Moving to Monaco

Monaco residency

Carte de séjour de résident (temporary residence card, first application)

Wealthy individuals who can rent or buy a home in Monaco and show substantial funds in a Monaco bank, or who will work or run a business there.

What you need

• Non-EEA nationals (including US, UK, Canadian, Australian citizens) first need a French long-stay visa (type D) from the French consulate nearest their most recent residence; those already resident in France over a year request a transfer at the French Embassy in Monaco.
• Home in Monaco: registered lease, notarised deed, or certificate of free accommodation from a close relative or partner; must suit the household.
• Proof of sufficient funds. Those not working, retired or supported must give a bank reference from a Monaco bank in the approved format, under 1 month old. The government sets no minimum; the bank decides. Monaco press reports a deposit of at least EUR 500,000 in practice. (EUR 500,000 a lump_sum)
• Criminal record extract under 3 months old from each country lived in during the 5 years before arrival.
• Birth certificate under 3 months old; signed declaration of honour; translations of documents not in French, English or Italian.

Not for

• Anyone who cannot secure Monaco housing (very expensive and scarce)
• People without a substantial Monaco bank relationship or local work
• Applicants under 16 (minors are covered through parents)

Where you apply

From home or inside the country. French type D visa at the French consulate with jurisdiction over your US state first. Then apply to the Residents Section of the Direction de la Sûreté Publique (in person, by post or online via MonGuichet.mc).

How long it takes

Not officially stated.

First permit

1 year (temporary card).

Renewal

Temporary card renewed yearly; ordinary card (3 years) after 3 years' residence; privileged card (10 years) after 10 years.

Longer term

Permanent residence after about 10 years.

Family

Each family member 16 and over needs their own card; spouse and children included in the household's accommodation and funds.