Monaco residence permit: published requirements

Monaco's published ordinance describes who applies for a residence card, which documents support an application, and how card categories differ. It also states the issuing authority, duration rules, and renewal conditions.

Locator map showing the position of Monaco — Locator map of Monaco. Original drawing from Natural Earth public-domain boundary data.

Legal basis and authority

Monaco's Sovereign Ordinance No. 3.153 sets out conditions for foreign nationals' entry and stay in the Principality. It places the application process with the Directorate of Public Security, and the Director of Public Security issues the residence card.^[1]

The ordinance treats the card as a residence title that records public authority recognition of the holder's right to stay, subject to the ordinance's other provisions.

Entry and application requirements

A foreign national staying in Monaco for more than three months or establishing residence there must hold a valid passport or equivalent travel or identity document, with the stamps, visas, and authorizations that permit access, stay, or establishment in France, including Alpes-Maritimes. The ordinance separately states that French nationals need a French identity card.^[1]

Foreign nationals over 16 who are staying in the Principality must apply for a residence card within eight days of arrival. While an application is pending, the ordinance permits stay only with a valid provisional receipt for the application.^[1]

An applicant who has not already been admitted to reside must establish compliance with the entry-document requirements. The application includes civil-status information, information about a spouse and co-resident children where relevant, and evidence of housing, such as ownership, tenancy, or a hosting certificate.^[1]

For a first resident card, the ordinance specifies either a work permit or its provisional equivalent, or supporting documents showing sufficient means of subsistence if the applicant does not intend to work.

Card categories and durations

The ordinance describes temporary, ordinary, privileged, and spouse-of-a-Monegasque residence cards, with eligibility tied to residence duration or circumstances stated in the text.^[1]

A temporary resident card may be valid for up to one year. Its validity cannot exceed that of documents and visas required for entry and stay.^[1]
After more than three years' residence, an ordinary resident card may be granted for three years.^[1]
A foreign national married to a Monegasque national, after more than one year residing in Monaco, may be granted a spouse card valid for five years.^[1]
After at least ten years' residence, a privileged resident card may be granted, except in the cases addressed by Article 8.^[1]

Work, resources, and renewal

An ordinary resident card requires authorization from the competent authorities for employment or a professional, industrial, or commercial activity. For an applicant not planning professional activity, the ordinance instead requires sufficient resources.^[1]

A temporary card may be renewed only if the holder continues to meet the conditions for that card. An ordinary card may be renewed on request if the holder continues to meet the resource or professional-activity conditions; the renewal request is due in the month before expiry and must report changes in the holder's situation.^[1]

The privileged card's ten-year residence period is reduced to one year for a foreign father or mother of a Monegasque child, and for a woman who lost Monegasque nationality through marriage. The privileged card follows an administrative inquiry into whether residence is effective and into the person's profession or means of support; its renewal follows the ordinary-card renewal rule.^[1]

Family, stay duties, and status limits

Foreign nationals must be able to present the documents authorizing their stay when competent authorities request them. An expired card, or a card held by someone who no longer meets the entry requirements, is invalid under the ordinance. A person leaving Monaco must return the residence title eight days before departure and receives a certificate recording the stay.^[1]

Monaco residence cards are immigration permits, separate from permanent residence and citizenship. The privileged resident card is valid for ten years.^[1]

Questions and answers

Which office handles a Monaco residence-card application?

Applications are filed with the Directorate of Public Security. The Director of Public Security issues the residence card.^[1]

When does a foreign national apply for a residence card?

A foreign national over 16 who is staying in Monaco must apply within eight days of arrival. While waiting, the ordinance requires a valid provisional receipt for the application to stay in the Principality.^[1]

What documents support a first resident-card request?

The ordinance lists a work permit or provisional equivalent, or supporting documents for sufficient means if the applicant does not intend to work. The application also includes civil-status and housing information.^[1]

How long is a temporary residence card valid?

The card can be valid for up to one year. It cannot outlast the documents and visas required for entry and stay.^[1]

What residence periods appear for the other card categories?

An ordinary resident card may follow more than three years of residence, while a privileged resident card may follow at least ten years, subject to the stated exceptions. A qualifying spouse of a Monegasque national may receive a five-year card after more than one year residing in Monaco.^[1]

Does the ordinance publish a fixed card fee?

It states that a card-issuance fee is payable, with the amount to be fixed by ministerial order.^[1]

Related glossary terms

Residence by investment: Residence by investment links an investment to residence status or a permit. Each country sets its own investment rules, as well as income and family rules.