For years, obtaining an administrative document in Monaco involved a familiar ritual: visiting a tobacconist to buy a physical fiscal stamp (timbre fiscal), then queuing at a government counter. As of December 18, 2025, that era is officially over for residency certificates.
In a major leap forward for the Principality’s Extended Monaco program, the Government has launched a fully digital service for requesting, paying for, and downloading Administrative Residency Certificates.
This new system, accessible via the MonGuichet.mc portal, streamlines one of the most common bureaucratic tasks for residents. Whether you need to prove your residence to a foreign bank, a tax authority, or a local utility provider, the process is now paperless and instant.
Here is everything you need to know about the new system, how to use it, and what it means for your administrative status.
The Big Change: No More Fiscal Stamps
The headline feature of this update is the integration of online payments.
Previously, even if you started a request online, the system was disconnected from the payment mechanism. You typically had to purchase a physical stamp to validate the document. The new workflow, developed by the Public Security Directorate and the Digital Services Directorate, removes this friction.
- Before: Buy stamp -> Go to Public Security -> Submit -> Wait.
- Now (2026): Log in -> Request -> Pay Online -> Download.
This aligns with the broader push to modernize public services, following the successful digitalization of residency permit renewals and housing aid applications.
How to Get Your Certificate Online (Step-by-Step)
To access the service, you must be a resident of Monaco aged 18 or over.
1. Log in to MonGuichet.mc
You will need your MConnect digital identity. This is the secure login system linked to your residency card.
- Note: If you have not activated your digital identity yet, you can do so at the terminals in the Mairie or Public Security.
2. Select “Certificat de Résidence”
Navigate to the “Citizenship and Residency” section. You can request a certificate for:
- Administrative formalities: Standard proof of address.
- Tax formalities: Often required by foreign tax authorities (e.g., France or Italy) to prove you are tax-resident in Monaco.
3. Pay Online
The platform accepts standard credit cards. The fee is processed instantly, and you no longer need to scan or affix a fiscal stamp.
4. Download
Once approved (often instantly for standard requests), the certificate is available in your digital safe on MonGuichet. It features a digital signature that guarantees its authenticity.
The “Transition Period”: Digital vs. Paper
The Government has acknowledged that not every institution worldwide is ready for a digital-only document without a visible stamp. Therefore, a transitional period is currently in effect where two formats coexist.
| Feature | Digital Certificate (New) | Paper Certificate (Traditional) |
| How to get it | Online via MonGuichet.mc | In-person at the Residents Section |
| Fiscal Stamp | None (Paid online, no visual stamp) | Physical Stamp (Must be affixed) |
| Validity | Fully valid (Digital Seal) | Fully valid (Physical Seal) |
| Best For… | Speed, Banking, Utilities | Institutions requiring “wet ink” originals |
Important: Both versions are officially recognized by Monegasque authorities. If a foreign entity rejects the digital version because it lacks a “sticker,” you can still obtain the traditional paper version by visiting the Residents Section counter (9 rue Suffren-Reymond).
Why You Need This Certificate
For new residents, the importance of this document cannot be overstated. While your Carte de Résident allows you to cross the border, the Certificate of Residence is the standard proof required for:
- Banking Compliance: Monaco banks must regularly update their “Know Your Customer” (KYC) files. They will ask for a dated certificate less than 3 months old.
- Tax De-registration: If you are moving from a high-tax jurisdiction (like the UK or France), you will need this certificate to prove to your former country that you have effectively relocated.
- Administrative Renewal: It is often a required document when renewing your residency card or applying for a Certificat de Domicile.
Read more: If you are in the process of moving, ensure you understand the full Conditions for Obtaining Residency in Monaco before applying for these certificates.
FAQ: Online Residency Certificates
Q: Can I still get a paper certificate if I want one?
A: Yes. The traditional counter service at the Residents Section remains open. However, you must arrive with a physical fiscal stamp already purchased, as the desk does not sell them.
Q: Is the digital certificate accepted by French banks?
A: Legally, yes. The digital certificate has the same legal value as the paper one. However, during the transition period, some legacy institutions may be confused by the absence of a physical stamp. In these rare cases, you may prefer the paper route.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: The fee is equivalent to the standard fiscal stamp duty (typically a nominal administrative fee). The key benefit is that you pay the exact amount online without needing to find a vendor selling specific stamp denominations.
Q: Do I need a digital identity (MConnect) to use this?
A: Yes. To access the MonGuichet service securely, you must have activated the digital identity on your Residence Card or ID card.
New to the Principality? Ensure you are fully compliant with our Monaco Tax Calendar 2026 or explore the lifestyle benefits in our Cost of Living in Fontvieille Guide.