Living in Morocco: a guide for new residents

Staying longer than 90 days

Visitors exempt from visas may stay up to 90 days. To live in Morocco you must apply for a residence permit at the foreigners’ office of the police (DGSN) in your city, or at the Royal Gendarmerie if you live in a rural area. Apply within 90 days of arrival.

• Carte d’immatriculation (registration card): the first residence permit, issued for categories such as visitor, student or work; valid from 1 up to 10 years and renewable.
• Carte de résidence: long-term residence card (up to 10 years, renewable) for people with long legal residence or family ties.
• Some nationalities need a long-stay visa before arrival: check with the Moroccan consulate in your country.
• After you apply you receive a receipt that serves as a provisional document while the file is processed.

Documents usually requested

• Passport with entry stamp, and copies of the relevant pages.
• Recent passport photos.
• Proof of address (rental contract or property deed, sometimes with a certificate of residence).
• Proof of means: bank statements, pension, scholarship or employment contract.
• Criminal record certificate from your country (often translated into French or Arabic).
• Requirements vary by city and category — ask at the foreigners’ office before submitting.

Working and doing business

• Foreign employees generally need an employment contract approved by the Ministry of Employment before obtaining a work residence card.
• Self-employed people and investors register a business; Morocco offers investment incentives, free zones and sector programmes (automotive, aerospace, renewable energy).
• Remote workers should check with the consulate which residence category applies to their situation.

Housing

• Rentals are found through agencies and classified-ad sites; furnished flats are common in big cities.
• A written lease is standard; signatures are often legalised at the town hall. Expect a deposit of one or two months.
• Foreigners can buy titled urban property; agricultural land is restricted. Use a notary and check the land title.
• Casablanca and Rabat are the most expensive cities; Fes, Meknes and smaller towns cost less. Marrakech, Agadir, Essaouira and Tangier are popular with foreign residents.

Banking and money

• Non-residents can open convertible dirham or foreign-currency accounts; a residence card makes opening a standard account easier.
• Foreign exchange is regulated by the Office des Changes: keep records of money you transfer into Morocco.
• Morocco offers tax incentives for some foreign pensions transferred into the country — get professional advice about your situation.
• You become a tax resident if you stay more than 183 days in a year or have your main home in Morocco.

Healthcare

• Private clinics in big cities offer good standards; public hospitals are cheaper but busier.
• Take international or Moroccan private health insurance; employees are usually covered by the national scheme (AMO) through their employer.
• Pharmacies are everywhere and pharmacists give useful advice.

Schools and studies

• Large cities have French, Spanish, American, British and other international schools.
• Universities include public universities and private institutions; Al Akhawayn in Ifrane teaches in English.
• Foreign students need a student residence card after arrival.

Everyday life

• Learn a few words of Darija: it opens doors. French is widely used in administration and business.
• Weekend is Saturday–Sunday; Friday midday prayer is important.
• Internet and mobile data are good in cities; fibre is spreading.
• Foreign cars can be imported temporarily for a limited period per year; long-term residents usually register or buy a car locally.