Domiciling an SCI or SCP in Monaco

A Société Civile Immobilière (SCI) or Société Civile Particulière (SCP) is a civil company governed by Monegasque law. By law, every civil company must have its registered office in Monaco.

When incorporating the company, the question of the registered office naturally arises. This is a key requirement for registration with the Civil Companies Register. Square Services assists civil companies in Monaco with all related administrative formalities.

This article outlines the main options available when domiciling an SCI or SCP in Monaco. The two possibilities are: domiciliation at a private residence or domiciliation with a professional service provider.

Domiciliation at a private residence

Registering the company at a rented residence in Monaco is only possible if the lease explicitly authorises it. In practice, most leases in Monaco prohibit this.

Domiciliation at the property owner’s personal residence is possible, unless restricted by the building’s co-ownership regulations.

The main advantage of using a residential address is that it involves no additional cost. However, there are several significant drawbacks:

• Mail management risks: important correspondence may not be received, especially if the occupants are often away and no one is present to collect it. This can have serious consequences if the SCI or SCP owns French real estate. For example, in matters concerning the 3% tax, if the company has made a disclosure commitment but fails to reply within 60 days to an information request from the French tax authorities, the tax becomes immediately payable.

  
  

• Administrative pressure: the Direction de l’Expansion Économique (DEE) also issues formal notices – sometimes with fines – if a company fails to respond within the prescribed deadlines.

  
  

• Practical instability: when shareholders change their residence, the registered office must also be transferred. This requires formalities to update the company’s details, including the address used for official correspondence. Over time, multiple address changes can lead to confusion, particularly with French tax authorities.

For these reasons, while residential domiciliation may seem attractive at first, it often creates more complications than benefits. Domiciliation with a professional service provider is strongly recommended and often preferable.

Using a professional registered office service provider in Monaco

In Monaco, domiciliation services are mainly offered by business centres and licensed Company Service Providers (CSPs). Square Services is a licensed CSP.

Opting for a professional registered office service is the most reliable solution for an SCI or SCP. It ensures:

• A stable, legally recognised address, approved by the Monegasque authorities

  
  

• Secure and regular handling of incoming mail, including official correspondence from the French tax authorities and the Direction de l’Expansion Économique

  
  

• Prompt responses to administrative requests, reducing the risk of penalties or fines caused by missed deadlines

  
  

• Continuity and stability: unlike a residential address, the registered office does not change when shareholders move, avoiding repeated and costly administrative formalities

  
  

• Professional expertise: beyond simple mail handling, a CSP such as Square Services understands the legal and tax environment in both Monaco and France, and supports companies in meeting their obligations

By choosing a professional service provider, shareholders gain peace of mind.