If you intend to incorporate a company in Monaco or start a business there in any other way, the following registration options are available to you:

1. A limited liability company (SARL) is a legal entity that can be established by two or more persons who bear limited liability for the results of the organization's activities up to the amount of their contributions. Shareholders can be individuals and legal entities.
2. A joint-stock company (SAM) is a traditional form for which commercial, insurance, and financial activities are permitted, and the number of founders starts at two. The shareholders' liabilities are limited only to the proportions contributed to the company. This organization is managed by a Board of Directors. Directors can be individuals and legal entities.
3. General partnership (SNC) - its members conduct only commercial activities and bear unlimited liability for the company's performance. A minimum of two members is required, with no maximum number of such shareholders.
4. A limited liability company (SCS) is a form of business that can be established and managed by at least two persons: (i) active partners - they are jointly and severally liable for the results of the entity's activities, and (ii) limited partners - they are not responsible for the results of the company's activities and are liable only to the extent of their contributions.
5. Branch - a foreign company may open and operate a business in Monaco as well as abroad. The responsibility for the results of such commercial endeavors is enormous, and one director is appointed to the branch of a foreign company in Monaco.

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Advantages of opening a company in Monaco

Opening a company in Monaco is the key to numerous opportunities, including a residence permit for the creator and his family.

Among the advantages of opening a company in Monaco:

• High level of business security
• No taxes on real estate, inheritance and income
• Monaco is a politically stable country. And it is free from political conflicts, while internal peace is common.
• Foreign shareholders: Foreigners can own all shares in SARL.
• The shareholders' liabilities are limited to their contributions to the authorized capital.
• Two-year tax exemption: The first two years of a company's registration are fully tax exempt.
• Low minimum authorized capital
• Monaco's tax system
• Company registration in Monaco can be a good option for your business in terms of tax policy. Although Monaco is not a tax-free haven, it levies almost 20% value-added tax, collects stamp duties, and corporations face a 33% income tax unless they can prove that three-quarters of their profits are generated in the territory. All companies incorporated in Monaco must also register as VAT payers.

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Requirements for company registration in Monaco

• Certificate of incorporation issued by the Commercial Registry
• Decision of the board of directors to provide at least the required minimum capital for a SARL
• Minimum of two shareholders for a SARL
• Minimum of two directors
• Legal address of the company
• Appointment of a local registered agent
• Minimum authorized capital of EUR 15000.

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List of documents required to set up a company in Monaco

• A completed application form for obtaining a company charter in Monaco
• Two statutory documents issued by the tax office: Direction des Services Fiscaux
• Resume of each partner
• Civil status document
• Certificate of birth
• Extract from criminal record less than 3 months old
• In the case of a legal entity, provide an extract from the minutes of the board of directors or shareholders' meeting that decided to contribute to the company's capital.
• In the case of lease management, a lease agreement or obligation
• In the case of acquisition of goodwill, an assignment deed or pledge of assignment.

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Stages of incorporation in Monaco

The creation of a company in Monaco requires the following registration steps:

1. Defining your business goals and objectives that you plan to realize through a limited liability company.
2. Choosing a name for your company.
3. Obtaining information about the founders and beneficiaries of the company.
4. Hire a local director, who must be an individual from the territory.
5. Opening a bank account with a local bank to deposit the required amount of capital into the account and notarize the fact.
6. Take care of having a real office. This is carefully checked by the administration, and you cannot change it, otherwise you will have to re-register the company.
7. Drafting and checking all documents with a local lawyer.
8. Paying the tax on the authorized capital when registering the company.
9. Submission of the agreement, documentation and registration forms to the registrar for authorization and subsequent registration if the package meets the legal requirements. If the procedure for opening a company in Monaco is successful, the founders will receive an official certificate certified by a notary.
10. Registration for tax and social benefits.
11. Publication of business information in the Journal de Monaco.
12. Obtaining licenses and permits for regulated activities.

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Registration with RCI

All companies and businesses are required to register with the Registre du Commerce et de l'Industrie (RCI). Further changes in status or location must also be reported. After registration, an RCI number is issued. It consists of two digits (indicating the year of registration), a letter indicating whether the business entity is a sole proprietorship (activité personnelle, P) or a partnership (société, S).

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Business visa to Monaco

A business visa in Monaco is issued to businessmen who need to obtain a permit to conduct their business in Monaco. This permission has several advantages. The owner is permitted to attend trade shows and conferences, business meetings for their own company branch or subsidiary, or attend client meetings and other similar business engagements. The validity period, as well as the length of stay of the permit, vary depending on the type. A multiple-entry permit will be valid for a longer period than a single entry permit.

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How to apply for a business visa in Monaco?

Before proceeding with the application process, you need to make sure that you meet the requirements to do so. Applications for a visa in Monaco are processed by the French Embassy. The process is mostly offline except for the initial program.

The step-by-step procedure for obtaining a business visa in Monaco is as follows:

1. Visit the online visa application portal.
   
2. Fill out the online form on the website for obtaining a visa.
3. Once completed, print the visa application form.
4. Gather all the necessary documents according to the checklist.
5. Submit the application form and supporting documents to the Visa Application Center (VAC).
6. Pay the required visa fee.
7. There are certain precautions to be followed while filling the application form. The details in the questionnaire must match the data in the passport and other documents confirming this. Details must be correct and verifiable. If any of the information provided is found to be false or untraceable, there is a possibility that the application will be rejected. Such refusal could potentially jeopardize your future applications to Monaco or any other country. There may be other reasons for visa refusal.

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Selection criteria

Selection criteria must be met when applying for any permit, including a Monaco business visa. These are the parameters that decide whether you are an suitable candidate for a permit or not.

Main criteria:

• You must have proof of ownership of the business and the purpose of the visit.
• You must have proper proof of your business.
• If you have been invited to a business conference, to attend a business or client meeting, you must provide the embassy with an invitation letter from the company.
• You must be healthy enough to travel to Monaco.
• You need to go through a health check-up before the trip to the country and provide documentation confirming it. 

You can be refused a visa if:

• You have a criminal record.
  
• You were deported, or prohibited from entry to other countries.
• It was established, that you present a threat to the country. 
• Your documents and application form are filled out incorrectly.
• Any personal conditions affecting the process must be known to the authorities.
• If applications were previously submitted, they must be presented during the new application.

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Monaco business visa requirements

Various documents are required to apply for a business visa in Monaco. They may also vary from case to case.

Below are some general requirements for a Monaco business visa:

• Foreign passport, valid for at least 6 months before the time of travel.
• Completed and accurately signed application form.
• Cover Letter.
• Photo.
• Confirmed flight tickets.
• Travel insurance.
• Copies of visas.
• Confirmation of the purpose of the visit – conference pass, hotel reservation, invitation letter, etc.
• Confirmation of the availability of sufficient funds – bank account statement for the last three months, etc.

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Processing time

The time required to process your application for a business visa in Monaco is between 15 and 20 days. In some cases, it can reach 90 days.

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The cost of a business visa in Monaco

The fee for issuing a business visa in Monaco is paid when submitting documents to the visa center. The fee can be paid using a standard electronic payment method. If you pay by credit or debit card, the card does not have to be in your name. Fees will also vary depending on the type of permit, duration and length of stay allowed.

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After applying

When the application is submitted to the visa center, you should pay attention to several things.

Below are some important advice:

1. Once the application process is complete, you may be asked to provide biometrics and possibly attend an interview.
   
2. The application will then be reviewed and processed by the Embassy as well as the VAC.
3. Also, if you are asked to provide biometrics, you may not be required to do so if you have provided them within the past 60 months.
4. If any updates need to be made to the program, VAC must be notified.
5. If you change your plans and need to cancel your application, you can also withdraw your application.
6. Please note that the visa fee is non-refundable.

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How to check the visa status?

Your permit status can be checked online by visiting the VAC website. To check the status, you just need to enter the reference number and other necessary data.