Expat Guide to Residency in Morocco

Learn how to obtain a residency visa in Morocco. Expats, Retirees and others who have navigated the process offer advice and guidance for newcomers in Morocco.
|-Expat Guide to Residency in Morocco

Obtaining a residency visa in Morocco is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Morocco gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

  • Gather the necessary documents for residency status in Morocco. These include a valid passport, a birth certificate, a marriage certificate (if applicable), a police record, a medical certificate, and proof of financial means.
  • Visit the local Moroccan consulate in your home country to apply for a visa. You will need to provide the necessary documents and pay the applicable fees.
  • Once you have obtained your visa, travel to Morocco and register with the local police station. You will need to provide your passport and visa.
  • Apply for a Tax Number at the local tax office.
    • Bring your passport, visa, and proof of address.
    • Fill out the necessary forms and provide any other required documents.
    • Pay the applicable fees.
  • Apply for residency status at the local immigration office.
    • Bring your passport, visa, tax number, and proof of address.
    • Fill out the necessary forms and provide any other required documents.
    • Pay the applicable fees.
  • Once your application is approved, you will receive a residency card. This card must be renewed every year.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Morocco?

“Proof of income Proof that you’re not a criminal, you need to go to the police department and register. They’ll give you a printed form. For retirees it’s the most efficient process I’d been in. They want us, we help their community. Other countries are not quite as welcoming. Usually, it’s an economic problem. Ecuadorians, for example, have been priced out of many housing markets because of the influx of people from wealthier countries,” said one expat living in Rabat.

“If you plan to stay in Morocco for an extended period of time, you will need to obtain a residency permit. This permit is issued by the Moroccan Ministry of Interior and is valid for up to one year. You will also need to obtain a valid visa before entering Morocco. Depending on your nationality, you may be able to obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport or you may need to apply for a visa in advance,” wrote a member in Morocco.

“In order to visit Morocco, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, and a fee. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Morocco, foreign nationals must submit an application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, a valid residence permit, and a fee. Depending on the purpose of the residency, additional documents may be required. The application process may also involve an interview with a representative from the Moroccan government,” commented one member living in Morocco.

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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