Economy of Vatican City



The economy of Vatican City is mainly supported financially by the sale of stamps, coins, medals, and tourist mementos as well as fees for admission to museums and publication sales. Vatican City employed 4,822 people in 2016.

The Vatican City receives subsidies from the Italian state, which include the water supply free of charge, tax exemptions and other kinds of dedicated public funding.

Vatican City issues its own coins and stamps. It has used the euro as its currency since 1 January 1999, owing to a special agreement with the European Union (council decision 1999/98). Euro coins and notes were introduced on 1 January 2002—the Vatican does not issue euro banknotes. Issuance of euro-denominated coins is strictly limited by treaty, though somewhat more than usual is allowed in a year in which there is a change in the papacy. Because of their rarity, Vatican euro coins are highly sought by collectors.

Key statistics

 * Budget:
 * revenues: €770 million (2021)
 * expenditures: €803 million (2021)
 * deficit: €33m (2021)


 * Industries:

Printing and production of a small amount of mosaics and staff uniforms; worldwide banking and financial activities. 


 * Electricity – production:

442 MWh (2010) from solar panels.


 * Electricity – imports:

Electricity supplied by Italy.


 * Currency:

Euro (since 2002). Vatican City depends on Italy for practical production of banknotes, stamps and other valuable titles. Owing to their rarity, Vatican euro coins are sought by collectors.

The fiscal year is the calendar year.