Monaco Golden Visa & Residency Program

Simply stated, a lifestyle that everyone dreams about but only the select can enjoy. Along the Côte d’Azur – better known as the French Riviera – Monaco is only 2 hours from Saint Tropez with stops in Nice and Cannes along the way and 40 minutes from the Italian border. Monaco is luxury in every dimension, enjoying an exceptional year-round climate, picturesque scenery, and upscale lifestyle. Known for the Formula 1 Grand Prix , Monaco caters to its wealthy population attending to their needs, dreams, goals, and desires with luxury hotels, designer shops, the highest-end properties, yachting and marina facilities, and beautiful beaches.

Unlike all other Golden Visa programs, the required minimum investment for Monaco is a bit complex and difficult to determine. However, it is very easy to provide that absolute bottom line that needs to be met prior to even considering Monaco as an option. A capital deposit of at least €500,000 is required to be made into a Monaco-based bank account – but the bank is free to require more. In reality, most applicants can expect to invest around €1,00,000 – with half used to purchase or rent a property.

You should opt for Monaco’s golden visa program if you want to benefit from an incredibly high-standard of living and advantageous tax obligations. Moreover, applications have the chance to invest in Monaco’s local property market, with fantastic potential for future returns.

Monaco is a micro-state within the EU, but is itself not an EU member. In addition, Monaco does not have an independent visa policy as it does not have its own airport. In order to enter Monaco, you must first enter France and then either cross into Monaco by land or by helicopter. Thus, Monaco has adopted the EU’s Schengen Zone entry policy. Which means, in order to enter Monaco, you must first be able to enter France. Beginning in 2025, the EU will be launching the ETIAS eVisa system requiring all third-country nationals to be pre-approved prior to entering France, and thus by default, Monaco. Monaco residents will be exempt from the ETIAS requirement.

Yes, residency in Monaco can become citizenship. You must maintain residency status for 10 years before applying for citizenship, however, Monaco does not recognize dual citizenship status and thus obtaining citizenship in Monaco requires renunciation of other citizenship.

Monaco is the only genuine tax haven in Europe. There is no personal income tax for nationals, legal residents, or foreigners with tax residence. In addition, locally registered businesses receive very favorable tax incentives and exemption, unless more than 25% of their revenue derives from outside the country. There are special tax implications and considerations for French citizens and residents.

Unlike all other Golden Visa programs, Monaco implements a 3-stage process: proof of accommodation, proof of wealth, and proof of good character. Accommodation can be a real estate purchase, renting a property, or even living with your family. Wealth is proven by a capital deposit into a Monaco bank of at least €500,000, but could be as much as €1,00,000. And character is a global background check spanning back 5 years.