It is unlikely that Hollywood star Grace Kelly had trouble receiving Monégasque citizenship when she and Prince Rainier III got married in 1956. That was an extraordinary occasion, though. Other people go to great lengths to get the Monégasque passport. You have to wait and pray that Prince Albert II, the son of the Oscar-winning actress, agrees to accept you as his subject. We will tell you who can become a citizen of Monaco and how to do it.
The Principality of Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world after the Vatican, but also the most densely populated one. Located on the coast of the Ligurian Sea, the state covers just over two square kilometres and is home to almost 40,000 residents. That is why newcomers becoming citizens is not an entirely welcome idea there. The official website of the local government states that one of the key principles of the country's national policy is "the almost complete absence of ability" to acquire Monégasque citizenship based on place of birth or residence.
Although this was possible previously, it is emphasised that now there is no way for children born in the principality to a foreign family to get Monégasque citizenship. The only exception is a child born to unknown parents. Read on to find out who else and under what circumstances you can become a subject of Prince Albert II.
By Birth
Everything is simple in this case. A child born to a Monégasque father or mother automatically becomes a citizen of Monaco, regardless of the child's country of birth.
There is, however, one stipulation. A child born to a mother who received Monégasque citizenship through marriage is only eligible for citizenship provided that the child's mother has a Monégasque ancestor.
By Adoption
Just as in France, Monaco has two distinct forms of adoption: simple and plenary. Plenary adoption implies the severance of all legal relations of the child with their biological parents. In this case, the adoptee automatically receives Monégasque citizenship.
In a simple adoption, the adopted child can maintain some connection with their biological parents. The adoptee does not receive Monégasque citizenship automatically in that case, but it can be acquired by choice. In this case, it is not necessary to wait for the age of majority, which is 18 in Monaco.
Port of Monaco, Photo: Marla Prusik (Unsplash)
By Marriage
Marriage to a citizen of Monaco does not mean that their spouse can get a Monégasque passport right away. The application for citizenship will be accepted for consideration only ten years after the date of the marriage provided that:
- The Monégasque spouse did not give up their nationality during the time of the marriage.
- The applicant and their Monégasque spouse are still living together on the day of application.
- The Monégasque spouse did not themselves obtain their citizenship through a previous marriage.
Subjects of the Prince of Monaco who became citizens by virtue of marriage are not required to renounce their original citizenship. That is why nationals of countries that do not recognise dual citizenship (such as Japan or China) cannot become citizens of Monaco through marriage.
In the case of widowhood, it is also possible to apply for Monégasque citizenship on the condition that ten years have passed since the date of the marriage and the applicant did not remarry during this period.
By Naturalisation
Those who want to undergo naturalisation in Monaco and be accepted as subjects of the prince must meet three main requirements:
- Be a resident in Monaco for at least ten years after reaching the age of majority;
- Be exempt from military service obligations in their country of origin;
- Renounce their previous citizenship.
Naturalised citizens performing military service in a foreign army without authorisation from the government of Monaco can be deprived of Monégasque citizenship.
Applications for naturalisation will be processed by the Department of Justice, which also consults with the head of government and the French authorities.
Prince Albert II has the final say when granting Monégasque citizenship. At his own discretion, the ruler of the principality can omit the requirement for ten-year residence in Monaco. As for the two other points: even the Prince has to obey his country’s laws.
Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Monaco. Photo: Lazar Gugleta (Unsplash)
Who Has the Best Chance of Becoming a Citizen of Monaco
The website of the government of Monaco lists three categories of people who have a good chance of obtaining the Monégasque passport. They meet the following criteria:
- have relatives who are already citizens of Monaco;
- are successfully integrated into the economic, social or cultural life of the country;
- are considered to be a worthy member of Monégasque society (at the discretion of Prince Albert II).
Minor children of a naturalised individual also acquire Monégasque nationality.
How to Obtain a Residence Permit in Monaco
Anyone over 16 years old who wishes to reside in the Principality or to spend more than three months there should apply for a residence permit. In the long-term, this can become the basis for applying for citizenship. There are four types of residence permits in Monaco:
- Temporary permit. It is valid for one year and is applicable to first-time residents. The fee for issuing such a permit is €80. The fee for renewing it is €40.
- Ordinary permit. It is valid for three years and can be given to those who have lived in the Principality for three years. The fee for issuing such a permit is €100. The fee for its renewal is €50.
- Privilege permit. It is valid for ten years and can be issued after ten years of residence in Monaco. It is enough in some cases to reside in the country for only one year. The fee for issuing such a permit is €160. The fee for its renewal is €80.
- Permit for the spouse of a Monégasque national. It is applicable to a foreign spouse of a citizen of Monaco after one year of residence in the country. Such a permit is valid for five years. The fee for issuing it is €80. The fee for its renewal is €40.
It is possible to apply online after the registration on the official website of the government of Monaco.
Requirements for Residence Permit Applicants
The requirements for applicants residing in Monaco vary depending on their country of origin. Nevertheless, there is a set of criteria such as housing, income and other requirements which all applicants must meet.
It is necessary to have a living space in order to be allowed to stay permanently in the Principality. Any of the following options will work:
- owning a house or apartment;
- being the director or a co-owner of a company that owns a house or apartment;
- renting a house or apartment;
- living with a spouse, partner, or close relative.
The applicant must also prove that they have at least one of the following sources of income:
- salary;
- income from self-employment or from their own company;
- savings in a Monégasque bank (official sources do not state an exact amount needed);
- financial support from a spouse, partner, or a close relative.
It is necessary to provide a certificate of good conduct or a similar document issued in the country or countries where the applicant has lived for the last five years.
Monaco beach. Photo: Elise Goy (Unsplash)
Documents Needed to Obtain a Residence Permit
In order to obtain a residence permit in Monaco, just like everywhere else, the applicant needs to provide documents proving their identity and confirming that they meet all the requirements. Therefore, the following documents are required (as applicable):
- a valid passport including a long-stay visa;
- a French residence permit, if applicable;
- a birth certificate;
- a police clearance certificate;
- a marriage certificate;
- documents for the applicant's own and any adopted children under the age of 16;
- a divorce certificate or a certificate of legal separation.
One of the following documents serves as proof of accommodation:
- a title deed;
- a tenancy agreement registered with the Department of Tax Services;
- a certificate of free accommodation signed by the person the applicant is staying with and also this person's tenancy agreement or title deed.
One of the following documents serves as proof of financial self-sufficiency:
- a copy of a document stating registration of a self-employed person or a business in Monaco or France;
- a receipt from the Business Development Agency confirming the admissibility of the application to start a business in Monaco;
- a work permit and the most recent pay slip from the Employment Office;
- a letter from the third party confirming that they are financially supporting the applicant and documentary evidence of the third party's financial resources;
- a bank statement from a local bank.
A translation into French, English, or Italian must be supplied for documents written in other languages.
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In a Nutshell
The Principality of Monaco is a tiny and very rich country. It is not easy to move there and it is even more difficult to satisfy the requirements of Monégasque citizenship. Every application for naturalisation will not only be closely scrutinised, but also needs approval from Prince Albert II. However, Monégasque nationality gives advantages which justify the effort, such as a pleasant Mediterranean climate, a luxurious life, and minimal taxes.
Cover photo: Rishi Jhajharia (Unsplash)
