Monaco Residency Requirements for UK Citizens in 2026

The Short Answer: Since Brexit, UK citizens are considered non-EU nationals. To gain residency in Monaco in 2026, you must first obtain a Type D Long-Stay Visa from the French Consulate in the UK. Once this visa is approved, you can enter Monaco to apply for your residence card (Carte de Séjour). You must prove you have suitable accommodation in the Principality and sufficient financial resources (typically a minimum bank deposit of €500,000).

Moving to Monaco offers an incredible lifestyle and fiscal benefits, but the application process for British citizens has become more complex. You can no longer simply arrive and apply. The process now requires coordination between French authorities in London and Monegasque authorities in the Principality.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the specific requirements for UK applicants in 2026.

The Post-Brexit Reality

Before you look at apartments, you must understand the legal framework. Monaco does not have its own visa-issuing embassies. It relies on France for initial border access.

As a UK citizen, you cannot use your standard 90-day tourist allowance to begin residency proceedings. You must apply for a specific entry visa while you are still resident in the UK.

Requirement 1: The French Long-Stay Visa

This is the first and most critical step. You must apply to the French Consulate in London (often handled by a contracted service partner like TLScontact) for a long-stay visa marked “for Monaco.”

The Visa Type: You need a national ‘Type D’ visa.
Processing Time: This can take between 1 and 4 months, depending on the backlog.
The Rule: You must have this visa stamped in your passport before you officially move your belongings to Monaco.

For a broader overview of this process for all non-EU nationals, see our general guide: Moving to Monaco in 2026: The Residency Checklist.

Requirement 2: Proof of Accommodation

Monaco authorities need to ensure you have a suitable place to live. You cannot apply using a hotel address or a short-term Airbnb rental.

You must provide one of the following:

Ownership Deed: Proof that you have purchased a property in Monaco.
Rental Lease: A registered lease agreement for a minimum of 12 months.
Corporate Housing: Proof you are staying in an apartment owned by a company you control.

Note on Size: The accommodation must be deemed “sufficient” for your family size. A family of four trying to register in a studio apartment will likely be rejected. Many UK families look to areas like Fontvieille for larger apartment layouts. You can read more in our Fontvieille Neighborhood Guide.

Requirement 3: Financial Self-Sufficiency

You must prove to the Monaco Government that you can support yourself without working in the Principality (unless you already have a job contract lined up).

The Bank Account: You must open a personal account with a bank in Monaco.
The Deposit: The legal minimum deposit to secure a “bank attestation letter” is €500,000 per main applicant.
The Reality: Many top-tier private banks in Monaco now prefer clients who can deposit closer to €1 million to open a relationship.

Requirement 4: Good Character Reference

You must prove you have no serious criminal background. UK citizens need to provide an ACRO Police Certificate. This certificate must be issued within the last three months before your final interview in Monaco.

Need Help Navigating the Bureaucracy?

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The process of coordinating a French visa application from London while securing a lease and bank account in Monaco is complex. One paperwork error can cause months of delays.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I spend 90 days in Monaco as a tourist without a visa?

Yes. UK citizens can spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area (including Monaco) as tourists. However, you cannot use this tourist status to apply for residency.

Will I pay tax on my UK income?

Monaco does not levy personal income tax on its residents. However, you must ensure you have correctly become non-resident in the UK for tax purposes. We strongly recommend seeking specialist tax advice in both the UK and Monaco.

How long does the residence card last?

Your first card is a “Carte de Séjour Temporaire” valid for 12 months. You must renew it annually for the first three years. After that, you may be eligible for a three-year card.

Do I need to speak French?

No. You do not need to pass a language test to obtain the initial temporary residence cards.