Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to the Principality is appealing for its taxation and climate as much as for a promise rarely kept elsewhere: that of living almost without insecurity. Security in Monaco is not just a marketing argument; it is a genuine urban model, conceived as a very high-level public service and a pillar of the country’s attractiveness. For an expatriate, this changes everything in daily life: how one gets around, raises children, invests, goes out at night, manages assets, and even digital data.
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of security in Monaco, backed by figures, and offers practical advice for preparing for expatriation with peace of mind.
One of the safest countries in the world
Security is part of the very DNA of the Principality. On the scale of international rankings, the country’s position is telling.
According to the Safety Index of the Global Residence Index, Monaco ranks 4th worldwide with a score of 0.94 out of 1, just behind three highly protected micro-states (Liechtenstein, Andorra, Isle of Man) and ahead of other reputedly safe destinations like Singapore, Iceland, Japan, Hong Kong, Luxembourg, or Switzerland. The indicator is based on 23 criteria combining quantitative data (homicide rates, conflict-related deaths, crime) and qualitative factors (political risk, kidnapping risk, general stability).
Safety score out of 100 assigned by Numbeo, with a low crime index.
Monaco is often referred to as the “safest square mile in Europe”. This reputation is well-earned: violent assaults are virtually nonexistent, theft and burglary remain at very low levels, and any minor, temporary increase in certain indicators is in no way comparable to major regional metropolises.
Extremely low crime figures
Activity reports from the Public Safety Department show remarkable consistency. In 2023, the total number of reported incidents increased very slightly (approximately +0.9%), but petty crime is declining: street offenses (pickpocketing, minor larceny) fell by 17% to only 49 incidents for the year. Fraud-based thefts disappeared completely from the statistics, car thefts dropped by 75%, telephone and email fraud decreased by one third.
The following table illustrates some recent trends, offering a concrete visualization of the developments or key data mentioned in the article.
| Key Indicator (2023) | Observed Trend |
|---|---|
| Overall Crime | +0.9% |
| Petty Crime (“street crime”) | –17% (49 incidents) |
| Fraud-based Thefts | –100% |
| Car Thefts | –75% |
| Telephone / Email Fraud | –33% |
| Cases Sent to Prosecutor | –35% |
In 2024, certain categories, like burglaries or simple thefts, rebounded in absolute numbers, but from an already very low base, and the vast majority of serious cases (attempted homicide, armed robbery) are solved quickly. At the same time, the country recorded no fatal road accidents that year, despite dense traffic.
From the outside, this type of status almost seems like a parallel universe. For an expatriate arriving from a major capital, the contrast is striking: you can walk with your children at night, leave a stroller outside a café, a bag on a chair, without that constant reflex of suspicion.
An omnipresent and highly professional police force
If crime figures are so low, it is not by chance but the result of a deliberate policy of “total security” desired by successive sovereigns. Security in Monaco is first based on a police force sized and structured as in very few countries.
The Public Safety Department has nearly 600 officers (approximately 515 to 620 depending on sources and years) for a population of about 39,000 residents, or one police officer for every 67 to 100 residents. For comparison, the United Kingdom has around one police officer per 380 inhabitants. This is simply the highest ratio in the world.
Officers from the Department of the Interior, after a two-year training and equipped with modern gear, patrol 24/7 in all neighborhoods, including residential areas. Their presence is both visible and discreet, with a primary objective of prevention under a ‘zero tolerance’ doctrine, not just reaction to incidents.
A highly specialized organization
Behind the word “Police,” the setup is actually composed of numerous divisions with targeted missions. These notably include:
| Unit / Division | Main Role |
|---|---|
| Urban Police | Patrols, public order, daily security |
| Administrative Police | Regulation, resident control, issuing permits |
| Maritime and Airport Police Division | Maritime border control and helicopter, sea surveillance |
| Security and Intervention Unit | Specialized intervention, high-risk situation management |
| Canine Unit | Search for narcotics, explosives, patrol support |
| Minors and Social Protection Section | Child protection, offenses against minors, cyber-abuse |
| Criminal Investigation Division | Investigations into serious crimes and organized crime |
| General Intelligence and Quality of Life | Prevention, monitoring, disturbances to public order and peace |
An internal inspector general oversees compliance with police ethics, and the Prosecutor’s Office supervises investigative activity. This architecture allows for handling everything from minor neighborhood problems to money laundering cases with a level of expertise rare for such a small territory.
Carabiniers, firefighters, public forces: a protective “bubble”
Beyond the police proper, security in Monaco relies on other components of public force. The Prince’s Company of Carabiniers, heir to an ancient military tradition, ensures the close protection of the Princely Family and guards the Palace. Although very visible during the changing of the guard or official events, it also has specialized units (motorcyclists, divers, rescue) and participates in security and evacuation plans.
The Corps of Monaco’s Firefighters, structured as a military unit, carries out a wide range of missions. These include firefighting, road rescue, emergency medical interventions, chemical risk management, and surveillance of major events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix, shows, and sporting events. Equipped with a fleet of around fifty vehicles, drones, an intervention boat, and teams specialized in tunnel and dense urban rescue, it is an essential link in the Principality’s emergency response chain.
The whole is placed under the authority of the Department of the Interior, with coordinated emergency plans (like the ORMOS plan for evacuations) that are regularly exercised. Concrete result for an expatriate: extremely short response times. Medical emergency services average less than 7 minutes to arrive on scene, and in some cases less than one minute for the police.
A city under high surveillance… acknowledged
The density of video surveillance in Monaco often surprises newcomers. Yet, it is one of the pillars of local security, acknowledged as such by the authorities and widely accepted by residents, precisely because it is associated with a high level of privacy protection.
The territory benefits from an extensive video protection system and complementary technologies to ensure the security of public spaces and traffic arteries.
The network comprises between 900 and 1,300 high-definition cameras, ensuring near-total surveillance of streets, parks, parking lots, ports, building entrances, and strategic routes.
Automatic license plate reading systems complement the setup, particularly effective for controlling the three major road access routes into the country.
These cameras are connected to a supervision center where they are monitored in real time, 24/7. Coupled with patrols, this system enables a near-instantaneous response in case of suspicious behavior, fights, illness on the street, or attempted intrusion.
For an expatriate, this network has a tangible effect: you feel watched… but protected. It becomes, for example, much more difficult for a thief to follow someone from a jewelry store to their home, or to act with impunity in an underground parking lot. And the small size of the Principality (2.02 km²) makes any escape very complex.
A safe environment for families, seniors, and high-net-worth individuals
The first question from families considering moving is often the same: “Will my children be able to walk to school alone?” In Monaco, the answer is yes, under conditions few European capitals can offer today.
Children can walk safely to school, sports activities, or the beach, as neighborhoods lack any no-go zones. Parks and playgrounds are situated in safe environments, with well-lit streets and commercial activity. All types of schools (public, private, international) benefit from secure facilities and are integrated into this overall protective framework.
Seniors also find a very reassuring environment. Crime against the elderly is almost nonexistent, and the very high-level healthcare network (Princess Grace Hospital Center, cardio-thoracic centers, sports medicine institute, etc.) complements this climate of physical security with a level of health security rarely matched.
For wealthy individuals, business leaders, celebrities, or political figures, the Principality additionally offers a particularly pronounced culture of discretion. Laws regulating the press and prohibiting paparazzi, local etiquette that forbids inappropriate curiosity, discreet surveillance around luxury residences and private clubs—all this creates an atmosphere where one can lead a very comfortable life without the constant staging of security.
High-end residences, like Tour Odéon, La Petite Afrique, or One Monte‑Carlo, combine 24/7 concierge service, access controls, ultra-secure parking, biometric systems, and direct links to emergency services. Many of them use companies specialized in anti-intrusion systems, professional video surveillance, or cybersecurity for smart home installations.
Reassuring political, legal, and economic stability
Security is not limited to preventing assaults. For an expatriate investor, it also concerns the predictability of the political framework, the solidity of laws, and asset protection.
Monaco is a constitutional monarchy ruled by the Grimaldi family for over seven centuries, currently under the authority of H.S.H. Prince Albert II. This continuity has shaped an extremely stable environment, without abrupt political alternation or major recent institutional crisis.
Inspired by French civil law and adapted locally, Monaco’s legal system is renowned for its transparency and protection. The principle of non-discrimination ensures equitable treatment between nationals and foreigners in civil and commercial matters. Property rights are particularly secure, with strict regulation and transactions overseen by notaries and licensed professionals, which considerably limits real estate disputes.
This legal security is coupled with increasing rigor in the fight against financial crime and money laundering. The Principality, highly exposed due to its international financial sector, has established a financial intelligence service (SICCFIN), a national committee to combat money laundering, and strengthened its laws on corruption, whistleblower protection, and obstruction of justice. Heavy sanctions have been imposed on institutions and executives involved in money laundering cases, and Monaco collaborates closely with international bodies (MONEYVAL, FATF, etc.).
For an expatriate investing in real estate or developing a business, the environment is very secure but also very controlled. It is essential to work exclusively with duly authorized advisors and intermediaries and to scrupulously respect all compliance obligations.
Exceptional healthcare foundation
The concept of security in Monaco also encompasses health. The country ranks in the world’s top tier in terms of life expectancy, around 87 to nearly 90 years according to estimates, with very low infant mortality. Medical density is one of the highest in Europe, with over 580 doctors per 100,000 inhabitants.
The total mandatory contribution rate for Monaco’s healthcare system, shared between employers and employees or self-employed workers.
The table below summarizes some characteristics of the system:
| Aspect of the Healthcare System | Key Data |
|---|---|
| Managing Body | Caisses Sociales de Monaco (CSM) |
| Employer Contribution | 24% of payroll |
| Employee / Self-employed Contribution | 15% of income |
| Reimbursement Level | 80 to 100% depending on procedures |
| Reference Hospital | Princess Grace Hospital Center (CHPG) |
| Medical Density (2015) | 581 doctors per 100,000 inhabitants |
| Approximate Life Expectancy | Between 85 and nearly 90 years depending on sources |
For expatriates who are salaried or settled long-term, this system constitutes a major safety net. Non-affiliated foreigners (wealthy retirees, self-employed individuals without local structure, etc.), however, must absolutely take out robust private insurance covering medical care and potential repatriation, as medical costs can be high.
Prevention also holds an important place: screening campaigns (cancers, diabetes, HIV, hepatitis…), health education programs in schools, near-complete vaccination for mandatory vaccines, monitoring of emerging diseases. This focus on prevention contributes to the overall quality of life and peace of mind for residents.
An ultra-secure state… digitally as well
With a sophisticated financial sector, a high concentration of private wealth, and a stated ambition to become a “smart city“, security in Monaco could not ignore the digital dimension. The Principality is one of the most organized territories in Europe on this front.
The Monaco Digital Security Agency (AMSN), created by sovereign ordinance, leads the national cybersecurity strategy. It works in concert with the police (which has a cybercrime unit), Monaco Telecom, banks, infrastructure operators, and the country’s main businesses.
Critical systems (government, finance, healthcare, etc.) are secured with advanced encryption, real-time monitoring, cyber defense centers (SOC & CERT), and regular audits. Specialized companies, labeled and sometimes certified at the European level, operate from Monaco and the region to assist businesses and individuals in implementing cybersecurity solutions.
For an expatriate, this translates into relatively secure digital services: supervised public Wi‑Fi networks, protected banking systems, awareness of online scams. But zero risk does not exist, especially since the Principality is a prime target for cybercriminals: authorities therefore emphasize a few simple habits, such as using strong passwords, activating two-factor authentication, carefully checking emails or SMS requesting payment or sensitive data.
Controlled but very real threats
Monaco is not a bubble disconnected from the rest of Europe. The global terrorist threat affects the entire continent, including foreign interests and nationals. While there is no recent history of attacks on the territory, authorities acknowledge that the risk cannot be excluded, particularly during major events (Formula 1 Grand Prix, Monaco Yacht Show, festivals, large conferences).
During major events, the Principality of Monaco implements an enhanced security plan. This includes checkpoints, access screening, systematic searches, and a temporary increase in police personnel. Close coordination is established with France for controlling road and rail arteries and Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport. Residents and visitors should expect more frequent checks, longer wait times, and traffic restrictions.
Furthermore, even if local organized crime is limited (an influence score of approximately 1.67/10 for criminal markets and 3.5/10 for criminal actors in some international assessments), Monaco attracts, due to its wealth, individuals linked to foreign organizations (Italian mafias, Eastern European groups, etc.). The response has been a strengthening of police and judicial cooperation, and increased surveillance of financial, real estate, and luxury goods flows.
As everywhere, petty crime exists: pickpocketing in tourist areas, pickpockets during major events, euro counterfeiting scams, overcharging or fake guides on the French Riviera, and luggage theft on trains or at Nice Airport. These phenomena, although often marginal on the Monegasque territory itself, concern the daily life of expatriates who regularly travel between Monaco, Nice, and the region.
Practical advice for a serene expatriation
Security in Monaco offers an exceptional framework but does not dispense with minimum preparation. For a stress-free move and smooth daily life, a few habits are essential.
Register, equip yourself, integrate
The first step for a new arrival is to regularize their status and notify the competent authorities. Registration with the Public Safety Department (Residents Section) is an essential step for obtaining and renewing residence permits. It is also recommended to quickly choose a primary care physician, public or private, and keep your health insurance details on you.
Practically, it is useful to program local emergency numbers (Police 17, Firefighters/Medical 18, Ambulance 15, European number 112) as well as those of key establishments (CHPG, on-duty doctor, on-duty pharmacy) into your phone. Two official apps are worth installing: “Monaco Safe,” which broadcasts alerts from civil protection (weather conditions, major incidents, safety instructions), and “Monaco Santé,” which centralizes part of the healthcare offering and health information.
Learning some basic French – if only for emergency situations – greatly facilitates interaction with public services, doctors, shopkeepers, and neighbors. Even though English and Italian are widespread, using simple phrases (“Bonjour,” “S’il vous plaît,” “Merci”) and a polite tone is part of the local codes.
To facilitate your integration and reinforce passive security, it is advisable to build relationships with your neighbors, the concierge, or building staff. These contacts enable mutual vigilance, alerts in case of abnormal behavior, and monitoring during prolonged absences. Joining expatriate networks, like MonacoUSA or the British Association of Monaco, as well as business clubs, also helps you quickly understand local customs and share best practices.
Secure your belongings and documents
Even in a very safe country, expatriates often manage significant assets, valuables, and sensitive documents. A minimum of rigor is still required. It is highly recommended to keep originals of major documents (residence permit, passports, contracts, insurance certificates) in a safe or secure place, carrying only copies or scans on your person, especially when traveling to France or other countries.
In residences with concierge and private security, the existing setup (cameras, access control, logs, etc.) is an effective barrier, but it does not replace a few simple habits: locking your door, not leaving extremely valuable jewelry in plain sight in rooms facing the exterior, avoiding real-time posting on social media of very precise information about your movements.
In public spaces and on transport (especially when crossing the border to go to Nice, the airport, or train stations), it remains prudent to keep an eye on your bags, avoid carrying your wallet in a back pocket, and be wary of crowds or “bumps” typical of pickpockets.
Monegasque etiquette is characterized by great importance placed on discretion, respect, and a well-groomed appearance. Complying with it is not only a matter of manners but also contributes to a generally calm climate.
Avoid beachwear (swimsuit, shirtless, barefoot) outside designated areas, on pain of a fine or refusal in shops. Opt for casual chic attire during the day and more formal wear in the evening for high-end restaurants and casinos, where overly casual clothing (shorts, t-shirts, sneakers) is not accepted.
Loud alcohol consumption or obvious intoxication in the street is very poorly regarded and can lead to fines. The same logic applies to noise: repetitive disturbances, loud music at night, or aggressive driving behavior are subject to particular vigilance from law enforcement, with the aim of protecting quality of life.
Understanding and respecting these codes helps avoid misunderstandings with the police and maintains a relaxed relationship with neighbors. It is a form of “social safety” in the broad sense: the more each person contributes to this polite climate, the more the general level of stress and conflict decreases.
Getting around safely
Due to its small size, Monaco is mostly navigated on foot, which further enhances the feeling of security. Sidewalks are in good condition, pedestrian crossings are numerous, and traffic is heavily controlled. At night, public lighting is generous, which is particularly reassuring for women and the elderly.
The buses of the Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco are known for their safety, thanks to trained personnel and well-maintained vehicles. To cross Port Hercule, the Bateau-Bus offers a pleasant and secure alternative to walking. Regarding taxis, it is important to note that they cannot be hailed on the street: they must be taken at dedicated stands or reserved, as they are subject to strict regulation.
Driving in the Principality, however, is not always comfortable for a newcomer: parking is scarce outside paid public parking lots (over 40 parking garages, often with the first hour free), traffic jams, tunnels, street closures during major events. Caution is still advised, especially during the Grand Prix, when the urban configuration changes radically for several days.
For trips to Nice Airport or neighboring towns, taxis and helicopters provide regular connections under very controlled safety conditions. The main vigilance then relates to peri-urban petty crime (break-ins at rental car parking lots, pickpockets on regional trains, etc.), mainly on the French side.
Not neglecting insurance
Security in Monaco can wrongly give the illusion that minimal insurance coverage is enough. This is rarely the case. Given the value of real estate, the cost of vehicles, the frequent presence of jewelry, artworks, or precious objects, it is crucial to have appropriate insurance: solid multi-risk home insurance (including liability), valuable items insurance, comprehensive car coverage, and of course health insurance, whether public (via CSM) or high-level private.
For those who travel frequently, including a clause for medical repatriation and foreign coverage is highly recommended, since schemes like EHIC/GHIC do not apply to Monaco as they do in a standard EU member state.
A quality of life where security becomes a “lifestyle”
The combination of all these factors – highly present and professional police, dense video surveillance, political stability, reliable justice, exceptional healthcare system, advanced cybersecurity, culture of discretion – produces a rather unique result: security in Monaco is not perceived as an anxiety-inducing topic but as a given. It becomes a standard of living, a “comfort” on par with the climate or the quality of infrastructure.
Living in a safe environment allows the expatriate to considerably reduce the time and energy devoted to managing daily risks (children’s commutes, late returns, vehicle on the street, burglary risks). This serenity frees up precious attention that can be reinvested in other essential priorities, such as cultural integration, professional success, family projects, or participation in community and sporting life.
This situation, however, does not imply lowering your guard completely. The Principality remains embedded in a regional environment marked by global security issues (terrorism, international organized crime, cyber threats). And the concentration of wealth inevitably attracts covetousness. The healthiest posture for an expatriate is therefore to fully enjoy this ultra-protected setting, while maintaining basic caution habits, especially when crossing borders or exposing themselves online.
In summary, Monaco today offers one of the best possible compromises for those seeking to combine a very high standard of living, political and security stability, and a human-scale urban environment. For families, seniors, and high-net-worth profiles looking for a peaceful home base, security in Monaco is not a brochure argument: it is a daily reality, solidly supported by figures as well as the experiences of those who have lived there for a long time.
A future retiree aged 62, with financial assets exceeding one million euros well-structured in Europe, wanted to transfer his tax residence to Monaco to reduce his tax burden, secure his capital, and diversify his investments, while maintaining a strong link with France. Allocated budget: 10,000 euros for comprehensive support (international tax advice, wealth structuring, administrative formalities, on-site installation), without forced sale of assets.
After studying several destinations (Greece, Cyprus, Mauritius, Andorra), the chosen strategy was Monaco for the absence of income tax for non-French individuals, the absence of a local wealth tax, high political and legal stability, as well as a high-end financial and banking environment. The mission covered: pre-expatriation tax audit (exit tax, tax treaties), Monegasque residence procedure (bank deposit, lease or purchase), organization of the French fiscal tie-breaking plan (time spent, center of economic interests), coordination with a local network (private bank, lawyer, family office) and comprehensive wealth integration (income optimization, estate planning, spouse protection).
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
