Moving to Monaco

Your move to Monaco made easy

If you are planning or considering a move to the Principality of Monaco, there are certain practicalities you will need to consider. Any international move takes considerable research and planning which can be made easier with the help of an experienced International moving company.

This is where Cadogan Tate excels. With an office located just outside of Monaco staffed by local experts, we understand the challenges faced when it comes to shipping valuable collections, priceless heirlooms and bespoke furniture overseas.

We can take on board all the planning, packing, storage, customs clearance and paperwork to make your move to Monaco as straightforward as possible. This leaves you free to focus on the other aspects of your move.

Get in touch today to find out how we can help you make a seamless transition to a new life in Monaco.

Experience

General advice

If you’ve already landed a job in Monaco, the next step is to start preparing for your move to the Riviera. There is a lot to think about with any international move, including shipping your belongings to your new home. Cadogan Tate’s teams are experts in international removals, so engaging our services can be a weight off your mind.

We’ve been working in Monaco for many years and in that time, we have built up a detailed knowledge of the region. Here you can read about Monaco and its relationship to France, the lifestyle, real estate, healthcare and finances to give you a better idea of what to expect when you make the move.

Regional Information

Monaco is known as the playground of the rich and famous, mainly due to its enviable tax laws as well as its stunning location. There is a large expatriate population, with up to 80% of residents originating from other countries. The official language of the region is French, but English is spoken by most residents.

It’s only a small area; Monaco is just two kilometres square, making it easy to get around on foot. It is quite densely populated though, with just shy of 40,000 inhabitants in the principality. The sovereign city-state has close relations with France. Geographically, France borders Monaco on three sides, but they also have a more formal relationship. While Monaco is not officially a part of the European Union, it does participate in many EU regulations and laws. It also uses the Euro as its sole currency.

Its climate is Mediterranean: hot and sunny in summer; mild and rainy in winter. It’s an attractive place to visit for tourists and indeed tourism is the main source of income, generating enough to give residents the tax breaks it offers. Tourism centres around its famed Monte Carlo casino, Formula 1 Grand Prix and the marina with its many superyachts.

Monaco Lifestyle

Moving to Monaco isn’t quite as simple as opting to live in the principality and moving there. There is a process to follow to gain residency, for which you need to allow about three months as an EU citizen. This involves proving your financial security, finding a property to rent (with a minimum 12-month lease) or buy, and requesting a residency interview. There are quite a few documents needed for the interview, so it does take a little time to prepare. At the end of the process, you will be given a Carte de Resident, valid initially for a year and then renewable for longer periods. Because of this entry process, living in Monaco is exceptionally safe. Every resident has been through this vetting process, and the city is protected by state-of-the-art security.

The lifestyle is opulent and luxurious. There are excellent restaurants, world-class golf courses, stunning beaches and high-end shopping boutiques. If you need a break from the city, Monaco is close to the mountains and there are plenty of good ski resorts for fans of winter sports.

For those moving with family, there are numerous French-language state schools, all excellent, as well as one international school, which is popular among the expatriate community.

Real Estate

You are required to have your accommodation organised before you can apply for residency in Monaco, so finding somewhere to live should be at the top of your priority list.

Monaco is open to foreign investment, so there are no real barriers to buying property in this principality, bar affordability. It is one of the most expensive real-estate areas in the world and has some of the most exquisite properties available. Homes are in high demand, as there are only limited opportunities given the small size of the principality.

It is also possible to rent in Monaco. If possible, it is worth avoiding relocating in early spring (April/May) as this clashes with the famous Grand Prix, and rental prices double or even triple for this period. If you relocate outside of this time, you can find there is more choice and you get more for your money.

There are four traditional quarters of Monaco: Monaco-Ville, La Condamine, Monte Carlo and Fontvieille. However, there are widely considered to be five sub-areas now, including Les Moneghetti. Any of these areas offer prime accommodation, but Monte Carlo is the most desirable area for expats to live. Monaco is sub-divided into 10 wards, each with its own feel so it’s worth visiting to find the best location to buy or rent in.

Healthcare

In Monaco, all residents have access to the same standard of healthcare. All employees and self-employed workers contribute to this system through mandatory social security contributions. This goes into the Caisses Sociales de Monaco (CSM) state healthcare system. The contributions vary from 10-15% of your gross salary, which covers all social security benefits. Employers pay over 20% of their gross payroll into the CSM too.

Once you are registered with CSM, which should be done as soon as possible, you will get a Carte d’immatriculation, which gives access to both health care and basic dental care. Your contributions into CSM covers dependent family members. You can also opt to take out private health insurance to access private facilities and specialist services, and to cover any services not included in CSM.

The standard of healthcare is exceptional in both public and private facilities. There are only three hospitals in Monaco due to its small size, which are all in Monte Carlo. Expatriates can choose their own GP and register with them.

Money and Utilities

Monaco has long been considered a tax haven. For expat residents, there are significant tax benefits – only French nationals pay income tax. There are some taxes that do need to be paid, however. For example, business owners in Monaco pay business taxes, and you will need to pay social security contributions. There is also a tax payable on rented properties, and there is a fixed inheritance tax system for assets based within the principality, the amount of which varies depending on the relationship of the benefactor.

As a resident in Monaco you can open a bank account (and usually you are required to do so as part of the residency application). You will need to visit a branch in person with your documentation. It’s best to book an appointment in advance to ensure you can meet with an English-speaking banker (though most speak English anyway). There are both national and international banks based in Monaco, with the popular ones including Barclays Wealth Monaco, HSBC Monaco and BNP Paribas Monaco. Most of these will require a minimum balance to open an account of €100,000 upwards. You will need to take your passport, proof of residence, employment details and information about the origin of funds you will be depositing.

How long should you allow for shipping to Monaco?

Cadogan Tate makes regular shipments to Monaco, so you can have your belongings with you in your new home as fast as possible. We recommend allowing just 2-4 days from London to Monaco with our EU Road Dedicated service. If you prefer, there is also an EU Road Groupage service, which takes 2-3 weeks.

Taking a car or motor vehicle

It’s fairly straightforward to take your car to Monaco with you, but you will need to register it in the country. Your car must meet the vehicle standards set out by Monaco’s authorities.

You will also need to be a resident in Monaco to register a car. To register your car, you will need to submit your Monegasque driving licence and valid ID card or residence permit, a completed application form and the relevant registration fee. You may also need a European Certificate of Conformity, proof of your car purchase, evidence of vehicle tax and the original registration certificate. Once the application has gone through, registration plates can be ordered and a new registration certificate issued.

Moving to Monaco with pets

Monaco conforms to the EU regulations on importing pets. This means that if you have an up-to-date European Pet Passport, you should have no trouble taking most pets with you to Monaco. Your pet will need to be vaccinated and have a microchip. You can take up to five pets with you, each with their individual passport. Your pet must have had a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before moving.

Monaco Regional Information

As Monaco is on the French Riviera, it does adopt a lot of French customs and traditions, while retaining its independence. The principality is bordered by France on three sides and the Mediterranean Sea on the fourth.

We are building an extensive set of guides to life in Monaco as an expatriate, to help you get to grips with the country and its traditions.

Cadogan Tate has an office and storage facility in the Côte d’Azur, so you can be sure of our team’s experience and knowledge of the French Riviera.

We make regular shipments from the UK to Monaco and if you need to store valuable items, you know that they are within driving distance in a highly secure and modern facility.

Enquire now or call us on +44 (0) 20 8963 4000