Monaco Residency Eligibility

Who Can Become a Monaco Resident?

Monaco does not require applicants to have a specific nationality, employment contract, or business in the Principality. The residence permit — known as the carte de séjour — is available to anyone who can demonstrate three things: financial self-sufficiency, suitable accommodation, and a clean criminal record.

In practice, this means Monaco's residency system is wealth-based rather than merit-based. There are no points systems, no language requirements, and no minimum stay obligations (though you must maintain your Monaco address as your primary residence).

What the Eligibility Test Evaluates

Our diagnostic assesses your profile across the following dimensions, mirroring the actual criteria used by the Direction de la Sûreté Publique:

• Nationality & visa status — EU/EEA citizens have a simplified process; non-EU nationals typically need a long-stay visa (visa D) from the French consulate in their country of residence
• Financial resources — a minimum deposit of approximately €500,000 in a Monaco bank account, plus evidence of ongoing income or capital sufficient to support your household
• Accommodation in Monaco — a signed lease or proof of property ownership within the Principality
• Criminal background — an apostilled criminal record extract (casier judiciaire) from your country of origin and any country where you have resided for more than 6 months
• Health insurance — coverage valid in Monaco, either through the Monegasque social system (CANAM) or private insurance
• Family composition — dependent spouse and children can be included in the application

The Application Process

The residence permit process follows a structured path:

• Step 1 — Bank account opening: open an account at a Monaco-licensed bank and deposit the required minimum. The bank issues a certificate of financial solvency (attestation bancaire)
• Step 2 — Secure accommodation: sign a rental lease or present proof of property ownership
• Step 3 — Gather documents: criminal record extracts, passport copies, photographs, health insurance certificate, and proof of address
• Step 4 — Submit dossier: file your application at the Sûreté Publique (Residents Section)
• Step 5 — Interview & background check: attend an interview at the Sûreté Publique; a background check is conducted
• Step 6 — Carte de séjour issued: if approved, receive your residence permit, valid for one year

Special Cases

French Nationals

French citizens can reside in Monaco without a residence permit due to the Franco-Monegasque Treaty. However, they remain subject to French income tax and must register with the Mairie (town hall) rather than the Sûreté Publique.

Non-EU Nationals

Nationals from outside the EU/EEA must first obtain a long-stay visa (visa D) from the French consulate in their country of residence. This visa is specifically endorsed for Monaco and is a prerequisite before the carte de séjour application can proceed.

Company Directors

If you plan to establish and direct a company in Monaco, the eligibility criteria remain the same, but you will also need to obtain a carte de commerçant (trader's card) or approval from the relevant regulatory body depending on your activity.