Author: Alena Dunaeva
Attorney, Family Office
Concept
Monaco is a sovereign microstate located on the Mediterranean coast traditionally used for the structuring of international business and the protection of private capital. The jurisdiction combines the prestige of a European principality with a favourable tax regime, offering high-net-worth individuals and companies effective planning tools. A company in Monaco (Société à Responsabilité Limitée, SARL) serves as a comprehensive instrument for addressing the fundamental needs of affluent individuals and their businesses:
- obtaining Monaco residence permit (self-employment)
- registration and management of yachts under the Monaco flag
- holding and managing international assets (real estate, shares, intellectual property)
Structure
A company in Monaco has the following structural characteristics:
- number of shareholders: from 2 to 50
- at least one individual director
- shareholders are liable only up to the amount of their contributions
- economic substance in Monaco is required, including a physical office
Taxation
Monaco’s tax system is strategically oriented towards attracting foreign capital and high-net-worth individuals. The Principality creates a favourable fiscal environment allowing for legal tax benefits in compliance with current transparency and information exchange requirements. The absence of many direct taxes makes Monaco an attractive jurisdiction for entrepreneurs and investors seeking legal methods of tax optimisation.
Type of Tax | Rate |
Corporate Income Tax | 0% — income earned in Monaco
33.33% — for income earned outside Monaco (if it exceeds 25% of total revenue) |
VAT | 20% (aligned with the French system) |
Payroll Tax | 13–14% (payable by the employer) |
Dividend Tax | 0% |
Capital Gains Tax | 0% |
Significant tax benefits are provided for newly established companies — full exemption from corporate income tax for the first 2 years of activity and a gradual introduction of taxation over the following 3 years.
Compliance
Operating a company in Monaco requires compliance with the following mandatory requirements:
- maintenance of full accounting records with the preparation of annual financial statements
- audit for companies with a turnover exceeding €2,000,000 or employing more than 25 staff
- registration with the Register of Beneficial Owners (RBE) and updating of information upon any changes
- annual submission of tax returns even in the absence of any taxes due
Contact Information
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