. There are two options for submission:
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In person: by going physically to the counters of the Residents Section. It is recommended to make an appointment in advance to avoid a long wait.
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Online: via the digital service of the Monegasque government (“MonGuichet.mc” platform), which now allows certain applications to be submitted online. You will then need to scan and upload all supporting documents. Make sure each scanned document is readable and in color.
During the submission (physical or digital), an official application form must be duly completed and signed. This form is available on site or downloadable online. You will enter your civil status information, your Monaco address, your professional situation, etc.
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Verification and interview with the Public Security: Once your application is received, the Residents Section will schedule a mandatory interview with you. This interview takes place in the Principality, usually in the offices of the Public Security. Its purpose is to verify the authenticity and completeness of the documents submitted, and to discuss your relocation project. Expect questions about your reasons for moving to Monaco, your (future) activity in the country, your family situation, etc. The officer will review every document in your application to ensure it is compliant: for example, verifying that the lease is registered, that the bank certificate is recent and issued by an approved Monaco bank, that translations are certified, etc. This assessment interview is an integral part of the process and it is crucial that you attend in person (no representative, except in exceptional cases). This is also your opportunity to ask any questions if aspects of your move concern you.
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Background check and decision by the authorities: After the interview, the Public Security conducts a thorough background check. In practice, the Monegasque authorities will verify your administrative, financial, and judicial records in the appropriate databases, possibly in cooperation with countries where you have lived. They will also confirm the authenticity of the documents provided (for example, by checking with the bank that the funds certificate is valid, or by contacting the authorities that issued your criminal record if needed). This phase can take several weeks, or longer if your background is complex or international. During this time, it is advised not to leave Monaco for an extended period, as you may be called for additional information. If everything is in order, the file is validated by the Ministry of State (head of the Monegasque government) which grants the residence permit.
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Notification of acceptance and issuance of the residence card: If approved, you will be informed (by mail or phone) that your application has been accepted. You will be invited to return to the Residents Section to finalize the process: a Monegasque-standard ID photo will be taken if not already done, fingerprints will be collected, and you will sign the card. You will then pay the issuance fee for the residence card, the amount of which depends on the type of card granted (see the next sections for card types: temporary, ordinary, privileged, etc.). These administrative fees are modest (a few dozen euros) and can be paid in cash or by credit card at the counter. Once the process is completed, your Monegasque residence card will be handed to you personally.
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Activation of digital identity (optional): The new Monegasque residence card is equipped with an electronic chip that allows, if you wish, to activate a digital identity. This is a recent feature that enables you to use your residence card to identify yourself online on Monaco’s digital administrative services, and even to electronically sign official documents with legal value. Activation of this feature is optional and can be requested at the time your card is issued. While not mandatory, it can be useful for accessing Monaco’s e-services (MonGuichet.mc, online procedures, etc.) without having to visit in person.
If any of these steps reveals a problem (missing document, unmet criterion, negative background check), the application may be refused. If refused, you will be informed in writing, usually with the reason. You may then correct the issue (if it is a missing or insufficient document) and reapply, or give up on the procedure. Fortunately, if you have carefully prepared your application and your situation meets the criteria, refusals are rare for European applicants.
Key Points Recap (Europeans):
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No prior visa required for EEA or Swiss citizens – a valid identity card or passport is sufficient to start the process.
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Accommodation in Monaco is mandatory: a lease of at least one year, personal ownership, or being hosted by a third party with supporting documents, and suitable for the household size.
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Financial resources must be demonstrated: employment in Monaco, self-employment, available savings (≥ €500k is standard), or financial support from a guarantor.
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Clean criminal record: provide certificates from recent countries of residence (document less than 3 months old, with no convictions).
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File must be submitted to the Residents Section, followed by a mandatory interview and background check. If approved, a one-year residence card (renewable) will be issued during a final appointment, with the relevant fees to be paid.
Conditions for Non-European Nationals
For nationals from countries outside the EEA (third countries, which now includes UK citizens since Brexit, as well as people from Andorra and San Marino—these two are assimilated to Europeans in certain contexts), the conditions for obtaining Monegasque residency are broadly similar to those for Europeans in terms of accommodation, financial resources, and good character. However, an extra step is required upfront: obtaining a settlement visa issued by France. In accordance with the Franco-Monegasque Neighbourhood Convention of 1963, Monaco delegates to France the control of immigration for non-EEA nationals who wish to settle in the Principality.
In other words, if you are not a citizen of the EEA or Switzerland, you must obtain a specific long-stay visa for Monaco before beginning the residency process in Monaco. This visa serves as the initial entry permit, and without it your residency application will not be accepted by the Public Security. We have detailed these steps in our guide titled how to apply from outside Europe, which we recommend consulting if you are concerned.
The Different Types of Residence Cards in Monaco
Monaco offers several types of residence cards, depending on the desired length of residence, family situation, and the applicant's status. Each type of card has specific features regarding its validity period and renewal conditions. Here is an overview of the different types of residence cards available for residents in the Principality of Monaco.
1. Temporary Residence Card
The temporary residence card is often the first card issued to new residents. It is intended for those settling in Monaco for the first time and serves as a temporary status before being able to obtain a longer-term residence card.
- Validity period: 1 year.
- Renewal: The temporary residence card can be renewed each year, for a maximum period of 3 years.
- Renewal conditions: Renewal is subject to verification that the resident continues to meet the requirements for accommodation, financial resources, and good character. It is important to keep your proof of accommodation and income up to date with each renewal application.
After three consecutive years of residence with the temporary card, the resident may apply for the ordinary residence card.
2. Ordinary Residence Card
The ordinary residence card is generally issued to people who have already resided in the Principality for at least three years with a temporary card. It offers a more stable resident status, with a longer validity period than the temporary card.
- Validity period: 3 years.
- Renewal: The ordinary residence card can be renewed once, for an additional 3-year period. After six years of continuous residence (three years with the first card and three additional years with the renewed card), the resident may apply for the privileged residence card.
The same renewal conditions as for the temporary card apply, including the provision of proof of accommodation and financial resources.
3. Privileged Residence Card
The privileged residence card is the most stable resident status in Monaco, often considered a long-term status. It is granted to people who have resided in the Principality for at least ten years, or in certain specific cases, earlier, subject to approval by the authorities.
- Validity period: 10 years.
- Renewal: The privileged residence card can be renewed indefinitely every ten years. This card offers long-term resident status, without the need to renew frequently as with the temporary or ordinary status.
- Advantages: In addition to the long validity period, this card offers great stability in terms of residence and is often associated with additional fiscal and administrative advantages.
The eligibility criteria are stricter, and it is essential to have an effective presence in Monaco for at least 6 months and 1 day per year to maintain this status.
4. Monegasque Spouse’s Residence Card
The Monegasque spouse’s residence card is issued to foreigners married to a Monegasque citizen. This type of card allows the spouse to live in the Principality and benefit from a special resident status.
- Validity period: 5 years.
- Specific conditions: The applicant must prove they are married to a Monegasque citizen and that the couple has lived together in the Principality for at least one year.
This card is renewable as long as the marriage remains valid and the resident continues to meet the good character and accommodation requirements.
5. Special Residence Card
In certain specific cases, other types of residence cards can be issued according to particular criteria, such as cards for cross-border workers or special statuses for people holding key positions or working in international institutions based in Monaco. These cards are granted on a case-by-case basis.
Key Points Recap for the Different Types of Residence Cards:
- Temporary card: Valid for 1 year, renewable up to 3 times.
- Ordinary card: Valid for 3 years, renewable once.
- Privileged card: Valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
- Monegasque spouse’s card: Valid for 5 years, for spouses of Monegasque citizens.
- Special cards: For certain professions or specific statuses, issued on a case-by-case basis.
Depending on your seniority and situation, the residence card issued by Monaco varies in duration and renewal conditions. Whether you have a temporary, ordinary, or privileged card, it is essential to strictly comply with the accommodation, resources, and effective presence requirements to renew your permit. For more information on the steps involved and to get practical advice, check out our guide on renewing the residence card in Monaco to prepare your application with peace of mind.
In practice, all new residents start with the one-year temporary card, unless they are married to a Monegasque citizen, in which case they may directly receive the 5-year card. Then, 3 years = ordinary card, 10 years = privileged card. There is no “permanent” card as such, even the privileged one must be renewed every 10 years indefinitely (Monaco does not have a permanent resident status without renewal).
Why is this important? On the one hand, it determines your administrative obligations (you will know how often to renew). On the other hand, certain advantages come with duration: for example, after 10 years, Monegasque naturalization theoretically becomes possible (at the Prince’s discretion), although this remains rare and subject to strict conditions beyond the scope of this article. Also, for banking or other procedures, being a long-term resident can make things easier (a privileged resident of 15 years is seen as very stable).
Finally, note that if you leave Monaco and let your card expire, the entire process must be started again from scratch if you ever return (you do not “recover” your previous seniority). So, once you reach privileged status, it is worth keeping it carefully if you plan to maintain a base in Monaco, even if you spend more time elsewhere.
Becoming a Resident in Monaco – Our Personalized Support
Becoming a Monegasque resident is a life project; obtaining the residence card requires meeting strict criteria (adequate accommodation, sufficient financial resources, impeccable character) and thoroughly understanding each step of the administrative procedure. It is normal for these steps to seem complex – especially since they involve both the French authorities (for non-EEE visas) and the Monegasque authorities.
This is where Petrini Exclusive Real Estate Monaco can help you. As a leading real estate agency in the Principality, specialized in assisting international clients, we offer you a complete service to make your move to Monaco easier. Our services include in particular:
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Tailor-made property search: Whether you want to buy an exceptional apartment or simply rent a pied-à-terre, we use our in-depth knowledge of the Monaco property market to find the ideal property that meets your needs and your budget. Having the right accommodation is the first cornerstone of your residence application, and we make sure it meets the required criteria (size, registration, etc.).
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Assistance with administrative procedures: Our experts help you put together your residence card application from A to Z. We will advise you on the documents to collect, check that nothing is missing or expired, and connect you with trusted service providers (local banks for opening accounts, certified translators, etc.). The goal is that your submitted application is complete and compliant the first time, maximizing your chances of success in the shortest possible time.
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Personalized support throughout the process: We stay by your side to track the progress of your application. Need advice before the interview with the Public Security? An explanation about a letter you received? We are here to answer your questions quickly. Our multilingual team is experienced in international cases and will support you with any potential obstacles or administrative surprises.
With Petrini Exclusive Real Estate Monaco, you choose peace of mind throughout the process. We understand that alongside these formalities, you have a thousand things to manage (moving, changing children’s schools, cultural adaptation...). That’s why we strive to make your arrival in Monaco as smooth as possible, relieving you of as many constraints as possible.
If you are considering moving to Monaco or investing in real estate here, do not hesitate to contact us from the very beginning of your project. We will be delighted to put our local expertise and network at your service, so that your Monegasque dream becomes a reality in the best conditions. With the right support, Monaco welcomes you with open arms – and we will be proud to welcome you to this exceptional place that is the Principality, which will become your new home.
FAQ – Proof of Accommodation and Resources for Residence in Monaco
📌 How can I prove my accommodation if I rent an apartment in Monaco?
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Rental contract: You must provide a copy of the lease registered with the Monaco Tax Services Department, for a minimum duration of 12 months, stating that the property is your main residence.
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Recent proof of address: Add a bill in your name (dated less than 3 months ago) related to the accommodation (electricity, water, landline/internet, etc.).
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Landlord’s certificate (if applicable): If the lease has just been signed, the owner or agency can provide a certificate confirming your entry into the property. This is not required if you already have a bill in your name.
📌 What documents should I provide if I am the owner of a property in Monaco?
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Notarized deed of ownership: Copy of the purchase deed registered in Monaco, proving you are the owner.
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Company shares (if the property is held through a company or other entity):
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Proof of occupancy: If you occupy the property, a bill in your name may suffice; otherwise, the deed alone is accepted for the initial application.
📌 What documents do I need if I am staying for free with a third party?
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Certificate of accommodation: Signed by the host, specifying your identities, the address and the start date of the stay. It must be dated and accompanied by the host’s ID.
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Proof of the host’s title to the property: The host’s rental contract or deed of ownership.
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Host’s proof of address: A recent bill in their name to confirm they live at this address.
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Family link or proof of relationship: It can be useful to specify your relationship with the host and the reason for the accommodation.
📌 What should I know about the accommodation to be eligible for residency?
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The accommodation must be suitable for the size of your household: presenting a studio if you have several children will be refused.
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The accommodation must be consistent with your financial capacity: very modest housing for a very wealthy file may raise questions.
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Certain types of accommodation do not allow for obtaining residency: public (social) housing, commercial leases, or offices are not accepted.
📌 How do I prove my financial resources if I am an employee in Monaco?
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Employment contract and last three pay slips.
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Work authorization (if the job is restricted/subject to quotas).
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Employer’s certificate (optional) confirming your employment and salary.
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The salary must be appropriate for the cost of living in Monaco; a Monegasque minimum wage (~1,800 €/month net) is a minimum, a higher salary will be more reassuring for the authorities.
📌 What should I provide if I am an entrepreneur, manager or self-employed?
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Extract from the Monaco Trade Register (or foreign Kbis if your business is outside Monaco).
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Financial statements, proof of income or tax declarations.
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Proof that you will continue to receive this income while residing in Monaco (business plan, documents on the sustainability of the activity, etc.).
📌 How do I prove my resources if I live off my assets (rentier)?
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Open a bank account in Monaco and deposit at least 500,000 € (some banks require more).
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Obtain a recent bank statement confirming the deposit.
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Attach evidence of passive income (dividends, rental income, securities portfolios, etc.).
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Note: this capital must remain available in your account throughout your residency.
📌 What should I provide if I am financially supported by a third party?
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Letter of financial support: signed and ideally legalized, specifying the guarantor’s commitment to cover your expenses.
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Guarantor’s documents: pay slips, bank certificates, tax notices, ID.
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Proof of relationship: marriage certificate, proof of cohabitation or explanation of the family/relationship tie.
📌 What proof should I provide if I am retired?
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Pension certificate stating the amount received.
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Last three bank statements proving the regular payment of the pension.
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Optionally, a bank statement on your savings to show you can cover exceptional expenses.
📌 What are the key points to remember for accommodation and resources?
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Decent and suitable accommodation is an essential condition for becoming a resident.
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A regular income or substantial capital must be proven: Monaco accepts four main sources to prove your means: salaried employment, self-employed/business activity, available savings, financial support.
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The authorities carefully analyze these elements: a complete and consistent application is the best guarantee of success.