Residency
Monaco — Residency: Work Visa
To work legally in Monaco as an employee, all foreign nationals — including French citizens — must obtain a valid work permit (permis de travail) before starting employment. The recruitment process is strictly regulated to protect the local labor force, enforcing a legal priority system that favors Monégasque nationals and long-term local residents. An employer must first declare any job vacancy to the Employment Office, and only if no priority candidate is found within four days can they hire a foreign worker. Once authorized by the state, third-country nationals must secure a French long-stay visa matching the approved work contract before they can enter the Principality and finalize their local residency card.
Key facts
- A work permit (permis de travail) must be obtained prior to starting any paid employment.
- Employers, not employees, must initiate the work permit application with the Monaco Employment Office.
- A strict hiring priority favors Monégasques, spouses of Monégasques, and existing residents.
- Non-EEA citizens require an approved work contract to apply for their French Type D long-stay visa.
- A mandatory, free medical examination by the Employment Medical Service is required for approval.
- Any change of employer, trade, or profession requires applying for a brand-new work permit.
- A temporary work permit can be issued for contracts lasting between three and six months.