Recognition of same-sex unions in Monaco

 

Yesterday I met up with some friends visiting from Canada and the United States. During our conversation, the question came up: “Is same-sex marriage legal in Monaco?” They were surprised—even shocked—to learn that it is not.

While locals are well aware of the situation, this topic often surfaces with visitors, so I thought it would be useful to break it down and share some recent updates (with a hopefully positive outcome on the horizon).

Cohabitation Agreements: The First Step

Monaco has recognized same-sex cohabitation agreements since 27 June 2020. These agreements, available to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples, offer limited rights in areas such as inheritance and property but fall far short of full marriage equality.

The journey to this legislation began in the early 2010s, with draft proposals, debates, and amendments that eventually shaped the contrat de vie commune (cohabitation agreement). Signed into law by Prince Albert II in December 2019, it was hailed by many lawmakers as “long overdue,” despite opposition from Catholic officials.

While the agreements provide certain legal protections, they stop short of key rights: partners cannot share a surname, foreign spouses cannot obtain Monegasque citizenship, and the framework does not mirror the full benefits of marriage.

Court Battles Over Recognition of Foreign Marriages

In March 2022, a lower court in Monaco ordered the government to recognize a same-sex marriage legally performed in the United States. The ruling was upheld by an appellate court in 2023, but in March 2024, the Court of Revision—Monaco’s highest court—overturned the decision, confirming that same-sex marriage remains unrecognized.

This legal back-and-forth has highlighted the growing tension between Monaco’s traditional framework and evolving European human rights standards.

Ongoing Developments and Political Signals

In June 2024, the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and for Mediation, Marina Ceyssac, published a government report recommending that Monaco enhance the rights of same-sex couples in line with European case law, though she stopped short of calling for marriage equality.

That same month, Councilwoman Béatrice Fresko-Rolfo stated she was prepared to push for legislation recognizing foreign same-sex marriages—a potentially significant step forward. Meanwhile, advocacy group Mon’Arc en Ciel, launched in May 2024, is campaigning for full legalization of same-sex marriage.

Religious Context

Monaco’s religious institutions remain divided. The United Protestant Church of France, which has one parish in Monaco, voted in 2015 to allow its pastors to bless same-sex marriages. By contrast, the Catholic Church remains opposed, though in December 2023 the Vatican permitted blessings for same-sex couples, even if not formally recognizing their marriages.

Public Opinion and Outlook

Public opinion data is limited, with the last survey in 2007 showing just over half of native Monegasques in favor of recognizing partnerships. Much has changed since then, however, and momentum is slowly building.

For now, Monaco remains one of the few places in Western Europe where marriage equality is not recognized—but ongoing legal challenges, political debate, and social change suggest that this story is far from over.

Solidarity in Action: Hygiene Product Collection for the LGBTQIA+ Community in Nice

 

From October 1 to 31, the LGBTQIA+ Côte d’Azur Center is launching a major solidarity collection of hygiene products in recognition of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Access to essential hygiene items is a matter of dignity and health, yet for many LGBTQIA+ individuals in precarious situations, these basic products can be out of reach. This campaign aims to bridge that gap, with a focus on specific needs too often overlooked.

The collection seeks donations of everyday essentials such as tampons, sanitary pads, shower gel, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, shaving cream, and lotion—anything that can help people take care of themselves with dignity.

Organized in partnership with the national association Règles Élémentaires Mayotte, which fights against period poverty, and with the support of local retailers, the initiative is rooted in solidarity, respect, and inclusion. Every contribution makes a difference.

Drop-off points are available in Nice at the LGBTQIA+ Côte d’Azur Center—both at the community bar and administrative reception on Rue Cathy Richeux—as well as at the Maïoun de Cathy social reception desk at 14 Boulevard Risso. All collected products will be distributed directly to those in need.

Real Estate Auctions on the French Riviera: A Viable Option for Buyers

With what feels like an ever increasing influx of people from the LGBTQ community considering moving to the Cote d’Azur. I thought it was important to cover all bases when searching for a home.

The French Riviera is one of the most sought-after property markets in the world, with homes in Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Saint-Tropez, and Monaco’s neighboring towns commanding premium prices. For many, purchasing a property here is a lifelong dream—but with demand so high, competition and costs can be daunting.

One lesser-known alternative to the traditional real-estate route is buying at auction, a process that is gaining visibility in France and offering unique opportunities to savvy buyers.

How Auctions Work in France

Real estate auctions in France are organized through several channels:

• Notarial auctions, managed by notaires, often for quicker sales or inheritance cases.

• Judicial auctions, when properties are sold due to debt recovery or legal proceedings.

• Online interactive auctions, a growing sector where properties are marketed with a starting price and bidding takes place digitally.

Each auction is carefully regulated, with detailed property catalogues published in advance. Buyers can usually visit the property, must register to bid, and once the hammer falls, the highest bid is legally binding with 10% being put down within 48 hours. Unlike private sales, there is no cooling-off period—so preparation and due diligence are essential.

Why Auctions Make Sense on the Riviera

While auctions may seem unconventional compared to the glossy world of Riviera estate agencies, they bring several advantages:

• Competitive pricing: Properties often begin at 30-50% below market value, creating opportunities for buyers to secure a Riviera home at a reduced price.

• Speed and transparency: The process is faster than traditional transactions and bidding is open, ensuring a fair competition.

• Access to unique properties: Auctions often feature villas, estates, or apartments that don’t appear on the open market, sometimes due to inheritance settlements or financial restructuring.

For buyers willing to do their homework, this can mean access to hidden gems—perhaps a sea-view apartment in Nice, a villa in the hills above Cannes, or a character property in one of the region’s charming inland villages.

Considerations Before Bidding

Auctions are not without their risks. Properties are sold “as is,” meaning any renovation costs, outstanding charges, or legal complexities become the buyer’s responsibility. Financing must also be ready, as payment deadlines are strict. In a market as competitive as the Riviera, bidding wars can push prices back up toward (or above) market levels.

That said, careful research, setting a maximum bid, and consulting a trusted notaire or lawyer can mitigate these risks. For buyers with funds ready and an eye for opportunity, auctions can represent a realistic way to enter a market that often feels out of reach.

An Alternative Worth Considering

On the French Riviera, where prestige, lifestyle, and investment potential intersect, auctions are proving to be a viable property option. They combine speed, transparency, and the possibility of securing a better-value deal than the traditional marketplace often allows. For those seeking to own a piece of the Côte d’Azur, monitoring local auctions could be the key to finding the right property at the right price.

One of the best auction house companies we feel confident working with are Venteu. Their thorough research of a property along with its excellent service are unmatched in the real estate industry.

French Citizenship: New Rules from 2026

 

Among the first questions for new arrivals in France is always the same: how’s your French? Whether about daily conversations, lessons, or confidence in getting by, the language factor is at the heart of adapting to life here.

Now, it’s also at the heart of major reforms. From 1st January 2026, the French naturalization process will change significantly, with stricter language and civic requirements for anyone applying for nationality by decree, reintegration, or marriage.

Applicants will need to prove B2-level French (oral and written), replacing today’s B1 standard. Certificates must come from accredited providers, be less than two years old, or be backed by a French diploma. Foreign diplomas and comparability certificates will no longer be accepted.

Civic knowledge moves from conversation to examination. Until now, integration into French society was tested through an individual “assimilation interview.” From 2026, this will be a standardized civic exam created by the Ministry of Naturalization, with study materials published online and accredited test centres running the sessions.

Exemptions remain limited to applicants with certified health conditions or disabilities that prevent participation.

The process itself will also become more digital and selective: only strong applications will reach the assimilation interview stage, and appeals must be filed via the same online platform used for submissions.

Importantly, these reforms apply only to applications filed on or after 1st January 2026. Files already submitted before that date will still follow the current rules.

For anyone considering applying soon – the existing B1 language requirement and interview system still stand. And as countless expats before you have shown, mastering the process is possible, even without today’s online resources.