Certificate of Residence

If you plan to carry out certain procedures in the Principality of Monaco—such as applying for social benefits, starting a business, or signing a rental lease—you may be asked to provide a certificate of residence. This document is fundamental in Monaco. Here’s a quick overview in five key questions.

1 – What is a Certificate of Residence in Monaco?

The certificate of residence is an official document that confirms a person’s effective presence in the Principality. It is issued by the Residents’ Section of the Monaco Police to Monaco residents and remains valid for six months.

2 – What is the purpose of a Certificate of Residence in Monaco?

Sovereign Ordinance No. 8.372 of November 26, 2020, introduced an important distinction: the certificate is now categorized for administrative or tax-related purposes.

The administrative certificate is required for certain procedures, such as applying for social benefits.
The tax certificate complies with OECD regulations and facilitates the exchange of financial information between partner countries to combat tax evasion.

3 – What are the conditions for obtaining a Certificate of Residence in Monaco?

To obtain a certificate of residence, a foreigner must:

✅ Hold a valid residence permit.
✅ Declare, under oath, that their primary residence is in Monaco, or that their main professional activity is based there, in accordance with bilateral agreements.
✅ Prove that they occupy a residence in Monaco.

The ordinance of November 26, 2020, defines primary residence as a place where the applicant spends more than 183 days per year. If the person spends more time in Monaco than in any other country, it qualifies as their main residence.

Additionally:

Individuals who have lived in Monaco for less than six months must justify an exemption to obtain the certificate.
Those who plan to stay in Monaco for more than three months per year must apply for a residence permit.
Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) do not need a visa to reside in Monaco.

These rules are established under the Franco-Monegasque Neighborhood Agreement of May 18, 1963, and Ordinance No. 3.153 of March 19, 1964.

4 – What supporting documents are required for a Certificate of Residence in Monaco?

To apply for the certificate, you must provide the following documents:

📌 A sworn declaration signed by the applicant.
📌 A recent energy consumption bill as proof of residence.
📌 Proof of income, such as:

A recent bank statement
Your latest payslip
A statement of financial support from another Monaco resident.

5 – How to apply for a Certificate of Residence in Monaco?

The application is submitted online via the dedicated e-service on the Monaco Government Public Service website. Once processed, you can collect your certificate from the Residents’ Section, by appointment.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Two types of certificates: one for administrative purposes, one for tax purposes.
✔ New regulations introduced by Sovereign Ordinance No. 8.372 (November 26, 2020).
✔ Online application process via a dedicated government e-service.