How is it possible, in 2026, for foreigners with legal troubles to have their residence permits granted or renewed in Monaco? This administrative authorization is a prized asset on the Rock, contributing to the reputation and security that characterize the Principality.

Yet, according to several sources, two controversial figures, both facing issues with the Monegasque and international justice systems and already burdened by troubled pasts and links, obtained residence permits or its renewals in violation of Monegasque law: Rebecca Zanazzo, currently in divorce proceedings from an Italian businessman, and his lover, a former banker Adriano Fossati, recently dismissed from Safra Bank. The two are reportedly involved in a plot orchestrated against Mrs Zanazzo’s husband.

To obtain a residence permit in Monaco, applicants must not only possess a valid passport or a specific long-stay visa, but also satisfy three highly demanding and selective criteria established by the Monegasque authorities:

• Accommodation: Own property, hold a rental agreement of at least one year, or be accommodated by a relative or company. The accommodation must be suitable for the size of the family.
• Sufficient financial resources: Demonstrate the ability to support oneself through employment in Monaco, independent professional activity, substantial savings, or, for individuals without local employment, proof of a deposit of approximately €500,000 in a Monegasque bank account.
• A clean criminal record.

From a strictly legal standpoint, it is not possible to obtain a renewal without meeting these basic requirements. Any application and/or its renewals based on false declarations can lead to immediate expulsion if detected by the Public Security Department.

Most importantly, residence in Monaco requires what is known as « good character. » Criminal convictions for acts of physical or sexual violence, whether committed in Monaco or elsewhere, prevent access to this highly sought-after Monegasque permit.

Monaco prides itself on applying an absolute zero-tolerance policy toward crime, especially when it concerns vulnerable individuals and children.

Rebecca Zanazzo and Adriano Fossati, however, reportedly do not meet these requirements.

Mrs. Zanazzo is reportedly the subject of complaints involving allegations of forgery, use of forged documents, attempted fraud upon the courts, and psychological harassment. The

It should be recalled, as previously reported in the press, that Rebecca Zanazzo’s father, Gino Zanazzo, was convicted in Italy of international trafficking and money laundering offenses.

As for Adriano Fossati, he is reportedly suspected of serious violations of banking confidentiality, breaches of the privacy of communications, as well as unauthorized access to and unlawful use of an automated data-processing system.

Financial Activities Supervisory Commission as well as the Data Protection Authority have also reportedly been notified.

Furthermore, he has been also previously convicted twice for very serious criminal offences in other European countries.

According to sources that have now reportedly been confirmed, Adriano Fossati was indeed dismissed from J. Safra Sarasin Bank after his suspension in June.

More significantly, Rebecca Zanazzo reportedly appears in the Monegasque proceedings in which Adriano Fossati is accused of having used his privileged access to highly sensitive banking data for his own benefit. According to the investigation, the two, a kind of modern-day Bonnie and Clyde, are allegedly involved in a secret extramarital relationship and are suspected of colluding to deprive an Italian businessman, Mrs. Zanazzo’s husband, of his assets.

This raises the question: How relaxed are now the admission criteria to reside in Monaco and how badly can it affect the reputation of the Principality ?

The investigation continues…

Michel Taube