The UK’s Honorary Consul in Monaco, Eric Blair, has outlined important new rules for UK citizens in Monaco.
Following the UK’s exit from the EU, many British nationals resident in the Principality of Monaco raised questions as to the consequences of this new situation such as on the requirements to become residents for newcomers, to work in Monaco either as a resident or in the close geographical area, and retire in France.
Following engagement between the British Honorary Consulate in Monaco, the Monegasque Government and the French Embassy in Monaco, we have received the following answers;
1) British Nationals are considered as non-EU nationals from 1st January 2021. In consideration of Article 3 of the Franco-Monegasque treaty of 18th May 1963, British Nationals wishing to take up residence in the Principality will now need to apply for a long-stay visa from French Consulates in their country of current residence.
2) British nationals currently living and working in the Principality of Monaco wishing to establish their residence in France whilst continuing to work in Monaco, will need to apply to their local Prefecture for a residence permit (“Titre de séjour”) in France. This being considered as a transfer of residence from Monaco to France, a long stay visa will not be requested. Nevertheless, the “Titre de séjour” will bear the status of Visitor, which does not allow the holder to work in France nor Monaco.
If they choose to transfer part or all of their professional activity to France, they would be able to change their status, for example from visitor to employed or self-employed/entrepreneur. British nationals may in some cases obtain a “Titre de séjour” for other reasons such as “spouse of a French national”, “parent of a French child”, which will enable them to hold a professional activity in France.
After five years of legal residency in France, including time with a visitor permit, one may obtain a ten year residence permit stating “long stay resident – EU”. This will enable the holder to exercise the profession of their choice in France, within legal requirements.
It is therefore recommended for current British nationals resident in the Principality of Monaco and wishing to continue their professional activity in Monaco, not to transfer their legal residence to France.
3) British nationals having worked and acquired pension rights in the Principality of Monaco and wishing to retire in France will benefit from coverage under the French Social Security system but will first need to apply for a “Titre de Séjour” in France. Persons who will not obtain this document may not reside in France and thus will not benefit from the French Social Security system. One must remember that as non-EU national, obtaining this document is not guaranteed.
Other issues still require further clarification and hopefully will be provided in the not too distant future.
Enquiries: Eric.Blair@fcdowebmail.fcdo.gov.uk
