Morocco

Coastal Beaches

Cost of Living: Moderate

Train Access: Yes (oncf, very safe)

Bus Service: Yes (CTM, Supratours, relatively safe)

Morocco is a country located in the northwest corner of Africa and is bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its diverse culture, which is a blend of Arab, Berber, African, and European influences. The capital city of Rabat is one of the country's four imperial cities, along with Marrakesh, Fes, and Meknes, each with its own unique history and attractions. Morocco's geography is equally varied, featuring the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert, and lush valleys. The country's economy is diverse, with sectors including agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. Morocco is famous for its cuisine, which includes dishes like couscous, tagine, and mint tea. The country has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, with many historical sites to explore, such as the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the medieval medina of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Moroccan culture is also known for its vibrant markets, or souks, traditional music, and festivals. Despite modern developments, many Moroccans maintain a strong connection to their traditional way of life, particularly in rural areas. The country's political system is a constitutional monarchy, with a king who has significant influence over the government. Morocco has a growing young population, which has been a driving force for social and economic change in recent years. The country is also a key player in regional politics and has strong ties with both Western and African countries.

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Living in Morocco

Movies Set: Casablanca, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Babel, Marrakech Express

Popular Foods: Moroccan cuisine is rich and diverse, reflecting the country's long history and various cultural influences. Some of the most popular dishes include couscous, typically served with vegetables and meat, and tagine, a slow-cooked stew named after the earthenware pot it's cooked in. Mint tea is a staple beverage, often referred to as Moroccan whiskey due to its popularity. For dessert, pastries like baklava and cornes de gazelle are widely enjoyed.

Unusual Eats: One of the more unusual foods in Morocco is sheep's head, which is often eaten during the festival of Eid al-Adha. The head is boiled or steamed and served whole, and locals enjoy eating different parts of the head, including the eyes and tongue.

Popular Sports: football, athletics, boxing

Popular Teams: Wydad Casablanca (football), Raja Casablanca (football), FAR Rabat (football)

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: When in Morocco, it is important to dress modestly, especially for women, as revealing clothing can be frowned upon. It is also considered rude to refuse an offer of mint tea, as it is a sign of hospitality and friendship. Additionally, public displays of affection are not widely accepted and should be avoided to respect local customs and sensibilities.

Best Places to Live in Morocco

Discover the top-ranked towns in Morocco. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.

Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average

Popular Expat Visa/s: Residence Permit

Popular Nomad Visa/s: Morocco does not have a specific digital nomad visa, but digital nomads often use tourist visas which allow them to stay for up to 90 days

Obtaining a residency in Morocco is a process that can be considered average in terms of difficulty. Expats looking to reside in Morocco typically need to apply for a Residence Permit. The first step is to enter Morocco on a tourist visa, which is valid for up to 90 days. During this period, expats must apply for a Residence Permit at the local police station in the area where they intend to live. The documents required for a Residence Permit application usually include a valid passport, a police background check from the expat's home country, a medical certificate from a Moroccan doctor, proof of employment or income, and a rental agreement or proof of property ownership in Morocco. If the expat is planning to work in Morocco, they will also need an employment contract from a Moroccan company or proof of business ownership. The application process involves submitting the required documents along with a completed application form to the local authorities. The processing time can vary, but it generally takes a few weeks to a few months to receive the Residence Permit. Once granted, the Residence Permit is typically valid for one year and can be renewed annually. It is important to note that the process can be bureaucratic and may require patience and multiple visits to various government offices. Expats are often advised to hire a local or a relocation specialist to assist with the application process to ensure that all paperwork is completed correctly and to navigate any potential language barriers or procedural nuances. Overall, while the process is not overly complicated, it does require attention to detail and an understanding of the local administrative procedures. Expats who come prepared and seek local assistance when necessary will find the process manageable.

Healthcare in Morocco

The healthcare system in Morocco is a mix of public and private services. The public healthcare system is accessible to all citizens and legal residents, including expatriates who are employed and contribute to the Moroccan social security system, CNSS. However, the quality of public healthcare can vary significantly, with urban areas typically having better facilities and more resources than rural areas. Private healthcare in Morocco is known for providing higher quality services with more modern facilities and shorter waiting times, but it comes at a higher cost. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare once they are registered with the CNSS, which usually requires having a work contract or setting up a business in Morocco. Many expats and digital nomads opt for private health insurance to cover private healthcare costs, which provides them with a wider range of healthcare options and often higher quality care.

"I have been offered a job in Casablanca. I have not been able to find any reliable information on a cost of living comparison. Luckily my job would include housing. My yearly income would be about 30,000 american. That seems pretty low living standard for an international city for me. I'm single with no dependents, but I would like to actually be able to save some money and do still have my school loan debts to pay off. What do you think? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Stella" - pitchinwoo

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Cost of Living

The cost of living in Morocco is considered moderate when compared to Western countries. Essentials such as food, housing, and transportation are generally affordable, but prices can vary depending on the region and proximity to major cities.

Weather

Morocco has a diverse climate that varies with the region. Coastal areas have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Inland areas, especially in the Atlas Mountains, experience more extreme temperatures with cold winters and very hot summers. The Sahara region is arid and can reach extreme temperatures during the day.

Educational System in Morocco

The educational system in Morocco is a mix of public, private, and international schools, catering to the diverse needs of its population. Education in Morocco is compulsory through to age 15, which includes primary and middle school. The education system is structured as follows: pre-school for ages 4-6, primary school for ages 6-12, which is divided into six grades, middle school for ages 12-15, which is divided into three grades, and secondary school for ages 15-18, which is also divided into three grades. The school year in Morocco typically starts in September and ends in June. Public education is free, though there are costs associated with books and uniforms. The quality of education varies, with urban schools generally providing a better quality of education than rural areas. French is often used as the language of instruction, particularly in secondary schools and higher education, which can be a challenge for students and families not fluent in the language. After completing middle school, students must pass a national exam to enter secondary school, where they can choose between general education and technical streams. At the end of secondary school, students take the baccalauréat exam, which determines their eligibility for university admission.