There are seven possible forms of conducting a business operation in Monaco:

• Company limited by shares (société anonyme Monégasque)
• General partnership (société en nom collectif)
• Limited partnership (société en commandite simple)
• Partnership limited by shares (société en commandite par actions)
• Civil partnership (société civile) - reserved for non-commercial activities
• Sole proprietor
• Branch of a foreign corporation

With the exception of a civil partnership it is necessary to obtain permission from the Monegasque Government before commencing business operations. It usually takes at least two months to obtain such permissions.

Special regulations govern certain activities such as banking, insurance, financial institutions, pharmaceuticals, transport, arms and ammunition, chartering of ships, as well as the legal, medical, and accountancy professions.