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Day: 22 December 2025

Monaco launches online residency certificate service

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/12/2025

Monaco residents aged 18 and over can now request administrative residency certificates online and pay associated fees directly through MonGuichet.mc, the government announced. 

The online system eliminates the need to purchase a fiscal stamp for digital requests, with payment integrated, secured and processed immediately through the platform. Residents can complete the entire process without visiting a government office.

Transition period for two formats

A transitional period will accommodate the change, during which two certificate formats will coexist. Certificates requested online will not bear an affixed fiscal stamp, whilst certificates requested in paper format will continue to feature a physical stamp.

Both versions are officially recognised and will circulate in parallel. The government emphasises that the new digital format carries full validity with all relevant organisations.

Simplified process

The online service was designed to facilitate procedures whilst guaranteeing full certificate validity. For residents, the system offers a faster, simpler process without the need to travel to purchase a fiscal stamp. For organisations requiring the certificates, the government provides assurance that the new digital format is entirely valid.

The project was developed jointly by the Public Security Directorate and the Digital Services Directorate as part of ongoing public service modernisation in the Principality.

Residents who prefer the traditional method can still complete the process in paper format directly at the Residents Section counter, with prior purchase of a fiscal stamp required.

The online service is accessible through MonGuichet.mc, Monaco’s centralised digital platform for administrative procedures.

The new digital service launched on 18th December 2025.

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Photo credit: Richard McCreery

 

Princess Charlene brings Christmas cheer to Monaco animal shelter

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
22/12/2025

Princess Charlene of Monaco visited the Monaco SPA on December 18th, spending time with animal care workers and board members over a Christmas tea.

As president of the association, the Princess met with staff at the shelter for a warm and relaxed gathering, celebrating the dedication of those committed to animal welfare. She was accompanied by her brother, Gareth Wittstock, who serves as the organisation’s vice-president, as well as Camille Gottlieb and Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy.

The Christmas event brought together employees and supporters of the SPA, offering an opportunity to recognise their ongoing work and commitment. During the visit, Princess Charlene also met several of the animals currently housed at the shelter, highlighting her hands-on involvement and support for the organisation’s mission.

During the Christmas visit, photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

Following the gathering, the Princess viewed renovation work currently taking place at the Peille shelter. The upgrades aim to improve living conditions for animals and make the facility more welcoming for people looking to adopt or visit

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All photos credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

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Monaco’s local businesses celebrated at first Carlo and UCAM Awards

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
22/12/2025

More than 100 business owners, traders and artisans came together on December 17th for the first evening in support of local commerce, organised by Carlo and the Union of Traders and Artisans of Monaco (UCAM).

The event, held at Marius, celebrated Monaco’s retail scene at a key moment: the year-end shopping season.

Five retailers were recognised with Carlo Awards, selected by the Carlo community. Woo took home the ‘Favourite Shop’ award, Narmino the ‘Best Storefront’, Yume the ‘Friendliest Shop’, AMC Haute Couture the ‘Best Customer Experience’, and Fnac Monaco the ‘Most Innovative Shop’.

Awards were presented by National Councillor Corinne Bertani, President of Be Safe Camille Gottlieb, four-time world free-diving champion Pierre Frolla, content creator and founder of ‘Vivre Monaco’ Romain Picard, and Head of Protocol and Communication for the Diocese of Monaco Ferxel Fourgon.

The challenging retail scene

Carlo CEO Antoine Bahri highlighted the challenges retailers face, saying, “In Monaco, as elsewhere, the challenges are very real: changing consumer habits, competition from e-commerce giants, the constant pressure on prices, ever-increasing customer expectations, and strong regulatory constraints.” He added, “Local commerce is far more than simply an economic sector. It is a human relationship. It is what connects us… it represents a commitment to quality, service, and trust, reflecting the image and identity of our country.”

A film was also screened during the event, featuring voices from Monaco’s business and institutional community. Afterwards, a moving contribution from Alain Latorre of the Capucine boutique followed, which closed this year after more than 60 years of operation.

Government and National Council representatives thanked then retailers for their role in keeping Monaco alive, before the evening wrapped up with a networking cocktail.

Founded six years ago in Monaco, Carlo now counts nearly 750 partner merchants and over 80,000 users while UCAM continues to represent around 150 traders and artisans

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Main photo provided.

Monte-Carlo’s prestigious Circus Festival returns

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
22/12/2025

Monaco’s winter calendar will once again include the popular Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival, which returns for its 48th edition from January 16th to 25th, uniting 200 of the world’s finest talents at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille. 

This year, the famous festival will combine its main competition with the 13th New Generation showcase to bring both established stars and emerging talents together.

Held under the patronage of Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, this year’s merged programme will see performers at every stage of their careers perform at the Chapiteau, judged by an international panel and compete for the ultimate prize: the ‘Golden Clown’.

Competition’s line up and programme

The festival will feature an extraordinary array of disciplines including equestrianism and animal training, flying trapeze, hand-to-hand acrobatics, teeterboard jumping, contortion, juggling and much more.

Among the programme highlights, the Richter family will present an elegant equestrian liberty act, culminating with ‘La Poste’, one of the most demanding exercises in classical horsemanship. Andrejs Fjodorov is also set to dazzle audiences with a pigeon training act while the Chinese acrobatic troupe from Dalian will revive the ancient art of meteors, also called shooting stars, a complex discipline dating back to the 3rd millennium BC.

Another breathtaking movement will come from the aerial performances of the Mexican troupe led by Juan Cebolla. Meanwhile, humor will be well represented with Italian clown Davide Vassallo and the Toni Alexis family. Entertainment will once again be provided by the Bingo troupe, with Petit Gougou serving as master of ceremonies.

The competitive phase of the festival begins on January 16th and 17th, with two different programmes presented across the opening nights. These performances determine which artists advance to the awards stage, all leading to the prestigious gala on January 20th at 8pm, when the Golden Clown and other prizes will be announced. Tickets for the gala range from €45 to €210, depending on seating.

From January 21st to 25th, people will then have the chance to see the prize-winning acts during the winners’ shows, with tickets ranging between €35 and €100. Across its 10 day run, the festival will present 16 performances.

Special events and family-friendly access

Like any other year, the festival also offers reduced rates for families on specific dates, so everyone can enjoy the acts. The discounted prices apply to the morning performances on January 18th, 24th and 25th at 10:30am. Children aged five to 12 receive half-price tickets for all performances, while children under five can attend for free.

Keeping up with tradition, special events are also organised during the festival. On January 19th, an ecumenical celebration will take place under the big top.

Meanwhile, a charity football match will take place once again on January 24th at 3:30pm at Stade Louis II, as part of the Fight Aids Cup 2026, with Prince Albert II’s Barbagiuans taking on Princess Stéphanie’s FC Cirque. Entry costs €10 and is free for festival ticket holders, while all proceeds benefit Fight Aids Monaco.

Tickets can be purchased either on site, at the ticket office open at the Chapiteau de l’Espace Fontvieille, Monday to Friday from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm, and Saturday from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm or online at www.montecarlofestival.mc and www.francebillet.com or by phone at +377 92 05 23 45

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Main photo credit: Festival International du Cirque de Monte Carlo

Monaco Employment Forum returns in February

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
22/12/2025

The Monaco pour l’Emploi recruitment forum will once again take place at the Grimaldi Forum on February 6th, uniting employers with jobseekers. 

The event, which will be held in the Diaghilev and Nijinski spaces of the venue, is expected to draw more than 5,000 candidates, offering opportunities to meet with businesses based in Monaco from various industries.

While the 2026 edition of the forum will feature employment opportunities from all economic sectors, the centre of attention will mainly be on technology roles and artificial intelligence positions. This represents an interesting swift from the previous years’ luxury industry focus.

Monaco pour l’Emploi takes advantage of Monaco’s appeal as a workplace, including its international character, attractive location, and business environment that supports both innovation and creative industries.

“One day, a thousand opportunities. Direct exchanges, spontaneous meetings, unexpected discoveries…The forum is where professional projects come to life.” Christophe Robino, Government Councillor, Minister of Social Affairs and Health said.

Monaco pour L’Emploi 2025 edition, Photo credit: Manuel Vitali / Monaco Communications Department

What to expect and how to attend

Attendees will be able to network with potential employers and learn about career paths available in Monaco’s business community. The forum is designed to promote meaningful connections between companies seeking staff and qualified candidates looking for opportunities.

Interested jobseekers and visitors need to resister in advance in order to attend through the official website at www.monacopourlemploi.com, or contact the organisers at info@monacopourlemploi.com for further details

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Main photo credit: Monaco pour l’Emploi 

Team Brady claims E1 Blue Impact Championship alongside racing title

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/12/2025

Team Brady has been announced as the winner of the 2025 E1 Blue Impact Championship presented by Bombay Sapphire, completing a season double alongside their E1 racing championship. The award from the world’s first all-electric raceboat series recognises the team’s season-long contribution to protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems.

The Blue Impact Championship evaluates teams on environmental initiatives beyond racing performance, challenging competitors to drive positive impact on fragile marine habitats through measurable action.

Performance-linked ocean cleanup

Team Brady distinguished itself through its Race for Change programme, delivered in partnership with 4ocean Foundation, OceanR, OMP and WaterAid. The initiative linked environmental action directly to racing success: for every championship point earned in 2025, 100 kilograms of plastic were removed from the oceans—representing the average annual plastic waste generated per person.

Over the season, the team’s 195 points translated to 19,500 kilograms of plastic removed from marine environments.

“When we first set out to build the team with team principals Ben and Joe, our goal was to win both on and off the water—and we’ve done exactly that,” said Tom Brady, NFL legend and team owner. “Our Race for Change platform has been a driving force for real environmental impact, and it was important to all of us that our commitment went beyond words. We wanted measurable change.”

Judging criteria and jury

The jury, composed of Rodolfo Nervi (Vice President for Corporate Sustainability, Global Safety and Quality, Bacardi), Jan Pachner (Secretary General, One Ocean Foundation), Alexandra Cousteau (Founder, Oceans2050), and Marina Anselme (Secretary General, MSC Foundation), assessed teams on multiple criteria.

Evaluation included the impact of activities on local communities and marine ecosystems, strength of collaboration with stakeholders, and the creativity, inclusivity and ambition of environmental programmes. The jury also considered how effectively teams engage fans and partners to inspire wider action.

Comprehensive sustainability partnerships

Beyond ocean plastic removal, Team Brady’s programme encompassed multiple sustainability initiatives. The partnership with OceanR produced team kit made from recycled plastic bottles, whilst collaboration with WaterAid raised awareness of access to clean drinking water.

Team Brady pilot Emma Kimiläinen emphasised the programme’s breadth: “From wearing team kit made from recycled plastic bottles with OceanR, to raising awareness of access to clean, safe drinking water with WaterAid, these initiatives have created real impact. Delivering tangible environmental change alongside sporting success is something I’m extremely proud of, and I hope we can make an even greater positive impact in the 2026 season.”

Sam Coleman, Team Brady pilot, added: “Our Race for Change campaign has been at the forefront of everything we’ve done this season, even while fighting hard in a tight E1 championship. Seeing the tangible impact this initiative was having throughout the season has been a genuine source of pride.”

Award ceremony at sustainable venue

Winners were announced at the Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke Mill, home of E1’s official gin partner and presenting partner of the Blue Impact Championship. The distillery, designed by Thomas Heatherwick, is rated “Outstanding” by BREEAM environmental assessment, with over 99% of waste recycled or converted to energy. Bombay Sapphire sources all 10 botanicals from sustainably certified suppliers.

The partnership with E1 aligns with Bombay Sapphire’s Step Into The Blue global campaign, demonstrating that electric sport and environmental responsibility can accelerate positive change.

Rodolfo Nervi, Vice President of Corporate Sustainability, Global Safety and Quality for Bacardi, said: “At Bombay Sapphire we take real action to help protect the planet, from sourcing all ten botanicals from sustainably certified suppliers to achieving Wildlife Habitat Council Certification for our work to protect biodiversity at the distillery. That’s why we are so proud to be the presenting partner for the E1 Blue Impact Championship—the teams are making incredible contributions to help protect the world’s oceans.”

E1’s environmental mission

Carlos Duarte, Chief Scientist at E1, described Team Brady’s achievement as embodying the championship’s core mission. “Their win not only represents excellent teamwork but the heart of E1’s mission—using sport as a platform to protect and restore our waters,” he said.

“The Blue Impact Championship is the component of E1 where, regardless of who wins, we all win, as the collective actions of all teams are an impressive example of the potential of sports to drive meaningful, positive impact on our waters. Team Brady has shown remarkable dedication in fast-tracking from awareness to meaningful environmental impact this season.”

Throughout the 2025 season, all competing teams built portfolios of sustainability initiatives, reflecting individual commitments to purpose-led sport. The collective effort demonstrates E1’s model of combining high-performance racing with environmental stewardship.

Teams are already preparing for the 2026 E1 Blue Impact Championship, which runs alongside the E1 season calendar starting in Jeddah on 23rd and 24th January.

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Photo source: E1