Monaco, the sovereign city-state on the French Riviera, is considered one of the most attractive destinations worldwide for high-net-worth individuals. The Principality is unbeatable for those seeking an exclusive and sunny Mediterranean environment, safety, a luxury lifestyle and, of course, an advantageous tax system.

We frequently receive inquiries from clients who express interest in “getting Monaco citizenship” when, in reality, they are often seeking the right to reside in Monaco. This confusion typically arises because “residence” and “citizenship” are distinct legal statuses.

Below, we explain the difference and outline how to first become a resident of Monaco, then eventually apply for Monegasque nationality if you so desire.

Citizenship vs. Residence

In Monaco, as in most countries, citizenship (or nationality) means having a Monaco passport and the full legal rights of a Monegasque national. By contrast, residence simply means having the right to live in Monaco on an ongoing basis.

Most individuals considering a move to Monaco will start with a residence permit. Holding this permit allows you to remain in the Principality, benefit from its tax advantages, enjoy the local lifestyle, and establish your base here. However, it does not automatically grant you the Monaco passport or full political rights.

If you have no family ties or other links to Monaco, you usually need to reside in Monaco for at least 10 years before you can request Monegasque citizenship via naturalization.

How to Become a Resident of Monaco

To become a resident of Monaco, you must obtain a valid carte de séjour (residence permit). There are several pathways: through employment in the Principality, setting up a business, demonstrating sufficient financial resources, or investing in local banks or real estate.

Once you hold a residence permit, you can live in Monaco and enjoy the advantages of its fiscal framework, such as the absence of personal income tax for most foreign nationals. Moreover, holding a valid residence card is key if you wish to be considered a tax resident of Monaco, which typically requires:

• Spending more than 183 days per year in Monaco, or
• Establishing your primary economic interests in Monaco (e.g., owning a business, significant investment, or other substantial ties).

The Monegasque authorities can issue a tax residence certificate (certificat à des fins de formalités fiscales) to individuals who meet these criteria. This document is particularly useful when you have ties or assets in other countries and need to prove your tax residence in Monaco. Note that French nationals remain subject to specific rules due to bilateral agreements.

In practice, building stronger economic and personal links in Monaco (such as buying real estate, placing funds in Monegasque banks, or enrolling children in local schools) can further support your application and may allow you to spend fewer than 183 days without jeopardizing your tax residency status—provided that you do not exceed 183 days in any other single jurisdiction.

Ways to Obtain Monaco’s Citizenship

Although many people refer to this status informally as “citizenship,” Monaco’s legal framework uses the term “nationality.” You are recognized as a Monegasque national if you hold the Monaco passport and enjoy the corresponding civic rights. Acquiring Monegasque nationality is limited to specific paths:

Paternal Link

Children born to a Monegasque father acquire Monegasque nationality at birth.

Maternal Link

Children may acquire Monegasque nationality if:

• They are born in Monaco to unknown parents.
• Their mother was a Monegasque national at the time of birth and was herself born in Monaco.
• Their mother and maternal ascendants were born in Monaco and held Monegasque nationality.
• Their mother acquired Monegasque nationality by naturalization, reintegration, or declaration of option.
• Their mother acquired Monegasque nationality by declaration following a simple adoption.

Marriage

An individual married to a Monegasque national does not automatically obtain Monegasque nationality. However, the foreign spouse may apply for nationality by declaration after 10 years from the date of marriage, provided:

• The marital relationship is ongoing at the time of application (except in widowhood cases without remarriage).
• The spouse did not previously acquire Monegasque nationality via an earlier marriage.
• The Monegasque partner has retained his/her nationality at the time of application.

Naturalization

We arrive now at the part that is likely to be most relevant to you: acquiring Monegasque nationality through naturalization. This is the primary pathway for foreigners without family ties to Monaco to become Monegasque nationals and obtain a Monaco passport.

It is important to understand that naturalization is not automatic and involves meeting a series of requirements, as well as being subject to the final decision of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco.

To be eligible to apply for Monegasque nationality through naturalization, the following conditions must be met:

• Residency Requirement: You must have legally resided in Monaco for at least 10 consecutive years as a holder of a valid residence permit (carte de séjour). This period is calculated starting from the date your residence in Monaco was officially established.
• Demonstration of Integration: You should demonstrate a strong connection to Monaco, including familiarity with its language, culture, and way of life. While there is no formal test, the authorities may evaluate your level of integration during the application process.
• Renunciation of Previous Nationality: Most applicants are required to renounce their previous nationality as part of the naturalization process, as Monaco typically does not allow dual citizenship. However, there are exceptions depending on your country of origin, so it is advisable to consult a professional to clarify your specific case.
• Military Obligations: You must provide confirmation of exemption from any military obligations in your country of origin. This ensures that there are no conflicts of legal duty when transitioning to Monegasque nationality.
• Good Character and Standing: Applicants should have a clean criminal record and demonstrate good moral character. Any legal or financial issues in Monaco or abroad could impact your application.
• Economic Stability: Although not formally listed as a requirement, having stable financial resources and maintaining a strong economic presence in Monaco (e.g., owning property, investments, or a business) will significantly strengthen your application.

What Is the Process to Get Monaco Citizenship?

When applying for Monegasque nationality, the formal application is submitted to the Directorate of Judicial Services. This authority examines each case, verifying that all the legal requirements are met, and then issues a report to the Sovereign Prince. The Prince makes the final decision, which may be favorable or unfavorable.

Before a favorable Sovereign Ordinance is published, the French authorities are usually consulted. In all cases, you must first hold a valid Monaco residence card for at least 10 years (unless you qualify by birth, marriage, or other avenues mentioned above).

It is important to note that naturalization is not a right but a privilege granted at the sole discretion of the Sovereign Prince. Even if all the conditions are met, the Prince retains the final say and may approve or deny your request without providing a specific explanation. This underscores the exclusivity of Monegasque nationality.

However, many applicants successfully achieve Monegasque nationality each year, particularly those who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to living in Monaco and contributing to its society and economy.

The process can take time, and applicants are advised to maintain their residency and integration efforts throughout the review period.

Expiration and Limitations

Monegasque nationality, once obtained, is typically valid for life and does not expire.

Generally, applicants are required to renounce their previous citizenship as part of the naturalization process, as Monaco does not typically allow dual citizenship. However, there are exceptions; for instance, after ten years of marriage to a Monegasque national, a foreign spouse may acquire Monegasque nationality and retain their original citizenship.

It’s important to note that in such cases, the acquired Monegasque nationality cannot be passed on to the children of the applicant. Given these nuances, it’s advisable to consult with legal experts or official government resources to understand how these regulations may apply to individual circumstances.

Thinking of starting a new life in Monaco?

MonacoAdvisers has guided numerous clients in relocating to Monaco and applying for nationality. Our presence and connections in the Principality enable us to handle residence and citizenship matters efficiently and discreetly. We help identify the best strategies for obtaining and maintaining residence, and if desired, we assist in navigating the naturalization process.

If you have any questions or would like tailored advice on moving to Monaco, please reach out at [email protected] or use our contact form. We also invite you to download our free report, “The Definitive Guide to Living in Monaco,” which provides more in-depth information on tax considerations, residency requirements, and the overall lifestyle in this exceptional Principality.

Sources:

• https://monservicepublic.gouv.mc/en/themes/nationality-and-residency/residency/new-entrants/how-to-apply-for-a-residence-permit
• https://monservicepublic.gouv.mc/en/themes/nationality-and-residency/monegasque-nationality/acquisition-and-loss-of-nationality/acquiring-monegasque-nationality
• https://monacodc.org/usafaq.htm
• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/Monaco.html