France-Monaco

Bilateral in force

INTRODUCTION

Since the signing of the Franco-Monegasque Treaty in 1861, France has recognised Monaco as a sovereign state. As a microstate bordering France, Monaco has developed strong bilateral ties with its larger neighbour. Since 1865, the two countries have functioned within a customs union. This is now governed by the Franco-Monegasque Customs Convention of 1963. Their cooperation also encompasses the regulation of the movement of people and residency.

Under the Agreement of Good Neighbourliness, signed on 18 May 1963, Monaco committed to aligning its regulations concerning entry and settlement with French immigration law. Consequently, Monaco does not issue visas or residence permits independently; these documents are granted only following binding decisions made by French authorities. Although Monaco is not a part of the Schengen Agreement, it is integrated into the Schengen Area through its relationship with France and adheres to the Schengen Acquis.

French authorities interpret the 1963 Agreement of Good Neighbourliness to permit Monegasque citizens to move and settle freely within France (see Article R313-14 Code de l’entrée et du séjour des étrangers et du droit d’asile). Monegasque citizens are able to work in France and are entitled to social security benefits (see Article D512-1 Code de la sécurité sociale). However, Monaco adopts a more restrictive interpretation. While French citizens can enter Monaco visa-free for up to 90 days, those wishing to reside in the principality must apply for a residence permit. Consequently, this exemplifies a bilateral free movement regime with unequal application, as nationals of one party obtain rights in the territory of the other participating state that are not reciprocal.

STATE PARTIES

FRANCE
MONACO

TIMELINE

1963	The Agreement of Good Neighbourliness is adopted on 18 May.
1963	The Agreement enters into force on 1 September.
1997	The Agreement of Good Neighbourliness was amended on 15 December to ensure it aligns with the Schengen Acquis through an Exchange of Letters regarding adjustments to Title I of the Agreement of Good Neighbourliness.
2000	The amended version of the Agreement entered into force on 1 July.

KEY LEGAL DOCUMENTS

Convention of Good Neighbourliness of 18 May 1963 (in force 1 September 1963) (Consolidated version. The amended Convention entered into force on 1 January 2000) (French).

Convention of Good Neighbourliness of 18 May 1963 (in force 1 September 1963) (Original version) (English and French).

Convention of 8 November 2005 intended to adapt and deepen administrative cooperation between the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco (in force 1 January 2009) (Consolidated version) (French).

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DOCUMENTS

Franco-Monegasque Convention of 28 July 1930 relating to public employment (in force 9 April 1935, abrogated 1 January 2009) (Consolidated version)(French).