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.
| Program Type | Golden Visa Program |
| Time to citizenship | At least 10 years |
| Time to permanent residency | 10 years |
| Minimum investment | EUR 500,000 |
| Physical presence requirement | None at temporary residency stage |
| Application processing time | 2-3 months |
| Citizenship grants visa-free travel to | 174 destinations, including Schengen countries and the US |
| Contribution types available | Property Investment, Bank Deposit |
General program requirements
To obtain a Monegasque Carte de Séjour, applicants must
Lease or purchase a property adequate to accommodate the family or the individual;
Demonstrate the disposal of funds sufficient to support themselves in Monaco by depositing EUR 500,000 in a local financial institution.
Program benefits
Requirements to qualify for citizenship
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.
Applications for this program may be directed to:
Legislation upon which this program is based:
Monaco law no° 1.144 of 26 July 1991
No statistics available yet for this program.
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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.
Programs that offer citizenship within months in exchange for investments or donations, with minor/no physical presence requirements.
Programs that offer citizenship in exchange for investments following a 1-2 year period, with minor/no physical presence requirements.
Bulgaria Investor Program (discontinued)
Malta MEIN
Programs that offer residence permits within months in exchange for passive investments, with limited physical presence requirements.
Andorra Residence Without Lucrative Activity
Anguilla Permanent Residency Program
Australia BIIP Investor Streams
Bahamas Economic Permanent Residence
Barbados SERP Program
Bermuda Economic Investment Certificate (EIC) Program
Brazil Investor Visa (VIPER)
Cambodia My 2nd Home
Cayman Islands Investor Visa
Colombia Investor Visas M and R
Costa Rica Investor Visa
Curaçao Investor Permit Program
Cyprus Golden Visa
Georgia Investor Visas
Greece Golden Visa
Guernsey Investor & Entrepreneur Residency
Ireland Immigrant Investor Program (discontinued)
Italy Investor Visa
Latvia Investor Visa
Luxembourg Investor Visa
Malaysia M2H Visa
Malta Permanent Residence Program
Mauritius Permanent Residency Program
Monaco Carte de Séjour
Netherlands Investor Visa
New Zealand Investor Visa
Nicaragua Investor Permanent Residency Program
Panama Qualified Investor Visa
Philippines Special Investor Residence Permit
Portugal Golden Visa
Russia Investor Visa
South Korea Investor Visa
Spain Golden Visa
Taiwan Golden Visa (APRC Plum Blossom Card)
Thailand Elite Residence Program
UAE Golden Visa
UK Investor Visa (discontinued)
United States EB-5
Programs that offer residence permits within months to those who can demonstrate income or personal wealth above a certain level, usually requiring that the holder not take up employment locally.
Argentina Rentista and Pensionado Residency
Austria Independent Means Visa
Barbados Welcome Stamp
Gibraltar Category 2 HNWI Residence
Greece FIP Visa
Indonesia Retirement Visa (KITAS)
Ireland Independent Means (Stamp 0)
Italy Elective Residency Visa
Jersey High Value Residency
Mexico Legal Residency Visa
Nicaragua Pensionado and Rentista Visas
Panama Rentista Retirado Visa
Paraguay Permanent Residency Program
Portugal D7 Visa
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
Uruguay Independent Means Visa
Programs that offer residence permits within months to those who physically relocate to start and/or run a business. Startup and entrepreneur visas fall under this category.
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