Monaco

Coastal Beaches

Cost of Living: Very High

Train Access: Yes (sncf, very safe)

Bus Service: Yes (Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco (CAM), very safe)

Monaco is a sovereign city-state located on the French Riviera in Western Europe. It is bordered by France on three sides and the Mediterranean Sea on the fourth. Known for its luxurious lifestyle, high-end casinos, and as a tax haven, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, after the Vatican City. Despite its small size, it is densely populated and has a reputation for being a playground for the rich and famous. The principality is a constitutional monarchy headed by the Prince of Monaco, with a unique political structure that has remained relatively unchanged since the 17th century. Monaco's economy is driven by tourism, banking, and its casino industry. The Monte Carlo district is famous for its casino, Grand Prix motor race, and as a hub of wealth and opulence. The country has a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it an attractive year-round destination. Culturally, Monaco is known for its annual events like the Monaco Yacht Show and the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival. The official language is French, but Italian, English, and Monégasque are also widely spoken. The country boasts a high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and a very low crime rate. Its education system is aligned with the French curriculum, and it has a strong commitment to environmental conservation. Monaco's architecture ranges from Belle Époque to modern high-rises, reflecting its historical growth and contemporary affluence.

Expat Lifestyle

A-

Private Schools

A-

Family Friendly

Single Friendly

A-

Senior Friendly

B+

LGBTQ+ Friendly

B+

Weather

Healthcare

C-

Cost of Living

Recreation

A-

Nightlife

Restaurants

Crime

Cost of Living

Monaco has one of the highest costs of living in the world, with real estate prices among the most expensive globally due to its limited space and high demand.

Weather

Monaco has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The country enjoys plenty of sunshine throughout the year, with moderate rainfall mainly occurring during the cooler months. The coastal location of Monaco provides a temperate weather pattern, with the influence of the Mediterranean Sea helping to moderate temperatures.

Educational System Monaco

The educational system in Monaco is known for its high quality and is structured similarly to the French system, reflecting the principality's close ties with France. Education in Monaco is mandatory for children from the ages of 6 to 16. The school year typically starts in early September and ends in early July, with the calendar divided into three terms. The system is divided into kindergarten (maternelle), primary education (école élémentaire), lower secondary education (collège), and upper secondary education (lycée). Children start their schooling in maternelle at the age of 3, where they are introduced to the basics of reading, writing, and numeracy, as well as social skills. At the age of 6, they progress to école élémentaire for five years, followed by four years at collège, where they receive a more comprehensive education, including foreign languages, science, and technology. At the end of collège, students take the Diplôme National du Brevet examination. Those who wish to pursue higher education attend lycée for three years, where they prepare for the baccalauréat exam, which is necessary for university admission. Monaco has a mix of public and private schools, with curricula in multiple languages to cater to its international community. The International School of Monaco, for example, offers an English-language education that follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Overall, the education system in Monaco is geared towards providing students with a comprehensive and multilingual education, preparing them for higher education and global opportunities.

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Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average

Popular Expat Visa/s: Residence Permit

Popular Nomad Visa/s: There is no specific digital nomad visa for Monaco, but digital nomads can apply for a standard Residence Permit, which allows them to live in Monaco for varying durations depending on the type of permit.

Obtaining a residency visa in Monaco, known as a Residence Permit, involves several steps and can be considered an average challenge due to the principality's strict requirements and the need for proof of sufficient financial resources. The process begins with finding a place to live in Monaco, as an address in the principality is required to apply for residency. Once accommodation is secured, the applicant must open a bank account in Monaco and deposit a minimum amount, which varies depending on the bank but is generally quite substantial, to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. The next step is to gather the necessary documents, which typically include a valid passport, birth certificate, marriage or divorce certificates if applicable, a clean criminal record from the last two countries of residence over the past five years, and a health insurance policy that covers Monaco. After compiling the documents, the applicant must submit them to the Monaco authorities, specifically the Residents Section of the Directorate of Public Security. The application is then reviewed, which can take several months. If approved, the applicant will be issued a temporary residency card, known as a "carte de séjour temporaire," which is valid for one year and can be renewed annually. After residing in Monaco for three years, the individual can apply for an "ordinary residence card," which is renewable every three years. After ten years of continuous residence, one may apply for a "privileged residence card," which is renewable every ten years. It's important to note that the process and requirements can be stringent, and the authorities are thorough in their review of applicants' backgrounds and financial resources. Additionally, the cost of living in Monaco is very high, which can be a barrier for some potential residents. However, for those who can afford it and who provide all the required documentation, the process is relatively straightforward.

Living in Monaco

Movies Set: GoldenEye, Monte Carlo, To Catch a Thief, Grace of Monaco

Popular Foods: The cuisine in Monaco is influenced by French and Italian gastronomy, featuring fresh seafood, vegetables, and a variety of meats. Barbagiuan, a pastry filled with ricotta and Swiss chard, is a traditional Monegasque snack. The country is also known for its fine dining experiences, with several upscale restaurants offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Desserts like tarte tropézienne, a cream-filled brioche, and fougasse, a sweet, orange-flavored bread, are popular among locals and visitors alike.

Unusual Eats: Poutine monégasque is a unique dish that might seem unusual to visitors. It consists of chickpea flour boiled in water, seasoned with olive oil and pepper, and is often enjoyed during the winter months.

Popular Sports: football, tennis, sailing, Formula 1 racing

Popular Teams: AS Monaco FC (football), AS Monaco Basket (basketball)

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: When dining in Monaco, it is considered impolite to start eating before the host does. Additionally, casual dress is frowned upon in certain upscale areas and establishments, so it is advisable to dress smartly. Public displays of affection are also less common and can be seen as inappropriate, especially in more formal settings.

Monaco Guide

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Healthcare in Monaco

Monaco boasts a high-quality healthcare system that is accessible to all residents, including expats and digital nomads, once they obtain residency and contribute to the social security system. The state-funded public healthcare is operated by the Caisse de Compensation des Services Sociaux (CCSS) and provides comprehensive coverage. Private healthcare is also available and is known for its excellent service and shorter waiting times. The quality of both public and private healthcare in Monaco is generally considered to be excellent, with well-trained medical staff and modern facilities. Healthcare costs can be high, especially for private services, but are manageable for residents through the public system or private insurance. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare by registering with the CCSS and paying into the social security system, which is typically done through employment in Monaco.

Top Hospitals in Monaco by Specialty

Prescription Medications and Pharmacies in Monaco

Mental Health Care in Monaco

Is Health Insurance Required When Moving to Monaco?

Having a Baby in Monaco

Health Insurance for Expats in Monaco

Enrolling in the Public Healthcare System in Monaco

How to Navigate the Health System in Monaco

Expats Talk about Healthcare in Monaco

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Monaco

Visa & Residency

Living in Monaco

Healthcare in Monaco