Morocco: all programs

Morocco in brief

Morocco is a kingdom in north-west Africa, separated from Spain by just 14 kilometres of the Strait of Gibraltar. The 2024 census counted about 37 million people. The capital is Rabat, and the largest city and business centre is Casablanca. The official languages are Arabic and Amazigh; French is widely used in business and administration, and Spanish is understood in the north. The currency is the Moroccan dirham, about 9.7 dirhams to the dollar.

The economy rests on phosphates, of which Morocco has the world's largest reserves, the car and aerospace industries, tourism, agriculture and remittances from emigrants. The Tanger Med port is one of the largest in the Mediterranean, Africa's first high-speed train runs between Tangier and Casablanca, and in 2030 the country will co-host the football World Cup with Spain and Portugal.

Morocco suits retirees with a foreign pension, remote workers and entrepreneurs who want a warm climate, modest costs and Europe a couple of hours' flight away. It suits less those seeking a quick passport or residence by investment: there are no such programmes here.

How to move in 2026

Russian citizens enter visa-free for up to 90 days, and those staying longer apply for a residence card at the police in their place of residence. Buying a home or investing does not by itself give residence or citizenship. Citizenship comes after 5 years of legal residence with Arabic or Amazigh, review takes another 1.5-4 years, and dual citizenship is allowed. More on the page about Moroccan citizenship.

Taxes

Moroccan residents pay income tax on worldwide income on a scale from 0% to 37%: the first 40,000 dirhams a year are tax-free, and the top rate starts at 180,000 dirhams, about $18,600. The main benefit is for foreign pensions: tax on them is cut by 80% if the money is transferred to Morocco in dirhams. Companies with profits under 100 million dirhams pay a flat 20%, dividends are taxed at 11.25%, and from 2027 at 10%. VAT is 20%. Employees pay 6.74% social contributions and employers 21.09%. More on the page about Moroccan taxes.

Property

Foreigners freely buy flats, houses and riads in cities, while agricultural land can only be acquired through special procedures. The deal is handled by a notary and registered in the land registry. On purchase you pay about 4% registration duty and about 1.5% land registry fee, plus notary fees. Funds for the purchase are best brought in officially through a bank: then on sale they can be repatriated in foreign currency. More on the page about property in Morocco.

Cost of living

Morocco is noticeably cheaper than southern Europe: local food, markets, cafés, transport and services are inexpensive, while imported goods, cars and international schools cost European prices. The most expensive cities are Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakesh, especially the areas where foreigners live. Healthcare in the big cities means good private clinics, used by foreigners with private insurance.

Where to live

• Casablanca. The business centre with banks, offices of international companies, a seafront and international schools.
• Rabat. A calm capital by the ocean with ministries, embassies and green districts.
• Marrakesh. A tourist city with an old medina, villas and golf courses, popular with European retirees.
• Tangier. The gateway to Europe: ferries to Spain, a new port and industrial zones.
• Agadir and Essaouira. The Atlantic coast, a mild climate almost all year and surfing.
• Fez. A historic and religious centre with the country's largest medieval medina.

Practicalities

• Climate. Mild on the coast: about 15-20 degrees in winter and 25-30 in summer. Inland summers are hot, and the Atlas mountains have snow in winter.
• Language. Local Arabic and Amazigh in daily life, French in business and documents, and English increasingly among young people and in tourism.
• Getting there. Casablanca, Marrakesh and Tangier have direct flights to many European cities, 2-4 hours away. Ferries from Tangier to Spain take about an hour.
• Religion and customs. Islam is the state religion, the rhythm of life changes during Ramadan, and alcohol sales are limited.
• Safety. The country is considered calm; in medinas and tourist areas keep an eye on your belongings.

Business and companies

A limited liability company is registered through the regional investment centres, and a foreigner can own it fully. Companies serving African markets can obtain Casablanca financial centre status with tax benefits, and industrial zones near the ports offer their own advantages for exporters. The 2022 investment charter gives projects subsidies of up to 30%, but not residence status. More on the page about company registration in Morocco.

Who Morocco suits

Morocco is a strong option for retirees with a foreign pension thanks to the 80% tax reduction, for those who want to live by the ocean with modest costs near Europe, and for business linked to Africa. Those who need a quick second passport should look at countries with citizenship programmes. Write in the chat and we will choose a basis for your residence card and calculate the full cost of moving.