Residency in Monaco
Settling in Monaco requires meeting certain conditions. This applies to anyone aged 16 and over who wishes to reside in the Principality for more than three months per year. Discover the necessary documents to establish your residency in Monaco.
The Residence Card: A Requirement to Establish Residency in Monaco
Non-nationals must obtain a residence card to live in the Principality. Proof of accommodation and a certain level of income are required. The authorities may conduct background checks when issuing or renewing residence cards.
To be officially recognized as a resident, you must spend at least 183 days per year in Monaco. Public Security officers are responsible for verifying this requirement.
Required Documents for Establishing Residency in Monaco
To settle in Monaco, several mandatory documents must be submitted to the authorities.
The main documents required include:
- Civil status records (birth or marriage certificates);
- Housing certificate (property deed, rental contract, or accommodation certificate); the size of the accommodation must be appropriate for the household’s needs;
- Residence card application form;
- Proof of sufficient income, such as payslips, a company balance sheet, or a bank statement proving adequate savings, etc.;
- Criminal record extract demonstrating good moral standing, or an equivalent document from the applicant’s two previous places of residence over the past five years before moving to Monaco.
Before meeting the inspector who will assess the application, nationals of the European Economic Area must present a valid identity card or passport to the Public Security authorities.
For non-European nationals, it is necessary to have lived in France for over a year and to request a residency transfer from the French embassy. In other cases, a residency visa may be issued by the French authorities, which must be presented to Public Security. Applicants must then contact the French consulate in their country of residence to apply.
The Different Types of Residence Cards
Four types of residence cards are available, depending on the applicant’s eligibility:
- “Temporary” Residence Card: Issued for one year to foreigners meeting the criteria set by the Ordinance on entry and residence conditions.
- “Ordinary” Residence Card: Granted to individuals who have been residing in Monaco for at least three years, valid for three years.
- “Privileged” Residence Card: Valid for ten years, for those who have lived in the Principality for at least ten years.
- “Spouse of a Monegasque” Residence Card: Issued for five years to foreigners married to a Monegasque, provided their spouse has been a resident for at least one year.
The Principality of Monaco offers numerous opportunities, making the residence card highly sought after. Establishing residency is subject to specific conditions to maintain the exceptional quality of life and atmosphere that Monaco is known for.
