Monaco visa and residence guide

Monaco has no border controls with France and does not issue short-stay visas of its own. The Monaco government states that, for stays under three months, foreign nationals need the passport and, where applicable, the visa required to enter French territory. Nationals of countries outside the European Economic Area and associated states need a valid passport and a Schengen visa unless their nationality is exempt; the visa is requested from the embassy of the Schengen country that will be the point of entry into Europe. Once the Schengen visa is obtained, visiting Monaco requires no other formality.

Anyone aged 16 or over who wants to stay in Monaco more than three months a year or settle there must apply for a carte de séjour (residence card) to the Residents Section of the Public Security Department. Non-EEA nationals first need a long-stay establishment visa (type D) for Monaco from the French consulate nearest to their last home, or a residence transfer through the French Embassy in Monaco if they have lived in France for over a year.

Applicants must show suitable housing in Monaco, sufficient financial resources and good character. Employment requires the employer to obtain a hiring authorisation and work permit through the Employment Service, which gives priority to Monegasques, their families, residents and some neighbouring residents.