Moving to the Principality is not just about wealth. It is about bureaucracy. For citizens of the UK, USA, Dubai, or Asia, the process involves a specific “double-application” with both French and Monegasque authorities.
Use this checklist to navigate the 2026 requirements without delays.
How to obtain Monaco residency as a Non-EU citizen?
The Short Answer: To become a resident of Monaco in 2026 as a non-EU citizen, you must complete four main steps. First, obtain a Type D Long-Stay Visa from the French consulate in your current country. Second, secure a qualifying property in Monaco (rental or purchase). Third, deposit a minimum of €500,000 into a Monaco bank to prove financial self-sufficiency. Finally, pass the official residency interview with the Sûreté Publique.
Here’s the more detailed step-by-step guide.
Step 1: The French Long-Stay Visa
This is the step most people overlook. Because Monaco does not have its own border control (it relies on France), you cannot just fly to Nice and apply for residency.
Non-EU citizens must first apply for a Type D Visa for Monaco at the French embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
- What to ask for: A “Visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour” marked for Monaco.
- Timeline: This process can take 3 to 4 months. Do not cancel your current lease until this is approved.
- Exceptions: If you have already lived in France for more than one year, you may be able to transfer your residency directly without returning home.
Step 2: Securing Qualifying Housing
You cannot apply for a visa without a place to live. You must prove you have accommodation in Monaco that is large enough for your family size.
You have three options:
- Buy a Property: You must hold the title deed. (See our guide on the Benefits of Buying Property in Monaco).
- Rent an Apartment: You must sign a lease for a minimum of 12 months.
- Corporate Ownership: You can live in a property owned by a company, provided you are the beneficial owner.
Expert Note: The “Bedroom Rule” is strict. If you are a couple with two children, a one-bedroom apartment will be rejected. You need appropriate square footage. For families, we recommend looking at the Larvotto Neighborhood for space, or Moneghetti for value.
Step 3: The Bank Deposit (The €500k Reality)
To prove you will not be a burden on the state, you must open a bank account in Monaco and deposit a minimum sum.
- The Official Minimum: €500,000.
- The Practical Reality: While €500k is the legal floor, many top-tier private banks in Monte Carlo now require €1 million to €2 million to open a relationship with non-residents.
- The Letter: The bank will issue a “Attestation Bancaire” confirming you have the funds. You need this specific document for your residency application.
Step 4: The Official Interview
Once you arrive in Monaco with your visa and housing contract, you will apply for the Carte de Résidente at the Sûreté Publique (Police). You will be summoned for an interview.
What they check:
- Criminal History: You must provide a clean police record from the last 5 years of residency.
- Professional Background: They verify the source of your wealth.
- Intent: They want to ensure you actually plan to live in Monaco (minimum 3 months a year for the first card).
Need Help Navigating the Process?
Free Introduction to Trusted Specialists
Moving to Monaco requires coordination between immigration lawyers, bankers, and real estate agents. One mistake in the paperwork can delay your move by six months.
We do not sell services, but we know the people who do. We can introduce you to verified English-speaking experts who handle:
- Visa & Residency Applications
- Bank Account Opening (with known deposit limits)
- School Admissions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a small studio to get residency?
Technically, yes, if you live alone. However, if you apply for residency for a family of four using a 25sqm studio, your application will be rejected for “insufficient accommodation.”
Do I pay tax on my income once I move?
Monaco has 0% personal income tax on worldwide income. Note that US citizens are still taxed on their worldwide income by the IRS, regardless of where they live.
How long is the first residency card valid for?
The first card (“Temporaire”) is valid for 1 year. You must renew it annually for 3 years. After that, you can upgrade to a 3-year card (“Ordinaire”).
Is the €500,000 deposit frozen?
No. You must show the funds to get the bank letter, but you can invest that capital into assets (stocks, funds) within the bank. It does not need to sit in cash, but it must remain within the bank’s ecosystem.
Here’s the visualized checklist
