How inheritance tax works in Monaco
Monaco inheritance and gift tax applies to property situated in Monaco or with a Monaco situs, regardless of the domicile, residence or nationality of the deceased person or donor, subject to the France-Monaco convention of 1 April 1950.
The tax is relationship-based. Transfers between spouses and direct descendants are 0%, transfers between brothers and sisters are 8%, between uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces are 10%, between other relatives are 13%, and between unrelated persons are 16%.
The tax question is only part of succession planning. Wills, account release rules, share transfers, local title documents and foreign estate rules can all matter even when Monaco itself levies no tax on close family transfers.
Tax rates at a glance
- Inheritance tax
- 0% to 16%Relationship-based
- Spouse and direct descendants
- 0%
- Brothers and sisters
- 8%
- Unrelated beneficiaries
- 16%
Who benefits most
These profiles tend to benefit most when the rules match their real residence, payroll and business setup.
InvestorsFamily officesHigh earnersExpatsRemote founders
Watch out for
- Monaco inheritance tax covers gifts and succession of Monaco-situs assets, so lifetime transfers can still trigger tax.
- No inheritance tax for close family does not remove the need for a will, especially if you hold Monaco bank accounts, property or company shares.
- Foreign heirs can still face tax or probate rules in their own country even when Monaco charges little or no tax.
Frequently asked questions
Does Monaco have inheritance tax?
Yes, but only for assets situated in Monaco or with Monaco situs. Close family transfers can be exempt, while unrelated heirs face the highest rate.
Does Monaco tax gifts?
Monaco's transfer tax rules cover gifts as well as inheritances for Monaco-situs property.
What is the Monaco inheritance tax rate?
The rate depends on the relationship: 0% for spouses and direct descendants, 8% for siblings, 10% for uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces, 13% for other relatives and 16% for unrelated heirs.