How to set up as a Professional Independent Artist

Act no. 1.360 of 04 July 2009 concerning support and social protection for professional self-employed artists states that performers and people that fall within the scope of  Act no. 491 of 24 November 1948 concerning the protection of literature and works of art who practice their activity in a continuous, habitual manner for profit with no relation to legal subordination are considered as professional independent artists (APIs).

To get this form you can either:

• Download it here  Fiche individuelle de renseignements (324-0004_02-2015)
• Or collect it from Department of Cultural Affairs

You must provide:

The form, duly completed with the following documents :

• A photocopy of your Monegasque ID card or residence permit and the family record booklet for spouses of Monegasque citizens, or a residence certificate for the residents
• A sworn declaration stating that you carry out an activity in an habitual and continuous manner pursuant to 1^st article of the Act 1.360 of 4th July 2009 as performing artist or creative artist as described in Act n° 491 of 24th November 1948

• An art portfolio showing your work:
  • A letter of motivation
  • A detailed CV highlighting your productions and/or training in the concerned art
  • Documents or copies of documents relating to the artists' recent activities  (contracts for engagements, posters or programmes mentioning the artist's participation, photos, videos, CDs, books …)

If applicable

• A certificate or other proof of membership of a performing artist rights management society (such as SPEDIDAM or ADAMI) or an authors' rights management society (such as SACEM, SACD or ADAGP)
• A copy of the lease (if you are renting business premises)

You should submit the complete application to the Department of Cultural Affairs.

Applications are processed the Support Commission for Professional Independent Artists (Commission de soutien aux Artistes Professionnels Indépendants). If your application is accepted, you will receive a letter confirming that your application is under consideration.

Once you have received the acceptance letter, you must:

• Registration on the NIS (Statistical Identification Number) Register with Monaco Statistics  (Monegasque Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies). This number is used for official classifications and statistics and is necessary throughout the life cycle of your company (opening a bank account, establishing a telephone line, etc.)
• Make a declaration of existence of the company to the Department of Tax Services
• Pay social security contributions to the independent workers’ social security and retirement funds for the self-employed - CAMTI-CARTI