Residence Permit for Persons Without Professional Activity

Monaco's residence permit for persons without professional activity allows financially independent foreign nationals to live in the Principality without engaging in any local employment. The program targets retirees, pensioners, and individuals living on investment returns, rental income, or savings. Monaco has long attracted high-net-worth residents thanks to its absence of personal income tax, favourable climate, and security. There is no fixed minimum income requirement — instead, applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources through a bank reference from a Monaco-based bank.

• Valid passport or identity card (non-EEA nationals must first obtain a French long-stay visa type D)
• Bank reference from a Monaco bank (less than 1 month old) confirming sufficient funds
• Proof of accommodation in Monaco (ownership deed, rental contract of at least 12 months, or certificate of free accommodation from a relative)
• Criminal records extract from each country of residence during the past 5 years (less than 3 months old)
• Proof of health insurance covering the stay in Monaco
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required
• Minimum age of 16 (children under 16 receive a circulation document)

• Valid passport or identity card (with French long-stay visa type D for non-EEA nationals)
• Birth certificate (less than 3 months old)
• Criminal records extract from each country of residence in the past 5 years
• Proof of accommodation (ownership deed, rental contract, or certificate of free accommodation plus latest electricity bill)
• Bank reference from a Monaco bank confirming sufficient funds, and/or pension proof
• Declaration of honour form
• Marriage certificate if applicable
• Coloured passport photograph

The permit follows a three-stage progression:

• Temporary resident card: Valid for up to 1 year, renewable twice
• Ordinary resident card: Issued after 3 years of continuous residence, valid for 3 years
• Privileged resident card: Issued after 10 years of continuous residence, valid for 10 years

Renewal applications must be submitted during the month before the card expires. A late renewal surcharge of EUR 50 applies. The authorities verify actual presence through utility consumption records and financial activity.

Each family member aged 16 or over must apply for their own residence permit individually, subject to the same conditions. Children under 16 receive a circulation document rather than a residence permit. A spouse or close relative may serve as a financial guarantor by providing a signed letter of support and their own financial documentation. Accommodation must be of sufficient size for the household.

Monaco levies no personal income tax, no wealth tax, no capital gains tax, and no property tax on individuals. However, French nationals who established residence in Monaco after 13 October 1957 remain subject to French income tax under the 1963 Franco-Monegasque Tax Convention. Inheritance and gift taxes apply only to assets situated within Monaco. After approximately one year of residence, residents may obtain a tax residency certificate (EUR 600), which requires residing in Monaco for more than 183 days per year or demonstrating that Monaco is the centre of economic interests.

Holders may not engage in any professional or employment activity in Monaco. Separate work authorisation from the Direction du Travail is required for any local employment.

Processing time: Approximately 3 months

Fees: Initial temporary resident card EUR 80; renewal EUR 40; first ordinary card EUR 100; renewal EUR 50; first privileged card EUR 160; renewal EUR 80

Non-EEA nationals must first obtain a French long-stay visa (visa D) from a French consulate, as Monaco's immigration system is linked to France's. EEA nationals may apply directly without a visa.

Applications can be submitted online via the MonServicePublic portal or in person at the Residency Section, 9 rue Suffren-Reymond, Monaco. Online applicants submit digitised documents and are called for an interview with originals. Following approval, applicants receive a second appointment for registration and card issuance.