5 Best Places To Visit In Spain (But Not To Live)
There are many good reasons why Spain consistently ranks among the most visited countries in the world. Spain has everything–from rich history and...
Monaco is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, and a well-known vacation spot for affluent people packed with opulent hotels, resorts, casinos, and its distinctive way of life. Monaco is a perfect location for a romantic vacation or a lifetime residence, thanks to its Riviera setting, parks, high society, and unique events.
Monaco's economy is highly vibrant and future-oriented, despite being occasionally undervalued or misunderstood. The Principality of Monaco, as a sovereign state in the centre of Western Europe, provides investors and entrepreneurs with a world-class, safe infrastructure and the benefits of an alluring tax system.
Many expats there also benefit from the fantastic medical care Monaco provides its residents.
Fontvieille, Monaco
After the Vatican, Monaco is the smallest country in the world and is located on the French Riviera. It is renowned as one of the world's wealthiest countries and has the world's second-highest nominal GDP per capita at around $150,000 USD. The country boasts the largest per-capita concentration of millionaires and billionaires in the world; in fact, millionaires make up 30% of the total population. Monaco's reputation as a wealthy tourist destination and recreational hub is partly due to its temperate climate and beautiful surroundings.
Monaco ranks among the safest locations in the world. The security is unmatched, with one police officer for every 100 residents. Monaco's police force is among the most advanced and effective in Europe and is overseen by a senior member of the French police force, making the country one of the lowest crime rates in the world.
Related content: Becoming A Resident Of Gibraltar
Monte Carlo Casino, Monaco
Taxation in Monaco is perhaps the most attractive benefit for residents. After six months (183 days) of living in Monaco, you are considered a tax resident. The Principality of Monaco is well recognized for being a tax haven because it does not impose an income tax and no corporate income tax for companies operating within the Principality.
Monaco participates in several EU regulations, such as border and customs restrictions, while not being an official member of the EU. This can simplify things for EU citizens to use Monaco as a "tax haven" from their own country's taxes since it does not impose an individual income tax as a sovereign nation.
Although not a member of the EU, Monaco receives benefits from France despite EU rules and laws not being applied there.
Related content: Guide To Setting Up A Trust In Monaco
Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Monaco
Monaco's residency by investment program provides successful candidates and their families with permanent residency, granting them legal rights to live, work, travel, and operate a company in Monaco. You can petition for citizenship after ten years of residence in the nation and must physically live there for at least six months each year.
The minimum investment is €1 million (about $1 million USD), of which €500,000 (about $500,000 USD) must be placed in a Monaco bank and the acquisition of sale deeds for real estate worth €500,000 (about $500,000 USD). And as I mentioned, you must commit to spending at least six months annually. The process to acquire the Monaco residency permit takes around six months but can vary depending on the investor's specific circumstances, including their nationalities.
Related content: The Basics Of How To Get A Second Passport Or A Second Residency.
Many people who live in Monaco are millionaires and multi-millionaires.
Contrary to popular belief, there are fewer prerequisites to moving to Monaco and becoming a resident. You must demonstrate that you have the financial resources to support the lifestyle, including the rent and real estate costs, which are equivalent to those in major capital cities.
Other requirements include the following:
Monaco does not limit you from owning property in the Principality and has amazing, safe investment opportunities in the real estate market with no property taxes. So you can enjoy more of your money instead of giving it to the government. Also, you will not be required to make donations or non-refundable payments for the Monaco residency.
You can also apply for residency for your family members if the prerequisites are completed. As a resident of Monaco, you can obtain a 90-day visa-free permit to travel inside the Schengen area every six months.
Not only does Monaco have many benefits, but it is also a beautiful place to live.
Monaco's high level of discretion, diversified community, stable government, first-rate medical and educational facilities, elite sports programs, and eloquent culture all contribute to the country's attractive lifestyle and high standard of living. You may live well without worrying about paying hefty taxes, as it is renowned as a tax haven. In addition to its good access by land, sea, and air at the international airports and stable real estate market that provides substantial potential, Monaco is an ideal location for high net-worth investors worldwide.
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Written by Mikkel Thorup
Mikkel Thorup is the world’s most sought-after expat consultant. He focuses on helping high-net-worth private clients to legally mitigate tax liabilities, obtain a second residency and citizenship, and assemble a portfolio of foreign investments including international real estate, timber plantations, agricultural land and other hard-money tangible assets. Mikkel is the Founder and CEO at Expat Money®, a private consulting firm started in 2017. He hosts the popular weekly podcast, the Expat Money Show, and wrote the definitive #1-Best Selling book Expat Secrets - How To Pay Zero Taxes, Live Overseas And Make Giant Piles Of Money, and his second book: Expats Guide On Moving To Mexico.
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