Residency Permit in Morocco

Hello 👋 I’m looking for same answer hopefully someone answers 🤞

@Eljunke58

Hello and welcome !

Till members guide you, feel free to read the following : https://ma.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-se … n-morocco/

Regards

Bhavna

@Bhavna

Hello,

Thank you for your response and the link. Are you an expat residing in Morocco or originally from Morocco? Just curious.

Hello,
Can anyone provide information on permanent residency in Morocco. More specifically, under what categories and what are requirements to apply. Thank you! - @Eljunke58

Hello,

If you’re considering applying for permanent residency in Morocco, there are several categories and steps involved. Residency permits, known as Cartes de Séjour, are available under various categories such as work, study, family reunification, and retirement. Each category has specific requirements, including a valid passport, proof of accommodation, financial means, health insurance, and sometimes a criminal record check.

To begin the process, you’ll need to determine the appropriate residency category that matches your purpose for staying in Morocco. Once ready, you can submit your application either at a Moroccan consulate in your home country or directly to immigration authorities in Morocco if you’re already in the country. The initial permit is typically valid for one year and can be renewed. In some cases, after five years of continuous legal residency, you may be eligible to apply for Moroccan citizenship, although this process can be complex and requires meeting specific conditions such as knowledge of Arabic and Moroccan culture.

The permit grants several benefits, including access to healthcare and education, the ability to work, and property ownership (with some restrictions on agricultural land). It’s also possible to sponsor close family members for residency under certain conditions.

To apply for a residency permit (Carte de Séjour) in Morocco, the following documents are generally required. However, requirements may vary slightly depending on the type of permit (work, study, family reunification, retirement) and your local prefecture:

    1.    Valid Passport: Copy of your passport, including the main information page and any relevant visa stamps.

    2.    Completed Application Form: Available at the local prefecture or Moroccan consulate.

    3.    Proof of Accommodation: This can be a rental agreement, property deed, or an accommodation certificate from a host.

    4.    Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements, proof of pension, or a work contract to demonstrate your financial stability.

    5.    Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance covering your stay in Morocco.

    6.    Criminal Record Certificate: From your home country or from Morocco, depending on your situation.

    7.    Recent Passport Photos: Usually 4-6 recent colour photos, meeting passport standards.

    8.    Employment Contract (for Work Permit): If applying for a work-based residency permit.

    9.    Proof of Enrollment (for Students): Official enrollment letter from the educational institution.

    10.    Marriage or Birth Certificates (for Family Reunification): If applying to reunite with family members.

Additionally, you may need to undergo biometric data collection and pay relevant application fees.

Navigating Morocco’s bureaucracy can be challenging, so starting early and consulting with local experts is recommended to ensure everything runs smoothly. There are also fees involved, which typically range from 1,000 to 1,200 Moroccan Dirhams per year for the permit.

I hope this provides a useful overview. Feel free to explore local resources or connect with legal experts to get more tailored guidance.

Regards,

Arif Esa

Salam alaikum Arif Esa,

Thank you for taking the time to write in detail about how to get permanent residency (Cates Se'jour) in Morocco. You seem to be that you are an educated person and knowledgeable in the subject matter, and it was very kind of you to respond back to the request for information. Are you living in Morocco? Are you involved in assisting expats to obtain residency permit? If so, are available to talk on WhatsApp?

Allow me to share my circumstances. I am 59 years old and still working. I plan to move to Morocco to completely retire or work remotely with a company in my country. I have few questions:

1.    Can I apply under the retirement category at my age 57? If so, how do I demonstrate financial means/support? Depositing money in the bank? If deposit is the way to go, how much money at a minimum n MAD I need to deposit?

2.    For proof of accommodation, you mentioned that I will need a rental agreement/contract. Do I need an apartment for months or a whole year? You also mentioned that accommodation certificate from a host. How does it work? Will Airbnb works or renting a room in a Moroccan house is needed?

3.    Can you give me some websites in Morocco or sources to find accommodation?

If I can't apply under retirement category, can I open a company and get residency permit? If so,

1.    What are the requirements to open an LLC company?

2.    You mentioned about bank statement. How much money do I need to put as a deposit in a Moroccan bank? what is the minimum amount, in MAD?

You mentioned about consulting with local experts in Morocco. Can you suggest who can I contact in that regards.

Once again, I really appreciate your sincere and detail response.

Best regards!