When an entrepreneur plans to start a business, apply for a license to operate, or prepare to establish a registered office in the Principality of Monaco, they quickly encounter a recurring requirement: proof of business premises or a proposed registered office address.
In this context, a promise of accommodation is a common practice used to prepare administrative paperwork before establishing a permanent address.
The purpose of this article is to explain how this works, without replacing the official information published by the Monegasque authorities.
This article is for informational purposes only. For complete, reliable, and up-to-date information on procedures and information for businesses and professionals in the Principality of Monaco, please visit the official website: monentreprise.gouv.mc.
What is meant by a “promise of accommodation” in Monaco?
A promise of accommodation is not defined as a specific legal act by any Prince’s Government text.
It is a document issued by an organization with business premises in the Principality, indicating that a company will, when the time comes, have a valid business address in Monaco.
In practice, this document is used to meet the requirement to provide proof of premises, which is required in various administrative procedures, when the final location has not yet been formalized.
Why does the administration require proof of premises?
The official procedures relating to the creation, authorization, or modification of a business require that all companies:
have an identifiable address,
be able to prove that they occupy or have access to business premises,
present a project that complies with the rules in force in the Principality.
These requirements are included across the board in the procedures described on the official portal monentreprise.gouv.mc, particularly in the sections devoted to setting up a business, applying for authorization from the Economic Development Department (DDE), or changing the registered office.
The accommodation promise is part of this preparatory process.
In what situations is the accommodation promise used in practice?
Although not a mandatory document in itself, the accommodation promise is frequently used:
when preparing a business creation file, as part of an application for prior authorization to operate, to anticipate a transfer of the registered office, prior to a future domiciliation in a business center or a dedicated structure.
It thus makes it possible to secure the first stages of a project, when the final premises have not yet been contracted.
What is the administrative scope of a promise of accommodation?
It is essential to remember that the promise of accommodation is a transitional document.
It does not replace:
- a domiciliation contract,
- a lease,
- or the final registration formalities.
Its role is to support an application by demonstrating that a settlement solution is being considered and is compatible with administrative requirements, subject to validation by the competent authorities.
Promise of accommodation and domiciliation: two distinct concepts
Domiciliation refers to the official and permanent establishment of a company’s registered office at a given address, within a specific contractual framework.
The promise of accommodation, on the other hand, comes earlier in the process:
- it prepares for this establishment,
- it allows the necessary steps to be anticipated,
- it facilitates the preparation of the initial administrative file.
These two concepts should therefore not be confused, even if they are part of a logical continuum.
Who can issue a promise of accommodation in Monaco?
In practice, only organizations with compliant business premises located in the Principality are able to issue this type of document.
Monaco’s business centers play a central role at this stage, offering tailored business accommodation solutions that meet local requirements.
The promise of accommodation as part of the services offered by CATS Business Center
Established in Monaco since 1994, in the heart of the Carré d’Or, CATS Business Center provides companies with professional accommodation solutions for start-up, relocation, or reorganization projects.
The hosting promise delivered by CATS allows project leaders to have a projected professional address in order to structure their efforts and prepare, in the event of obtaining authorization to operate, for future domiciliation within the center.
Conclusion: a preparatory tool to be used with caution
In Monaco, proof of business premises is a key element in many administrative procedures.
Although not formalized as a separate legal document, a promise of accommodation meets this requirement in practice when used in a compliant manner and issued by an entity based in the Principality.
It allows entrepreneurs to plan the key stages of setting up their business, while ensuring compliance with the applicable rules.
CATS Business Center – Business Center in Monaco since 1994
To find out about our accommodation and domiciliation packages in Monaco and discover the solution best suited to your project:
Contact CATS Business Center on +377 93 10 54 54 or Make an appointment today.