Moving to Monaco for influencers: no income tax, but high hurdles

Monaco does not charge any income tax for most residents. However, the move is demanding, expensive and requires a real center of life in the Principality.

  • No income tax for private individuals
  • Residence permit and proof
  • German departure rules without protection of the agreement
Lawyer's Robes in the law firm Horak
Stefan Karfusehr
Your contact personStefan KarfusehrLawyer · Tax Law, Trademark and Copyright

Monaco as a destination for Creator

In principle, Monaco does not levy any income tax on the income of natural persons, with the exception of French nationals. Companies that generate more than a certain share of their sales outside of Monaco are subject to a profit tax. If you want to live there, you need a residence permit that requires, among other things, an apartment, sufficient funds and a Monegasque bank reference.

There is no comprehensive double taxation agreement with Germany. From a German point of view, Monaco is considered a low-tax country, so that withdrawal tax and extended limited tax liability apply. The information on foreign law gives a general overview, as of November 2026. For the implementation, we work together with partner law firms on site.

For whom this is eligible

  • Creator with very high income and wealth.
  • Creator with reference to the French Riviera.
  • Entrepreneurs who actually want to live in Monaco.

Tax and legal key points

Stay

Appropriate apartment, proof of funds and an actual stay are required. Presence controls are common.

Entrepreneurial activity

A business activity in Monaco needs a permit. Companies with mostly foreign sales can be taxable.

German side

Without an agreement, the German rules have an unrestricted effect: residence in Germany, extended limited tax liability and withdrawal tax.

Reception of the law firm Horak in Hanover
“Monaco demands presence. A mailbox is as little enough there as in Germany.”

Practical examples: typical scenarios

We regularly meet the following scenarios in the consultation. They are anonymized and simplified and show how such cases are typically classified. They do not describe any specific mandates and do not promise a specific result.

Case 1

Apartment in Monaco, living in Nice

Situation: A creator rents a small apartment in Monaco, but lives mostly in France.

Legal assessment: He risks French taxation and the loss of Monegasque approval.

Our approach: We recommend clear conditions and check the French side with a partner law firm.

Case 2

High income from Germany

Situation: After the move, an influencer achieves high income from German brands.

Legal assessment: Extended limited tax liability can record this income for ten years.

Our approach: We analyze the sources of income and design the contracts.

Case 3

Society in Monaco

Situation: A creator wants to move his agency to Monaco.

Legal assessment: In the case of predominantly foreign sales, profit tax is incurred in Monaco.

Our approach: We compare the total burden with alternatives.

That’s how we go

  1. 1

    Initial Analysis

    We collect income, assets, participations, contracts and your personal plans. This results in which German departure rules apply.

  2. 2

    Destination Country Comparison

    We compare the countries in question by tax burden, substance requirements, standard of living and risks and, if necessary, we will consult local partner law firms.

  3. 3

    Move plan

    You will receive a schedule: deregistration, apartment, company, contracts, imprint, bank accounts, health insurance and reports to the tax office.

  4. 4

    Implementation and aftercare

    We accompany relocation and restructuring, represent you to the tax office and check in the years that follow whether the structure will continue.

Regarding the costs: For the departure advice, we usually agree on a flat-rate fee for analysis and departure plan and bill the implementation according to effort. We determine the scope together before starting.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Use Monaco without real life.
  • Underestimate the German rules without agreement.
  • Company tax in Monaco overlooked.

Frequently asked questions about moving to Monaco

Do I have to pay income tax in Monaco?

Usually not unless they are French nationals.

How difficult is the move?

Demanding: You need an apartment, proof of funds and a bank reference.

Does the extended limited tax liability apply?

Yes, Monaco is considered a low-tax country from a German point of view.

Related Topics

Do you need an assessment quickly?

Tell us your request. We’ll get back to you in advance and tell you in advance what costs you have to expect.

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