Moving to Morocco Guide

• Is it difficult to immigrate to Morocco?
• Is Moroccan healthcare free?
• How can I get residency in Morocco?
• What is Certificat d’Immatriculation?
• How long can you stay in Morocco without a visa?
• What should I bring when I move to Morocco?
• What is the quality of healthcare in Morocco?
• Are there international schools in Morocco?
• How do you find a home in Morocco?

Is it difficult to immigrate to Morocco?

When asked about the immigration process, one expat who moved to Rabat said, "[Bring] 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."

How can I get residency in Morocco?

"Travelers who plan to reside in Morocco must obtain a residence permit, (Certificat d’Immatriculation) Applications should be submitted to the Bureau des Etrangers of the Prefecture de Police or Commissariat Central in major cities, and to the Gendarmerie in remote areas and villages. In order to obtain a residence permit, travelers must present (among other requirements) a criminal history record check. This record check can only be obtained in the United States. The U.S. Consulate and Embassy are unable to take fingerprints to send for FBI record requests. For specific information, individuals seeking residency should visit their local police station. The following documents must accompany a residency renewal application: Birth Certificate, Copy of the current passport, Copy of the current Moroccan residency card, Medical certificate from a doctor stating that the requester is free from any contagious disease, Court record (Casier Judiciaire) obtained from the Ministry of Justice in Rabat, 100 MAD stamp. Individuals planning on residing in Morocco or relocating to the U.S. may be asked to provide a notarized change of residence form. This form is available at the U.S. Consulate by appointment," stated the US State Department.

What is Certificat d’Immatriculation?

It is a residence permit.

How long can you stay in Morocco without a visa?

"Visas are not required for visits lasting less than 90 days. Visit the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco website for the most current visa information. If you remain in Morocco beyond 90 days without having requested an extension of stay, you will need to appear before a judge prior to departing Morocco. Please contact the immigration office at your local police station for details. Clearance may include the payment of a fine," wrote the US State Department.

What should I bring when I move to Morocco?

When we asked expats living in Morocco what they wish they had brought when moving to Morocco and what they wish they had left at home, they replied:

"The things I wish I had brought with me or more of them is money (cash) and some rare products that are found in the US only. The thing I shouldn't have brought with us is the electronic that works in the US only, new stuff I bought with more money than Morocco prices, thing that never need in warm Morocco," said one expat who moved to Mohammedia.

"Sofas, antiques, children's garden furniture, car, car seat and high chair, I wish I'd left at home TV and my husband (only joking)," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Morocco.

What is the quality of healthcare in Morocco?

"Adequate medical care is available in Morocco's largest cities, particularly in Rabat and Casablanca, although not all facilities meet Western standards. Emergency and specialized care outside the major cities is far below U.S. standards and may not be available at all. Most medical staff will have limited or no English-speaking ability," wrote the US State Department. Most expats living in Morocco purchase private expat health insurance for coverage at the best hospitals in Morocco and to provide evacuation insurance should a life-threatening illness or emergency arise that is best treated outside of Morocco.

Related Reading: Healthcare in Morocco

Are there international schools in Morocco?

Here are some of the international schools in Morocco:

Casablanca American School
Route de la Mecque, Lot Ougoug
Quartier Californie
Casablanca
Tel: (0522) 21-41-15/21
Fax: (0522) 21-24-88

Rabat American School
B.P. 120 Rabat
Tel: (0537) 67-14-76
Fax: (0537) 67-09-63
http://www.ras.ma

American School of Tangier
Rue Christophe Colomb Tangier
Tel: (0539) 93-98-27/28
Fax: (0539) 94-75-35

The American School of Marrakesh
Route de Ouarzazate (km 9)
B.P. 6195
Marrakech 40000
Telephone: +212(0)524 329860
+212(0)524329861
Fax: +212(0)524 329862

George Washington Academy
Bd. Abdelhadi Boutaleb (ex km 5.6 Route d'Azemmour)
Casablanca Morocco, 20220
Tel : +(212) 05.22.95.30.00
Fax : +(212) 05.22.95.30.34

How do you find a home in Morocco?

When we asked expats living in Morocco to offer newcomers advice about choosing a neighborhood and finding a home, they replied:

"I had bought a small villa in 2000 the neighbohood is nice but quiet far from the center the city," said one expat who moved to Mohammedia , Morocco.

"Very difficult and expensive to rent here if you want a pool and garden, we ended up buying a villa. We found our home on the internet and by asking local people about what was for sale in the area," mentioned another expat living in Marrakech.