Monaco Residency: Official Confirmation for British Applicants

Up until 31 December 2020, the application process for Monaco Residency for British Nationals was made directly to the Residency Department of the Monaco Police. There was no need for a French visa to be obtained by British applicants prior to starting the Monaco residency process.

Important change post-Brexit

An official communication has recently been issued via the Monaco Government's website confirming that, from 1 January 2021, a long stay visa will now be required for British applicants, who form part of the 'Non-EEA Nationals' category.

In practice, British applicants must now first apply for a French long stay visa (type D) through the French Embassy of their country of residence. Once this has been issued, they may then proceed to apply for Monaco residency via the same process as for EEA and Swiss nationals.

The process of obtaining the visa usually takes around four months from the date of application. From collection of the visa, the process to obtaining the resident card usually takes another eight to ten weeks.

Additionally, the Government communication indicates that the visa requirement applies to new applicants even if they have family members already residing in Monaco.

British Tax Year

Whilst this may come as disappointing news for prospective British applicants, it might still be possible to achieve a cessation of UK tax resident status by the end of the UK tax year, 5 April 2021, if it is intended to become Monaco resident. This will require careful planning and anyone to whom this situation applies is therefore advised to contact us as soon as possible for guidance.

At Moores Rowland in Monaco, we have the expertise and experience to advise and support you throughout the Monaco residency application process and beyond. We will be pleased to assist you.

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts:

Andrew Tailby-Faulkes, Group CEO - andrew.faulkes@mri.mc or +377 607 93 27 91

Mary-Rose McLean, Head of Legal, Corporate and Yachting Services - mary-rose.mclean@mri.mc or +377 97 97 00 67

Laetitia Mikail-Capparelli, International Legal Consultant - laetitia.mikail@mri.mc or +377 97 97 00 51

Frederic Mege, Director, Monaco - frederic.mege@mri.mc or +377 97 97 00 64