Monaco's Tax Rates at a Glance
The Zero Income Tax Framework
Monaco's personal income tax rate is 0% — and has been since 1869 when Prince Charles III abolished it by sovereign ordinance. This zero rate applies to all residents regardless of nationality, covering employment income, self-employment income, capital gains, dividends, interest, and rental income from non-French sources. This makes Monaco one of only a handful of sovereign states worldwide with no personal income tax whatsoever.
Legal Foundation
The legal foundation of Monaco's tax-free status is enshrined in Ordonnance Souveraine n° 3.152 of 1964, which confirmed the 1869 abolition. Unlike tax havens that offer temporary incentives or special regimes, Monaco's zero tax is a permanent, constitutional feature of the Principality. There is no sunset clause, no minimum investment requirement tied to tax status, and no distinction between different types of personal income.
The French National Exception
However, there is one crucial exception: French nationals. Under the 1963 Franco-Monegasque tax convention, French citizens residing in Monaco remain subject to French income tax as if they had never left France. This bilateral agreement was imposed by President de Gaulle during a diplomatic standoff and remains in force today. For all other nationalities — British, American, German, Swiss, Italian, and others — the 0% rate applies without restriction.
Income Tax Comparison: Monaco vs the World
| Country | Top Marginal Income Tax Rate | Capital Gains Tax | Wealth Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monaco | 0% | 0% | None |
| France | 45% (+4% surcharge) | 30% (flat tax) | IFI on property >€1.3M |
| United Kingdom | 45% | 20-24% | None |
| Germany | 45% (+5.5% solidarity) | 26.375% | None |
| United States | 37% (federal) | 20% (+3.8% NIIT) | None |
| Italy | 43% | 26% | IVIE on foreign property |
| Switzerland | 11.5% (federal) + cantonal | 0% (private assets) | 0.1-1% (varies by canton) |
| UAE | 0% | 0% | None |
Top Marginal Income Tax Rates Compared
Establishing Genuine Residency
To benefit from Monaco's tax regime, you must establish genuine residency: obtain a carte de séjour, maintain your principal home in Monaco, and demonstrate substantive presence in the Principality. Simply owning property or having a bank account is insufficient. Tax authorities in your home country may challenge your Monaco residency if you cannot demonstrate that your center of vital interests has genuinely shifted to the Principality.
Other Taxes in Monaco
It is worth noting that Monaco does levy other taxes: a 25% corporate tax (ISB) on companies earning more than 25% of revenue outside Monaco, 20% VAT aligned with France, and registration duties on property transfers. But for the individual resident, the headline personal income tax rate remains firmly at zero percent — a status Monaco has maintained for over 150 years.
Estimate your personal tax savings by comparing your current tax burden with Monaco's 0% rate.
Points cles
- Monaco has had 0% personal income tax since 1869 — it is a permanent constitutional feature, not a temporary incentive.
- The zero rate covers all personal income: salary, capital gains, dividends, interest, and rental income.
- Exception: French nationals remain subject to French income tax under the 1963 convention.
- You must establish genuine residency (carte de séjour, principal home, substantive presence) to benefit.
- Monaco does levy 25% corporate tax (ISB) on companies with >25% foreign revenue, plus 20% VAT.