You can apply for residency if:

• You own real estate in Morocco and can prove sufficient income to support yourself;
• You are married to a Moroccan;
• You have set up a business or found a job in Morocco to support yourself.

In all other cases, you can only apply for a temporary visa for 90 days. 

The first application for a residence permit, also called a Certificat d'Immatriculation, is submitted for one year and can be extended for one year or for five to ten years. It is a national identity card for foreigners that gives you permission to legally reside in Morocco.

Documents required to obtain a residence permit for foreigners in Morocco

To obtain or renew your card registration as a foreigner wishing to reside in Morocco, you must submit an application attached to the following documents:

• A copy of the pages of your passport proving your identity.
• A stamp of entry into the Kingdom of Morocco.
• Entry visa for foreigners (for those who fall under this measure).
• Print the completed registration application in duplicate.
• A recent photograph.
• Lease agreement or other document confirming actual permanent residence in Morocco.
• A copy of the document on criminal record.
• A medical certificate.
• A bank certificate confirming sufficient means of subsistence for the period of residence in the Kingdom of Morocco.
• A document that shows the nature of the activity that the foreign citizen intends to perform (if required).

👇🏼 Please note!

For a safe move, travel or employment in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

After your application is approved, you will receive a temporary residence card or Récépissé for temporary use.

The process of applying for residence in Morocco

The process of applying for residence will depend on the type of residency you need. There are eight categories:

• Foreign national woman marrying a Moroccan spouse
• A foreign national marrying a Moroccan spouse
• Employment contract approved by the Ministry of Labor of Morocco
• Military / civilian cooperation
• Student
• Joint stock company
• Retired
• Without a profession
• Contractual

Residence permit upon retirement

When you apply for a residence permit, you will need to choose one of eight reasons why you are applying. One of these reasons is retirement. Once you receive your residency card, the same rules apply regarding the duration of validation and the possibility of opening a bank account in Morocco. Your first residence card will be valid for one year, and for an additional renewal, you can get a card that is valid for up to 10 years.

Residence permit in Morocco when buying real estate

A foreigner who owns real estate in Morocco can apply for a temporary residence permit, while it should be noted that owning real estate in Morocco is not a basis for obtaining permanent residence and citizenship.

💡 Tip: To ensure a safe move to a new country, we advise you to contact a specialist. Our qualified specialists with legal education will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

In order to invest in Morocco, you need to obtain an investment visa.

Investment visa in Morocco

Documents to be submitted for your application:

• A completed application form for an entry visa to the Kingdom of Morocco;
• 2 color photographs on a white background (4x3 cm) that clearly show facial features;
• Identity card or residence permit or any document with an address;
• Validity of the passport: the validity of the passport or travel document must exceed the duration of the stay;
• A photocopy of the passport (pages indicating the person and the period of validity);
• Recommendation from the Office of Foreign Investment or a professional federation;
• Or the relevant supervisory authority or regional investment centers (C.R.I.);
• Or a Moroccan partner or branch of a foreign investor in Morocco.

Visa for family reunification in Morocco

Documents to be submitted for your application:

• A completed application form for an entry visa to the Kingdom of Morocco;
• Two color photographs of the person on a white background (4 x 3 cm) that clearly show facial features;
• An identity card or residence permit or any document with an address;
• Valid passport: the validity of the passport or travel document must be longer than the duration of the stay;
• A photocopy of the passport (pages indicating the identity and validity);
• A document confirming the authenticity and legality of the marriage certificate;
• A document confirming the family relationship, such as a full copy of the birth certificate confirming the family relationship with the Moroccan mother (in case the children are born to a foreign father whose citizenship is subject to a visa) until his situation is settled in accordance with the new provisions of the Nationality Code;
• A document establishing Kafala or international adoption, in this case, a document confirming the assumption of the responsibility of the ascendant.

Permanent residence in Morocco

After you have renewed your residence permit for the third time and received a 10-year residence permit, you become a permanent resident of Morocco. The first residence permit will be valid for one year, the second for five years, and the third for 10 years.