Monaco Residency and Citizenship: FAQ
Straight answers on cost, timing, family, tax and citizenship – and how Monaco compares with Malta and other European options.
Monaco offers residence, not citizenship. You must genuinely live there, the deposit and property costs are among the highest in the world, and naturalisation after 10 years requires giving up your other passport. If you want an EU passport and can keep your current one, look at Malta’s Citizenship by Merit framework.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy Monaco citizenship or residence?
No. Monaco has no citizenship-by-investment or golden-visa programme. It grants residence to people who make Monaco their home and can support themselves, and citizenship only by naturalisation.
How much money do I need to live in Monaco?
There is no legal minimum. Monaco banks commonly expect a deposit of around €500,000 before issuing the reference letter you need, and you must also buy or rent a home in Monaco.
Do I need to buy property in Monaco?
No. You can rent instead, on a lease of at least one year for a home suitable for your family. Rents for a small flat commonly start from about €3,000–5,000 a month.
Do I need a visa first?
Yes, if you are not an EU, EEA or Swiss national. You must first obtain a French long-stay visa before applying for the Monaco residence card.
How long does it take?
Once your file is complete, the residence card is usually issued within two to five months, plus the time needed for the French visa. Setting up a company takes longer.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Your spouse or partner and dependent children can live with you, and each family member aged 16 or over needs their own card. The home must suit the size of your family.
How long must I stay in Monaco each year?
There is no published day count, but you must genuinely live in Monaco. The authorities check this at renewal, and long absences can lead to refusal.
Do Monaco residents pay income tax?
Most do not. Monaco has no personal income tax, except for French nationals, who remain taxable in France. US citizens remain taxed by the US on worldwide income.
Can I become a Monaco citizen?
Only after ten years of residence from age 18, at the Prince’s discretion, and you must give up your other nationality. Naturalisation is rare.
Is Monaco in the EU or Schengen?
Monaco is not in the EU and not formally in Schengen, but it has open borders with France. Residents can make short visits to the Schengen Area of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Can you help me find a property in Monaco?
Yes. Fill in our property wish list and partner estate agents located in Monaco will send you homes to buy or rent that match your requirements.
I am a US citizen. Does Monaco make sense for me?
It can, for lifestyle and security, but not for tax: US citizens remain taxed by the US on worldwide income, and Monaco citizenship would require giving up your US passport. See our guidance for US citizens.
What is the alternative if I want an EU passport?
Malta. Malta’s Citizenship by Merit framework can lead to EU citizenship in about 12–16 months, assessed case by case, and Malta allows dual citizenship. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme gives EU residence with no published minimum stay.
Can you help with a job, a tourist visa or a student visa?
No. We advise only on residence and citizenship options.
Does Zenturo have an office in Monaco?
No. Zenturo is based in Malta. Monaco applications are handled with partner firms located in Monaco.
Monaco compared with other options
Amounts are minimums for a single applicant; government and professional fees are extra.
| Programme | Minimum cost | Status | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monaco residence | A Monaco home + bank deposit commonly around €500,000 | Residence; must live in Monaco | After 10 years; no dual citizenship |
| Malta Permanent Residence (MPRP) | €99,000 in government fees + property bought from €375,000 or rented from €14,000 a year | EU permanent residence | Via Citizenship by Merit or naturalisation; dual citizenship allowed |
| Malta Citizenship by Merit | Discretionary, assessed case by case | EU citizenship | About 12–16 months; dual citizenship allowed |
| Portugal Golden Visa | €500,000 fund or €250,000 cultural donation; no property | Renewable EU residence | After 10 years for most non-EU nationals |
| Greece Golden Visa | Property from €400,000 or €800,000 | EU residence, 5 years renewable | After 7 years living in Greece + Greek exam |
| Cyprus permanent residence | €300,000 + €50,000 annual income | EU permanent residence | After 7 of 10 years + B1 Greek |
Mainly after a low tax rate? Malta’s Global Residence Programme taxes foreign income brought into Malta at a flat 15%, with a minimum tax of €15,000 a year and a property bought from €275,000 or rented from €9,600 a year. From 1 January 2027 a new Individual Tax Programme replaces it (minimum tax €35,000; property €700,000 or €14,000 a year in rent); applications received by 31 December 2026 are expected to keep today’s terms until 2031. See Malta tax residence: the new rules.
Sources
- Monaco residence permits (Government of Monaco)
- Acquiring Monegasque nationality (Government of Monaco)
Checked November 2026. Programme rules and amounts change often; we confirm current figures in writing before you commit. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Talk to a licensed adviser
Tell us your goals and timeline. Monaco applications are handled with partner firms located in Monaco; Malta applications, including EU residence and citizenship, are handled by our own licensed team.
- Licensed in Malta: Zenturo Ltd. is a licensed agent (Residency Malta Agency licence RES-DALI), company C-39472.
- In business since 2006: one team from first question to approval.
- Fast replies: usually within one hour, by e-mail, phone, WhatsApp, Telegram or WeChat.