
The 5 Most Exclusive Residency Programs in Europe
Strict policies, annual quotas, and high financial demands make these residency options the hardest to secure in Europe.
An Independent Means/Golden Visa hybrid “program,” Monaco’s Carte de Séjour is essentially available to anyone the local government deems a “good fit” for the Principality.
Beyond being of demonstrably good character, having an education, and generally having good intentions in Monaco, being a good fit means being able to afford life in the exclusive city-state. Monegasque authorities ask that applicants deposit half a million euros in a local financial institution to demonstrate sufficient means to reside in Monte Carlo.
Though Monaco does offer a path to citizenship, dual citizenship is not permitted.
To obtain a Monegasque Carte de Séjour, applicants must:
After completing the application for a Carte de Séjour, the applicant must make the bank deposit, obtain a lease or title deed for the residential property, and a clean criminal clearance certificate. The applicant must further take an interview with a public official, the purpose of which is to determine the applicant’s suitability as a resident of Monaco, taking into account educational background, business experience, and plans as a Monaco resident.
The first residency card is the “Carte de Séjour” and is valid for 1 year. The applicant needs to renew the permit three times before he can apply for the “Carte de Resident Ordinaire,” which has a validity of three years.
After completing the 10th year of residency, the applicant may apply for permanent residency, “Carte de Privilege,” which is granted at the discretion of the Monaco authorities. Applicants may be required to speak at least two languages (English, French and/or Italian) and have spent 6 months per year within the country during the years preceding the application.
The resident is eligible to apply for naturalization after the 10th year of residency. The request for citizenship is sent directly to the Prince who alone can grant or deny it. Monaco does not recognize dual citizenship.
Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.
Applications for this program may be directed to Direction de la Sûreté Publique.
Legislation upon which this program is based Monaco law no° 1.144 of 26 July 1991.

Strict policies, annual quotas, and high financial demands make these residency options the hardest to secure in Europe.

Wealthy Britons, now third-country nationals as far as the EU is concerned, are increasingly moving to Monaco. That comes with a “residency risk”, writes Michel Soler.

The Principality of Monaco offers unequaled and stable benefits to potential residents, thanks to its financial robustness and its strict budgetary discipline.
See more statistics on this program and others in the IMI Data Center.