Passport of Monaco

A Monaco passport is not just a document that provides the opportunity for free movement, but also a symbol of status and privileges. It is made in dark red with gold elements. The coat of arms is located on the front side. The passport is valid for 5 years and contains biometric data that protects it from counterfeiting. Internal pages include watermarks and other security features.

Passport holders get access to a number of unique privileges that make life in the principality especially attractive. First of all, this is an unhindered journey through all visa-free countries of the Schengen area and free access to more than 170 countries around the world.

Citizenship allows you not only to live in one of the safest countries in the world, but also to conduct business. Another important privilege is the absence of income tax, which makes Monaco an attractive place for rich and successful people who want to keep their assets. Such conditions help to attract investors and a highly qualified workforce. Passport holders can count on access to high-quality infrastructure, which in turn makes their stay even more comfortable.

How to get a passport?

A Monaco passport can be obtained in the following ways:

1. By right of birth. The status is inherited from Monegasque parents. Children can also obtain citizenship from a mother who is not a native of the country, regardless of how she acquired this status herself (it does not apply to fathers). Adopted and adopted children, as well as those found on the territory who have reached the age of 21, also have the right to apply for a biometric passport.
2. Through marriage. Those who have become the official spouse of Monegasque and have been married for at least 20 years can also apply for a passport. This rule applies only to those who got married or got married after July 1, 2022. Otherwise, this period is reduced to 10 years, as in the case of naturalization.
3. By naturalization. Monaco does not grant citizenship through naturalization without meeting certain criteria. Candidates must demonstrate a close connection with the principality, which may include long-term residence and active participation in public life. You will also need to provide evidence of local integration, for example, long-term membership in local associations and clubs.

Additional features

Although an applicant for a Monaco passport must have lived in the country for at least ten years, exceptions are made for prominent cultural and sports figures.

The main requirements for candidates include:

• coming of age; 
• permanent residence in the principality; 
• economic self-sufficiency; 
• no criminal record.

The process of obtaining a passport for is complicated and requires serious preparation, but opens up extensive opportunities for its holders in the international arena. It consists of several steps:

The Law on the Citizenship of Monaco

Law No. 1.155 of December 18, 1992 establishes the criteria necessary for submitting applications, as well as describes the conditions and the registration process. The main provisions:

• acquisition of citizenship by birth occurs automatically and is transmitted from parents who are natives of the principality; 
• obtaining status through marriage is possible provided that it was not terminated at the time of filing the application; 
• as a result of the death of a Monegasque spouse, a foreigner has the right to apply provided that widowhood was not followed by remarriage; 
• if The applicant is a foreign woman with a Monegasque descendant, the transfer of citizenship to her children is automatic; 
• the need to live in the principality legally for at least 10 years (the prince can exempt a foreigner from this requirement at his discretion); 
• upon naturalization, the relocants must fulfill certain conditions, including exemption from military duty in another country, integration into the economic, social and cultural life of the principality; 
• registration of a double citizenship is not allowed (an exception is made only for Monegasque spouses).

Please note! 

In exceptional situations, the Prince may personally grant citizenship for outstanding services to the State, even if the applicant does not meet the above requirements.

Passport documents

You will need to provide:

• a foreign passport; 
• a document confirming legal stay in the country for a minimum period; 
• a marriage certificate and the birth of children, if necessary; 
• evidence of renunciation of previous citizenship; 
• a certificate of no criminal record; 
• letters of recommendation;
• bank statements.

All papers must necessarily be translated into French or English. If it is not possible to provide the originals, then they can be replaced with notarized copies.

How much does a Monaco passport cost?

It will not be possible to become a citizen for investments in 2024, since there is no such program in Monaco. But at the same time, you can purchase a residence permit, which opens the way to a passport. To do this, the applicant will need to invest a total of at least 2,000,000 euros. Investments can be directed to real estate, government bonds or a combination of them. In addition, applicants must not have criminal records, and must also confirm that they have sufficient financial resources to provide for themselves and their family.

The cost of a local passport depends on a number of factors. For applicants, the minimum capital must be at least 1,000,000 €, and the annual income must be at least 500,000 €. The relocator will also need to confirm that he is making a profit outside the principality. The minimum amount per adult is 3,000 €, and for each child – 1,500 €.

When submitting an application, a state fee of 250 € is charged for reviewing documents. In case of refusal, the funds will not be refunded, which is notified to the applicant in advance. It is worth taking into account additional costs, which include the costs of translation and registration of papers, legal services, etc.