Unlocking the Path to Monaco: Navigating the Golden Visa, Residency, and Citizenship Process

Services Capstone
Feb 10
4 min read

Monaco, with its favorable tax laws and vibrant culture is a principality that attracts many qualified applicants and their families thanks to its prestige, exclusivity, and low-tax regime, in addition to its reputation as one of the globe's most stable and safe places to grow both ones' family and familial wealth. However, the journey to obtaining a Monaco Golden Visa, securing residency and later, citizenship, is one that may be difficult to manage.

Our immigration services take care of this process for you, including assisting relocation to Monaco, a prestigious postcode along the French Riviera, synonymous with the world's wealthy and e

Our immigration services include assisting relocation to Monaco, a prestigious postcode along the French Riviera, synonymous with the world's wealthy and elite. Our "Monaco Golden Visa" program can help applicants unlock tax benefits such as zero personal tax (levied only under very specific circumstances), zero capital gains tax for non-French residents, as well as access to future forward family planning, spanning world-class education and healthcare systems, all within a safe, and politically stable environment.

Navigating the Golden Visa, residency, and citizenship process in Monaco can be intricate. This is where professional guidance becomes invaluable. Our migration services include assisting relocation to Monaco, a prestigious postcode along the French Riviera, synonymous with the world's wealthy, elite and notoriously exclusive.

Understanding the Monaco Golden Visa

The Monaco Golden Visa isn't a formal program like those in other countries. Instead, it entails making a significant investment in Monaco. To secure residency, you need to demonstrate your commitment to living in Monaco. This can be accomplished by:

Leasing or Purchasing Real Estate: The minimum investment in property is approximately €500,000, but many opt for upscale properties costing several million euros to access the exclusive parts of the principality.

--> They may show that they have a rental agreement (12 months minimum) or alternatively, are a property owner in the principality or a director of a company that owns Monaco property.
Proving Financial Self-Sufficiency: You must show that you can support yourself financially without relying on the local economy.

--> This may be a bank account certificate issued by a Monegasque bank confirming that the individual holds a balance of at least EUR500,00 in their Monaco bank account.

--> Such amount is to be renewed every year for the first three years of living in Monaco, and then subsequently renewed every three years.
Person of Good Character: A clean criminal record is required.

The Residency Process

Securing residency in Monaco involves a series of steps where we work with Monaco professionals through our global legal and accounting networks to expedite the process:

Find Accommodation: Identify a suitable lease or purchase option. Given Monaco's competitive real estate market, collaborating with a local real estate agent can help you secure the best deal.
Gather Required Documents: Collect essential documents which include a valid passport, birth certificate, proof of financial independence, and a criminal record check from your home country.
Submit Application: Send your application to the Monaco authorities after compiling your documents. Processing time can span months (typically around 6), so we advise all documents to be prepared so as to avoid delays and requests for further information.
Personal Interview: A personal interview with government officials will assess your intentions and capability to maintain residency.
Approval: Once approved, you will receive a residency card valid for one year, with the ability to renew it.

Costs Associated with Obtaining Residency

While the property investment is the most significant expense, other costs require consideration:

Application Fees: Typically range from €500 to €2,000, depending on the complexity of your application.
Real Estate Taxes: If you're purchasing property, be aware of notary fees and property transfer taxes, which can total up to 7.5% of the property's value.

Monegasque Citizenship

For residency to progress to citizenship, a period of ten (10) years continuous residence is required (the Applicant need only live there for three months of the year). The applicant may be required to apply directly to the Sovereign Prince of Monaco and renounce all alternate nationalities.

Residency Duration: You must reside in Monaco for a minimum of ten consecutive years before applying for citizenship. When this time has lapsed, the applicant can apply directly to the Sovereign Prince of Monaco and renounce all alternate nationalities.
Financial Stability: Applicants must prove their ability to support themselves and contribute actively to the local economy. This entails presenting evidence such as employment contracts or business ownership.
Proficiency in French: A typically overlooked requirement is passing a French language examination to prove intent to assimilate to the local environment and establish Monaco as your future home.
Clean Criminal Record: The Monaco government conducts thorough checks to ensure all candidates meet their standards.
Application Submission: Submit your detailed application to the Monaco government and be prepared for a potentially lengthy review process.

Final Thoughts

Pursuing a Monaco Golden Visa, residency, and potentially citizenship offers the chance for an extraordinary life in one of the world's most exclusive locations. By familiarizing yourself with each step, sidestepping common pitfalls, and enlisting our professional support, you can create your dream retirement life in this luxurious principality.