Arrival in Monaco

Prepare a valid passport or identity card, civil-status documents and a criminal-record extract issued less than three months ago by each relevant country of residence during the previous five years. Documents may require an apostille or legalisation and a translation. You also need evidence of your purpose in Monaco, registered accommodation or ownership, and sufficient financial resources. Short stays follow the France and Schengen framework under the Franco-Monegasque Neighbourhood Agreement of 18 May 1963. Visa-free entry to France generally permits visa-free entry to Monaco, and a valid Schengen residence permit permits entry. A Schengen visa issued for France can also cover a stay in Monaco. When Monaco is the main destination, the French consulate handles the Schengen visa application. A short-stay or tourist visa does not establish a right to settle. For a long stay, apply through the French consulate in your country of residence. The application is forwarded to Monaco and the residence procedure continues after approval by the Monegasque authorities. A non-EEA national must obtain a French visa d’établissement for Monaco before applying for a Monegasque residence permit. EEA nationals, Swiss nationals and Andorran nationals generally present a valid identity card or passport before starting the Monaco procedure. Foreign nationals aged 16 or over who intend to stay in Monaco for more than three months need a carte de séjour, meaning a residence card that proves the right to stay and serves as the physical carrier for digital identity. The Service des Résidents of the Division de la Police Administrative at the Direction de la Sûreté Publique handles the procedure at 3 rue Louis Notari. Start the application after securing accommodation and financial support, and complete the required establishment visa procedure first when it applies. The supporting evidence depends on the reason for moving. Employment normally requires an employment contract approved by the Service de l’Emploi. A business applicant provides confirmation of a company or business-creation application and an account statement showing at least one account in Monaco. A person without employment provides confirmation from a Monegasque bank that sufficient funds are available. A sponsor provides a prise en charge together with proof of resources, identity and residence status. A student provides a certificat de scolarité and proof of resources. Accommodation evidence must match the actual arrangement. An owner provides an acte or certificat de propriété showing the number of rooms. A tenant provides a lease registered with a Monegasque authority. A person staying free of charge provides a certificat d’hébergement gratuit from the host through the Service des Résidents, together with the host’s lease or ownership document and identity or residence card. The first temporary residence card normally covers up to one year. After more than three years of residence, a resident ordinary card valid for three years may be possible. A spouse of a Monegasque national may qualify for a five-year carte conjoint de Monégasque after more than one year of residence. After at least ten years of residence, a ten-year resident privileged card may be possible. These categories do not arise automatically from accommodation; access also depends on work authorisation, financial resources and effective residence. The latest fee schedule located for these procedures dates from 2021 and lists EUR 80 for a first temporary card and EUR 40 for renewal, EUR 100 and EUR 50 for a first ordinary card and renewal, EUR 160 and EUR 80 for a first privileged card and renewal, and EUR 80 and EUR 40 for a first spouse card and renewal. A duplicate costs EUR 80, a change of address, civil status or family status costs EUR 30, and late renewal costs EUR 50. Processing times are not published as one uniform period and depend on the dossier and appointment, so verify fees and timing before applying. Report a change of address or status within eight days and return the card when leaving Monaco. False declarations can lead to criminal consequences. A certificate of residence is different from a residence card and may be used for administrative or tax purposes with the card and supporting evidence, commonly involving more than 183 days per year or the person’s main activity or centre of interests. The Monaco Welcome & Business Office provides practical assistance for private and professional relocation and connects applicants with public and private services. It is located at 9 rue du Gabian in Fontvieille and can be contacted at +377 98 98 98 98 or welcome.business@gouv.mc. MonGuichet.mc provides digital administrative services. Do not begin paid work until the appropriate authorisation or work permit has been arranged through the Service de l’Emploi. Children aged six to sixteen of parents or guardians resident or regularly established in Monaco are subject to schooling requirements. Applications for state or contracted private schools can be made through MonGuichet, a teleservice or on paper, with documents such as identity or residence evidence, a birth certificate and vaccination or school records. CHPG Accident and Emergency provides medical care around the clock. Routine care normally requires an appointment, and the cost depends on coverage through CCSS, CAMTI, SPME, an international agreement, private insurance or self-payment. A new arrival does not automatically receive free healthcare. Medical emergencies use 15, police 17, fire and European emergency services 18 or 112, and duty doctors or pharmacies 141. Most international arrivals use Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in France and continue by road, airport bus, SNCF train to Monaco-Monte-Carlo, taxi or helicopter. Check French entry requirements before continuing to Monaco. Within Monaco, CAM buses, Monapass and Monaco-Monte-Carlo station support everyday travel. Normal residence generally means at least 185 days per year; for card holders, the relevant period for driving purposes starts on the 186th day after arrival. An eligible foreign driving licence must usually be exchanged for a Monegasque licence within one year after acquiring normal residence, otherwise it may no longer be valid for driving there.