Moroccan Kingdom
Ministry in Charge of Moroccan living
Abroad and Migration Affairs
Practical Guide to facilitate your
integration in Morocco
1st Edition
Practical Guide to facilitate your
integration in Morocco
1st Edition
The geographical proximity of Morocco to Europe as well as the
attractiveness that it sheds due to its stability, its openness, its
tolerance and its level of development, are all factors that have made
it the country where many migrants settle down.
The situation of immigrants and refugees from Sub-Saharan Africa and
some countries of the Middle East, has been subject to great concern
from the national public opinion and has called for urgent actions with
reference to the principles of our civilization that meet the
requirements of international law.
MR. Anis BIRROU
Minister in Charge of
Moroccan living abroad and
Migration Affairs
Based on the high Royal Directives, a new migration policy has been
implemented testifying to the tradition of hospitality and solidarity of
the Moroccan Kingdom towards migrants and integrating the
humanitarian dimension that prescribes its accession to the universal
conception of human rights.
A comprehensive operational and integrated plan has been implemented including a set of actions which
are all tending towards the goal of respecting and asserting the dignity of migrants :
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An operation of regularization of the administrative situation of foreigners illegally staying in
Morocco has led to the favourable treatment of the majority of requests. Besides, a National Appeal
Committee has been created and its recommendations are improving ceaselessly the balance sheet
of this operation;
A national strategy for immigration and asylum has been planned and designed by all the actors
working in the migration field and it is being implemented under the control of a well-defined
device of governance;
Several legal reforms are being prepared and three draft laws regulating the field of migration,
asylum and the fight against trafficking of human beings have been designed and are in the process
of legislating the validation;
An emergency program of humanitarian assistance to help and safeguard the dignity of migrant
populations living in a situation of extreme vulnerability has been implemented;
Integration of educational, cultural, social and economic projects for migrants have been initiated
by public institutions and by civil society;
Reflection workshops and international forums on various topics related to immigration and asylum
have been organized in order to strengthen the interaction and to accentuate the scientific and
political mastery of these different dimensions with the concern of preserving the effective and
relevant cadence of the setting of these structural reforms;
A dynamic international cooperation and involvement of the different stakeholders was launched in
order to improve the chances of success of the migrants integration programs.
The preparation of this practical guide is also part of these actions as it is designed to present the
Moroccan vision in welcoming foreigners and to accompany them on the path of integration. Besides, we
have made this guide available in three different languages in order to make sure that the necessary
information is more accessible to them and to better seize the opportunities that are offered to them
within the Moroccan society.
We hope that through this book, we testify the commitment which animates all the actors to meet the
high expectations of the Royal Initiative in its philosophy, its principles and its values.
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About this guide
Beyond the dissemination of useful information, this guide is designed to
facilitate the integration of immigrants and promote their integration in the
Moroccan society.
What is the purpose of this guide?
The first version of this guide aims to
improve the access to information that
is intended for you and whoever may
accompany you.
Therefore, this guide constitutes a nonexclusive companion tool designed to
facilitate the integration of immigrants
and is part of a device which is more
global.
Who is it for?
What does it consist of?
This guide is intended for any
immigrants in Morocco, whatever their
profiles, situations, nationalities or
status are.
This guide provides information and
several useful links that should
facilitate your integration in Morocco.
All the information and references
available in this guide do not replace
any legal texts or official political
programs.
How do I use it?
Some changes will be made in order to
take into account the ongoing revision
of the legal framework governing
immigration to Morocco, including the
laws of immigration, asylum, and the
trafficking of human beings which are
currently in the process of
promulgation.
This guide, available in three languages
(Arabic, English and French) has been
written in plain language in order to
make it easier to use.
For more details, you will be invited
throughout the guide to consult other
sources of information
Put all the chances on your side to
make your integration a real success
-2-
Index
Do you want to learn or
improve your knowledge of
your new host country?
See page 13
What is the legal
framework which
governs your stay?
See page 4
Do you have any
questions concerning
your family?
See page 28
Do you want to study in
Morocco or enrol your
child in a Moroccan
school?
Do you need medical care?
See page 32
Are you looking for a job?
See page 46
See page 38
Are you
housing?
looking
for
See page 52
Do you want to invest?
Do you have questions about
the banking system?
See page 60
How to get around in Morocco?
See page 70
See page 63
Did you know?
How to thrive?
For more information!
See page 77
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Practical information
Your stay in Morocco
What is the legal framework which governs your stay?
Learning about the legal and regulatory framework which governs immigration
is one of your first concerns as a migrant (or future migrant), asylum seeker or
refugee in Morocco. This section sheds light on the legal and regulatory
provisions that govern your entry and your stay in Morocco.
► The legal framework
Immigration to Morocco is governed by Act No. 02-03 relative to the entry and
stay of foreigners in the Kingdom of Morocco, illegal emigration and immigration.
As an independent State and member of the
international community, Morocco has an internal
legislation and international commitments that provide
foreigners with the full freedom of access, residence,
settling and exit of the Moroccan territory.
The Act no. 02-03 presents the conditions and
procedures for the issuance of residence permits in
Morocco (registration card and residence card). It also
presents all the cases of rejection and renewal of these
titles, the cases of escorting to the border and expulsion, the movements of
foreigners and the criminal provisions.
Once you arrive in the Moroccan territory, you have to introduce
yourself to the competent authorities which are responsible for the
control at the border posts. You must bring a passport issued by the
State of origin, or any other valid document recognized by the
Moroccan State as a valid travel document. Also, depending on the
State of origin, you may have to present the visa issued by the
Moroccan administration.
-4-
Please note that the regulatory framework governing immigration to Morocco is
currently being reviewed. It will soon be subject to several changes regarding the
regulation of the migration flows in order to be in compliance with the
foundations and the universal human values which constitute the DNA of the new
policy of immigration and asylum in Morocco.
Act No. 02-03 is available on the website of the Ministry of
Justice www.justice.gov.ma
 Your entry in Morocco
The law of immigration states that when you enter Morocco you must bring:
A valid passport or another
document, issued by your country
and which is recognized in
 Stay in Morocco
Morocco as a residence permit.
 Your stay in Morocco
A valid visa except for people which
are exempted (nationals of some
countries who can stay in Morocco
for a maximum duration of 3
months).
The list of countries whose nationals are exempted from the
visa formality of entry to Morocco is accessible via the
website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Cooperation www.diplomatie.ma
You must have a residence permit in the two following cases:

If you are over 18 years old and want to stay in Morocco beyond the
validity of your visa (or for more than 3 months if you are visa exempt);
-5-

If you are between 16 and 18 years old and want to carry out a
professional activity in Morocco and if one of your parents is holder of a
registration card, you have it in your own right.
► Your residence titles
There are two types of residence permits: the registration card and the
residence card.
 The registration card
The registration card is issued if you want to live in the Moroccan territory for a
specific reason (studies, work etc…) without having the intention to stay.
Following your status, Morocco proposes 5 different registration cards with the
following mentions: "visitor", "student", "for work", "family reunification", and
"long-term medical care". The registration card issued to the foreigner willing to
work in Morocco requires a mention of his professional activity on the
registration card.
The registration card remains valid from 1 to 10 years except if you exit the
territory for more than 6 months. According to the law, once the period of
validity of the registration card has expired, you must exit the Moroccan territory,
1
unless you obtain a renewal or you possess a residence card.
When the registration card is refused or withdrawn, the concerned foreigner
must exit the Moroccan territory within a period of 15 days from the notification
date of the refusal or the withdrawal by the administration.
The steps to follow and the documents to prepare in order to obtain
the different types of registration cards are available in the section
"Foreigners in Morocco" on the website www.service-public.ma
1
Decree no.02-09-607 of 15 Rabii II 1431 (1 April 2010) taken for the application of Law
no.02-03
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 The residence card :
The residence card is intended for people who wish to settle down in Morocco
once and for all.
If you’re in this case, please note that the residence card is only approved and
issued if you can "prove a non-interrupted residence of at least 4 years on
2
Moroccan territory that complies with the existing laws and regulations ".
The residence card may be granted to the following people as their own right
(subject to regularity of their entry to the Moroccan territory):







Foreign spouse of a Moroccan national;
Foreign or stateless children from a Moroccan mother;
Foreign ascendants of a Moroccan national and his spouse and who are
his covered dependants;
Foreign parents of a child born in Morocco and residents in Morocco
with the Moroccan nationality (provided that they legally represent the
child, the right of custody or that they meet the needs of their child);
Spouses and minor children of a foreign holder of a residence card;
Foreigners having acquired the status of refugees as well as their
spouses and children (provided that they are minor or in the year
following their civil majority);
A foreigner justifying by all means that he has been resident in Morocco
for more than fifteen years, or since he has reached (at most) the age of
ten years or that he is in a regular situation for more than ten years.
The residence card is valid for 10 years and is renewable. If you exit the Moroccan
territory for a period that exceeds two years, your residence card is no longer
valid (or applicable).
The Moroccan authorities reserve the right to refuse the granting or the renewal
of residence permits if they consider that the applicant does not justify his entry
2
Article 16 of Law no. 02-03
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or his regular stay, if he does not meet the predetermined conditions for the
request or if his presence is considered threatening to the public order.
You have the right to move freely about Morocco and to leave the country
whenever you want (unless you make the object of a special surveillance).
Nevertheless, the movement of minor foreign children is subjected to travel
authorizations.
► Illegal residence
The steps to follow and the documents to prepare for
obtaining the residence card are available in the section
"Foreigners in Morocco" on the website www.servicepublic.ma
If you enter or stay in Morocco illegally, you may not benefit from some rights
related to your professional or family situation. You may also face criminal
sanctions, in addition to being escorted back to the border and/or expelled from
the Moroccan territory.
The criminalization of the illegal entry or residence in Morocco does not apply to
3
refugees . Besides, refugees cannot be subjected to expulsion or escorted to the
4
border.
3
In accordance with article 31-1 of the Convention on the status of refugees, the so-called
Geneva Convention 1951, that Morocco ratified in 1967
4
Article 29-a of the Act 02-03 and article 33 of the 1951 Convention
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The irregular administrative status is an offense liable to
criminal prosecution. For more information, refer to chapter
VII of the Act No. 02-03 available on the website of the
Department of Justice www.justice.gov.ma.
For more information on the procedure and the documents to
submit for the travel of foreign minor children, you can
consult the website www.service-public.ma
What you need to REMEMBER:




Do not forget to check the regularity of your entry in Morocco and
the validity of your visa and your passport;
Make sure you do not exceed the duration of the stay mentioned
on your visa (or the time limit of 3 months if you are exempt);
Process the request of your residence permit within the right time
frame;
Do not forget to renew your residence permit within the time
limits prescribed by the law.
Please note that within the framework of the new migration policy
initiated by His Majesty the King Mohammed VI, Morocco
undertook a one-off campaign to regularize the situation of a good
number of immigrants who were in irregular administrative status
during the year 2014. This measure concerned foreign spouses of
Moroccan nationals being able to prove that they lived together for
at least 2 years; foreign spouses of other foreigners in regular
residence in Morocco and being able to prove that they lived
together for at least 4 years; children from the two above cases,
foreigners with at least two-year contracts of employment;
foreigners being able to prove 5 years of continuous residence in
Morocco and foreigners who suffer from serious diseases. The
provisions of this campaign were applied to the foreigners who
entered the national territory before 31 December 2013, whatever
their nationality was.
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► The granting of the Moroccan Nationality
The issues related to obtaining the Moroccan nationality are treated in the
framework of the Nationality Code (Dahir No.1-58-250 of 21 Safar 1378).
This Code determines the cases where, by blood or territorial rights, we are/ can
become Moroccan:
1. Nationality by descent:


To be born of a Moroccan father or a Moroccan mother (Article 6);
To be born in Morocco of unknown parents (Article 7).
2. Acquisition by the blessing of the law:



If you are born in Morocco and you are legally residing in Morocco, and
you make the request within the two years preceding the age of
majority, even though your parents are foreigners (Art. 9);
5
If you’ve been taken care of by Moroccan parents for over five years,
and you were born of unknown parents (Article 9);
If you’re a woman who has been married to a Moroccan for more than
five years (Article 10).
Since 2007, it became possible for a Moroccan woman to pass on
her nationality to her children born of a non-Moroccan father.
Indeed, the article 6 of the Nationality Code stipulates that "Any
child born of a Moroccan father or of a Moroccan mother is
Moroccan".
Therefore, people whose mothers are Moroccan, and who are over
18 years of age, may be included on the register of Moroccan civil
Registry.
Once you enter the Moroccan territory, you have to present
yourself to the competent authorities who are responsible for the
5
border posts.
need in
toIslam
present your passport or
The Kafala, orcontrol
support,atis the
the equivalent
of theYou
adoption
any other valid document which has to be recognized by the
Moroccan State as a valid travel document. Depending on the state
of which you are national, you would need in some cases to present
the payable visa issued
by the administration.
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3. Naturalization:
 Any foreigner who has lived in Morocco for more than five years and who
(Article 11):
 Is an adult;
 Is healthy and of sound mind;
 Has not been condemned, in particular for facts related to illegal
residence, bankruptcy, terrorism or crime;
 Has a fairly good level of Arabic;
 Has sufficient livelihoods.
 By way of derogation, any foreigner who has rendered exceptional services to
Morocco or whose naturalization represents an exceptional interest for Morocco
(Article 12).
► Procedure to follow in order to obtain the Moroccan
nationality
In order to ask for the Moroccan nationality, you are required to prepare a file
consisting of a request and a set of supporting documents. You must deposit the
file at the Ministry of Justice and Freedoms (or give it to the diplomatic and
Moroccan consular agents in the case where you live
abroad). You will receive a receipt when you submit your
application (Article 25).
The Ministry has up to one year from the date of the receipt
to give an answer to the applicant. Beyond that deadline the
applicant has the right to lodge an opposition (Article 27).
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The processing of the request can lead to 3 possibilities:
 The legal conditions are not met in which case the Department states
that the application for nationality is denied;
 The legal conditions are met:
o Rejection of the application;
o Acceptance of the request.
If your request goes through, you can get the Moroccan nationality either
6
through a Dahir (in the case of Article 12, i.e. naturalization by derogation) or
through a decree issued by the council of ministers. The Dahir or the Decree are
only effective after they are published in the Official Bulletin. After the
publication, you may register on the Civil Registry (Articles 13 & 29).
What you need to REMEMBER:
In some cases, the Nationality Code gives foreigners the right to ask for
the Moroccan nationality. If you want to become a Moroccan citizen,
you should first check your eligibility by referring to the preceding
paragraphs and articles of the Code of the corresponding nationality
before starting the procedure with the Ministry of Justice and
freedoms.
For more information on the procedure and the documents to
submit for the travel of foreign minor children, you can
consult the website www.service-public.ma
6
Royal Decree
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Your new host country
Do you want to learn or improve your knowledge of your new host country?
Having a good knowledge about Morocco is one of the first steps towards a
successful integration. This part of the guide presents you a global view of the
identity of your new host country, its history, its geography, its values etc… It
also presents the information relating to the socio-economic context and the
main strategic projects launched by the Kingdom.
► With a rich history and a great inheritance, Morocco is
a meeting-place of cultures
Morocco is the land where several civilizations succeeded and influenced its
identity in a differentiated way. Morocco is not the place of clash of cultures,
but rather the land of cross-cultural sharing and meeting.
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Key Dates of contemporary
Morocco
 Prehistoric Civilizations dating back to
the Palaeolithic eras: lower, middle,
upper ...
 Ancient Civilizations:
Phoenician
times, Punic times and Carthaginian
influence,
Mauritanian
era
(characterized by the emergence of
the 1st political organization of the
country, namely the Kingdom of
Mauritania) and Roman era.
 Islamic civilization and dynasties: the
expansion of Islam in the region has
put Morocco under the control of the
oriental Caliphs (Umayyads and
Abbasids) until 788. That’s when Idriss
the 1st, fleeing persecution of these
caliphs, has created a State in "Al
Maghreb
Al Aqssa"
(Extreme
Maghreb).
 After the Idrissids, several Islamic
dynasties, both Arabs and Berbers,
came successively at the head of
Morocco: the Almoravids, the
Almohads, the Merinids, the Saadians
and finally the Alaouites.
 The Alaouite dynasty was founded by
Moulay Ali Cherif who is a descendant
of the Prophet Mohammed. The
Alaouites have settled down in the
region of the Tafilalet before
establishing their authority in the
country in 1666. In fact, the Alaouite
dynasty is one of the oldest existing
dynasties in the world.
His Majesty the King Mohammed VI is
the current King of Morocco and is the
23rd Alaouite monarch and sovereign.
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All the different civilizations that came successively to Morocco have
characterized the territory of an indelible imprint and have marked the Moroccan
identity of a spirit of tolerance and openness.
The Arabic word « Al-Maghreb » (in Arabic: ‫ )المغرب‬means “the West”. The
English word “Morocco” derives from the Portuguese pronunciation of the
word Marrakesh, “Marrocos”. Marrakech is a city located in the center of
the country. It was founded in 1062 and was the capital of three dynasties
(The Al Moravids, The Al Mohads and the Saadians)
To learn more about the history of Morocco, please visit the
website
of
the
Moroccan
Ministry
of
Culture: www.minculture.gov.ma
►
A constitutional, democratic, parliamentary and social
monarchy:
Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with a parliament which is democratically
elected. The Moroccan Constitution of 2011 is the current supreme legal
reference of the Kingdom. This Constitution marks a new phase in the process of
construction of the rule of law and of the democratic institutions in Morocco. It
guarantees the political participation of foreigners in Morocco following the
principle of reciprocity.
"Foreign nationals have the fundamental freedoms recognized for all Moroccan
citizens, in accordance with the law.
Every resident in Morocco may participate in local elections in accordance with
the act and the application of the international conventions or practices of
reciprocity. "(Article 30)
Extract from the Moroccan
Constitution
- 15 -
You may consult the Constitution of Morocco
on: www.maroc.ma
The executive power is entrusted to the Government.
The legislative power is exercised by the Government and the Parliament, with its
two Chambers:
1.
2.
The Chamber of Representants includes 395 members who are elected
through direct universal suffrage for a five-year period, respecting the
system of proportional representation.
The Chamber of Councillors includes between 90 and 120 members
elected through indirect universal suffrage for six years. The
distribution of the members is as follow: three-fifths of the members
representing the territorial communities and two fifths of the members
elected in each region by electoral colleges.
The judicial power is held by the Supreme Council of the Judiciary.
► A gate to Africa
The Kingdom of Morocco is located in the Northwest of Africa and enjoys an
important strategic location between the African continent and Europe. It is
bounded to the North by the Strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea, to
the south by Mauritania, to the east by Algeria and to the west by the Atlantic
Ocean.
His Late Majesty Hassan II said: "Morocco is like a tree whose roots
lie deep in Africa and whose foliage breathes in Europe"
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
Administrative capital: Rabat

Economic capital: Casablanca
(largest city of the Kingdom)

Area: 710,850km²

Population: 33.8 million people
(33.7 million Moroccans and 86.2
thousands of foreigners)
(Source: www.hcp.ma General
Population Census of 2014).

Population growth: +1 %

Life expectancy: 75.6 years

Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
► A new administrative division into 12 regions
Morocco has 12 regions, which are

subdivided into 75 provinces and
prefectures, which are subdivided into 
1503 municipalities.
These constitutional institutions play
an important role in the
implementation of public policies.
They are also considered by the
legislator as the agents of proximity by
excellence and the main actors in local
development.
1: Tangier- Tetouan
2: Oriental and Rif
3: Fez – Meknes
4: Rabat-Sale- Kenitra
5: Beni Mellal- Khenifra
6: Casablanca-Settat
7: Marrakech- Safi
8: Drâa- Tafilalet
9: Souss- Massa
10: Guelmim- Oued Noun
11: Laayoune- Saguia al Hamra
12: Eddakhla- Oued eddahab
The new constitution has consolidated this approach by allowing the regions and
the other territorial collectivities to take part in the implementation of the General
- 17 -
Policy of the State and in the elaboration of policies through their representatives
in the House of Councillors.
Besides, it provides the establishment of new approaches by the Councils of
regions and the Councils of other territorial authorities to promote the
involvement of the citizens and the associations in the preparation and the
monitoring of development programs.
Within the current framework of advanced regionalization in Morocco, please
note that the administrative division of the Kingdom will be subject to changes.
For further information about the advanced regionalization,
you may consult: www.regionalisationavancee.ma
► A varied climate depending on the seasons and the
regions
Due to its geographical position, Morocco is subject to several influences
(oceanic, continental, desert, etc…) which makes its climate very diverse. It is
marked by a temperate climate in the coastal regions which contrasts with the
dry Saharan climate in the southern and eastern regions of the Kingdom and the
continental climate in the interior of the country.
The Rif and the Middle Atlas
Interior of the country
Southern regions
The climate also changes depending on the seasons and alternates between
warm and cold periods:
- 18 -
The summer is generally hot on the coasts and in the mountainous regions, very
hot and dry in the south and east. The winter is cold and damp in most Moroccan
landforms with mild temperatures in the South.
► Different dialects depending on the regions and
opening to several foreign languages
Morocco has two official languages which are Arabic and Amazigh:
Arabic
Amazigh
Arabic is the language spoken by the
majority of Moroccans. There is a
difference between the Arabic
commonly called "Darija" (used in
everyday life) and classical Arabic
(mainly used in the religious,
political, administrative, legal and
cultural fields as well as in the
media).
The Moroccan Dialect is largely
influenced by other languages like
Amazigh, French, or Spanish.
However, it varies from one region
to another. “Hassaniya” is for
example one of the variants of the
dialect and it is spoken in the
provinces of the South of Morocco.
7
Article 5 of the Moroccan Constitution
- 19 -
The Amazigh (also called Berber) is
recognized by the constitution of
Morocco as an official language of
the State. It is written in Tifinagh
7
alphabet.
Like Arabic, Amazigh has several
dialects, including the Rifian (spoken
in the Rif), the Tamazight (spoken in
the Middle Atlas, a part of the High
Atlas and in several valleys) and the
Tachelhit (spoken in the High Atlas,
Souss and on the southern coast of
the Kingdom).
The use of other languages is a common practice in Morocco, including:
French
English
The colonial language in Morocco
during the first half of the twentieth
century was French. Due to sociopolitical events, French has become
over the years a language used for
instruction, work, and writing.
It is taught as a foreign language
and is progressively taking over the
professional environment.
French is the second administrative
language. It is spoken by a large part
of the population, mainly in the
cities and in the educated circles. A
significant part of the Moroccan
press is published in French, as well
many books edited in Morocco.
It is widely used in the North and the
South of the Kingdom, which were
once colonized by Spain.
Spanish
German, Italian, Portuguese
These languages are used to a lesser
extent. They are mainly used by
people who are in direct contact
with tourists.
► Morocco, a country of religious tolerance
Islam is the state religion in Morocco. The country also has Jewish and Christian
communities.
The Moroccan Constitution guarantees everyone the freedom of worship.
8
His Majesty the King is “Amir Al Mouminine” (commander of believers). He ensures
that Islam is respected and guarantees the free practice of religions.
8
Article 3 of the Moroccan Constitution
- 20 -
The King is the head of the Higher Council of Ulema (forum empowered to
pronounce fatwas, or religious consultations, officially approved)
► National and religious Events

National Holidays
They fall on the same day each year:
January 11th:
Anniversary of
the manifestation
of independence
August 20th:
Revolution Day of the
King and the people
July 30th:
Throne Day
st
May 1 :
Labour Day
August 14th:
Anniversary of Oued Eddahab
retrieval

November 6th:
Anniversary of the
Green March
August 21st:
National King’s
birthday
celebration
“Youth Day”
November 18th:
Independence Day
Religious holidays
Dhu al-Hijjah 10th: Eid Al-Adha
(Feast of Sacrifice)
Rabia al-Awal 12th: Eid Al-Mawlid
Annabawi (Prophet Mohammed
Birth SWS)
► A developing economy
Shawwal 1st: Eid Al-Fitr (Feast
of Breaking the Fast)
Moharram 1st: New Year AH
- 21 -
► A developing economy
Morocco has a market-driven economy. In a difficult international economic
context, the Moroccan economy has consolidated its growth with a GDP growth
of 1.8 percent in 2014 (+ 4.6 % in 2013). This performance is due to the good
prosperity of the Moroccan agriculture in particular.
In addition, Morocco is committed to a sound macro-economic and budget
management in 2014. Thanks to a prudent monetary policy, inflation has reached
0.4 % and the current account deficit has been reduced to 6 percent of GDP,
compared to 7.2 percent in 2013. The budget deficit has been reduced from 4.9
percent of GDP. In this regard, the Moroccan Government has undertaken
corrective measures to improve the revenue collection and scale down public
investment in 2014.
Overall, the performance of Morocco is encouraging as it managed to take
advantage of its political and social stability. The business climate has improved
and the country has moved up by 16 ranks in the annual ranking Doing
Business in 2015 as it went from the 87th to the 71st place in 2014.
Morocco has focused on sector strategies in order to accompany several sector
reforms, accelerate the process of transformation and diversification of its
economy and therefore create more jobs.
- 22 -
► The major sectoral strategies
Vision 2020- Tourism
Vision 2015- Craft
Vision 2020 aims to convert
tourism into one of the main
engines of economic, social and
cultural development of
Morocco. One of the ambitions of
Vision 2020 is to make Morocco
one of the Top 20 touristic
destinations in the world by 2020,
while establishing the country as
a destination of reference in
sustainable development in the
Mediterranean
The Vision 2015 for craft is a
proactive strategy which aims to
make this sector an economic
locomotive regarding job creation
and export. Vision 2015 was
elaborated in 2005 due to the
strong demand for crafts and the
Moroccan lifestyle. These high
demands are mainly from major
national cities, as well as from the
main economic partners of
Morocco.
Helpful Link:
www.tourisme.gov.ma
Helpful Link:
www.artisanat.gov.ma
National Initiative for
Human Development
The NHRI was launched in 2005
by His Majesty King Mohammed
VI. It is an approach combating
poverty and exclusion issues.
Helpful Link: www.indh.ma
Solar Plan
The RAWAJ plan has been
implemented to develop trade
and distribution by creating a
high quality service that meets all
the customer’s needs.
This plan is structured around
three main axes which are: The
balance of the commercial coverthe
attractiveness
of
the
commercial system- The quality
and the diversity of the proposed
products.
Helpful link:
www.mcinet.gov.ma
Emergence plan
The solar plan is part of the
Moroccan energy strategy. In
fact, Morocco counts on the
development of renewable energy
and on sustainable development.
This project will allow to make
Morocco a less energy dependant
country and to save fossil fuels.
The Emergence plan aims to
define a development framework
gathering all industrial activities,
including offshore activities. Its
purpose is to define the program
of implementation of the
industrial development strategy
in Morocco.
Helpful Link:
www.masen.org.ma
Helpful Link:
www.emergence.gov.ma
e-Gouvernement
The e-government is based on the
creation of an electronic platform
gathering the procedures and
processes relating to the
functioning of the public
administration. The goal is to use
e-Government projects in order to
modernize the Administration
and the local communities and
eventually provide a better
service to citizens and businesses.
RAWAJ Plan
Halieutis
Green Morocco Plan
This Plan is based on three
strategic
axes
which
are
sustainability, performance and
competitiveness.
The strategy of the Green
Morocco Plan concerns the
sectors of agriculture and agroindustry.
These sectors play a decisive role
in the macro-economic balance
of the country as they have a
strong social dimension.
Helpful link:
www.agriculture.gov.ma
Helpful Link:
www.agriculture.gov.ma
The Plan Halieutis, launched in
2009, aims to develop a new
dynamic in the fish industry.
Helpful Link: www.egov.ma
- 23 -
► An independent judicial system
According to the Moroccan Constitution, the judicial system is independent from the
legislative and the executive powers. The King guarantees the independence of
judicial power.
The Moroccan judicial system is based on six general principles:

The principle of equality: Only the state can mete out justice which is the
same for all according the same rules of procedures;

The principle of the right to appeal: any case decided by a court of first
instance may be judged on its merits a second time at the second instance
jurisdiction (appeal court);

The principle of free access to justice: Justice is a free public service;

The principle of collegiality: The decision is not made by a single judge
(Principle of the Single Judge), but by a panel of magistrates (with a
minimum of three magistrates);

The principle of judicial independence: In his judicial function, the judge
cannot receive any order or instruction, or be subject to any pressure;

The rule that both parties shall be heard: The accused must have the right
to defend himself and to be heard by the judge.
The judicial system in Morocco has 2 types of courts:
Courts of general jurisdiction
Specialized courts
• Municipal and district courts
• Administrative courts
• Courts of First Instance
•Commercial courts
• Appeal Courts
•The Permanent Tribunal of the Armed
Forces
• Courts of Cassation
- 24 -
Anyone may have recourse to the competent judicial authority to assert his/her
rights. This court must decide upon the application, failing
under penalty of justice denial.
The request may take the form of a document written
and signed by the applicant or his representative and
addressed to the court. The applicant may go directly to
the court or send a registered letter with
acknowledgment of receipt.
The rules relative to the organization of a lawsuit in a civil
court are detailed in the Code of Civil Procedure.
Everyone has the right to have a lawyer in criminal cases, and every minor has the
same right for fraudulent and criminal acts.
What you need to REMEMBER:
• No one can dispense justice on his or her own behalf. Only the state can
mete out justice, which is the same for all according to the same rules of
procedures.
• You have the right to have a lawyer in criminal cases. Minors have the same
right in fraudulent and criminal cases according to Article 316 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure.
• You have the right to have an interpreter depending on the level of
procedure - Articles 21, 120 and 318 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
For further information,
www.adala.justice.gov.ma
- 25 -
you may
visit
the website:
► Culture, art, sport and good manners in Morocco
The geographical location of Morocco, the cultural influence and the diversity of its
population (Arabs, Berbers, Muslims, Jews, Africans, Andalusian etc.) have enriched
its cultural and artistic heritage.
This cultural richness is present in several areas:
Cinema: Moroccan film industry has known some considerable development
during the past two decades. Morocco (and especially Ouarzazet) is famous for
being the location where several worldwide successful movies were shot (Babel,
Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, Alexander, Prince of Persia etc…).
Literature: Moroccan literature has evolved throughout the decades. The
contemporary Moroccan literature is young (barely 70 years of existence). It is
characterized by its bilingual character (French and Arabic).
Music: Moroccan music reflects the richness and the diversity of its national
culture. Besides, each region is characterized by its own folklore that you can
find in festivals and “Moussems” and some of them are even classified as world
heritage by UNESCO. Moroccans are also very open to the musical influences
from all over the world.
Theatre: The Moroccan theatrical tradition is very ancient. Its origins go back to
the art of "Lhlaqi". The first modern troops were formed in 1920.
Historical Sites and Monuments: Morocco has plenty of historic sites and
monuments, some of which are classified as world heritage by UNESCO.
Gastronomy: The Moroccan cuisine is famous worldwide for the authenticity of
its dishes and recipes, its diversity and its refinement.
Media and Communication: The Moroccan media environment is diverse. Its
role has strengthened more and more, particularly thanks to the democratic
progress made in the country.
Sport: Football is the national sport by excellence. Other sports are also
followed and widely practiced in Morocco (athletics, cycling, tennis, horse riding
etc.)
Crafts: Crafts demonstrates the values of the Moroccan craftsman: his
great technical know-how, his concern for the aesthetic design, his commitment
to his culture and his openness to other international influences.
- 26 -
For more information on Moroccan craft, you can visit the
website: www.artisanat.gov.ma/fr
► Security and civil protection
The security and civil protection are primarily a matter of awareness.
Several entities are involved to ensure the safety of the population and make sure
everyone respects and abides by the law. They also undertake concrete operations of
life saving and are responsible of and environment safeguarding (before, during and
after disasters).
Security and civil protection are represented by several entities: police stations, firefighters, gendarmeries (outside of urban areas).
Who to contact in case of emergency?
Useful numbers:
 Police: 190
 Fire Brigade/ Ambulance: 150
 Royal Gendarmerie: 177
- 27 -
Your family
Do you have any questions concerning your family?
This section deals with the main questions relative to your family: matrimonial
regimes, marriage, birth, death...
The matrimonial regime may vary depending on your case. In fact, if your spouse is
Moroccan, the Code of the Moroccan Family (Moudawana) is applied. Otherwise, it is
your common national law (if you have the same nationality)
or your respective national laws (if you have two
different nationalities) which are applied. Divorce and
inheritance issues follow the same logic.
This code has revolutionized the legislative and social
perception of the Moroccan family and reflects a
desire and a determination of the society to modernize
the Kingdom and consolidate its achievements,
particularly in the field of equality between men and women
and the consecration of the sense of responsibility and citizenship.
The Moudawana has especially helped to restore the balance within the Moroccan
family. Co-responsibility within the couple is one of its main achievements: the family
is placed under the joint responsibility of the two spouses.
In this context, women fully enjoy their rights at the same level as men. They must
make decisions with their husbands about family matters in the frame of an
agreement.
What you need to REMEMBER :
The Mudawana was reformed and announced by King Mohammed VI and
entered into force in 2004, revolutionizing women's status within the family.
The main changes adopted in the framework of the Moudawana are:
• Placement of the family under the joint responsibility of the woman
and the man (instead of the man only);
• Increasing the legal age of marriage for women from 15 to 18;
- 28 -
• Restriction of the conditions authorizing polygamy;
• Possibility for the woman to marry without consent of her guardian;
• Repudiation and divorce can be done on the initiative of women and
are subject to a judicial supervision;
• Possibility of sharing properties between married couples;
• Recognition of sexual harassment as a misconduct punishable by law;
• Protection of the child's right to recognized paternity if the marriage
is not formalized by a contract for reasons of force majeure;
• Possibility for a woman married to a foreigner to make her children
benefit from Moroccan nationality.
The Moudawana applies to all Moroccans with the exception of Jews (subject to
a personal Moroccan Hebrew status). It is only applied in your relationship with
a Moroccan person.
You may find the Family Code on the website:
www.adala.justice.gov.ma
► Marriage in Morocco passes through different stages
and procedures
If you want to get married in Morocco, there are different steps
to take and a series of procedures to follow. These vary
depending on your nationality and the one of your spouse
(Moroccan or non-Moroccan). It also depends on your
confession (Muslim or not).
The procedure for your marriage must also be initiated with
both the Moroccan authorities and your Embassy/Consulate
authorities.
- 29 -
 If your spouse is Moroccan
In order to start a mixed marriage, you need a permit that you can obtain by
preparing an application and submit it at the Secretariat of the Division of Justice of
the Family. The file differs slightly depending on whether it is a wedding between a
Moroccan man and a non-Moroccan woman or a wedding between a Moroccan
woman and non-Moroccan man.
For more information on the application and the steps to follow in
order to obtain the wedding license with a Moroccan partner, please
visit the section “family” on the website www.service-public.ma
In Morocco, as in other Muslim countries, it is forbidden for a Muslim
woman to marry a non-Muslim man. It is the same for the marriage of
a Muslim man with a non-Muslim woman unless she is among the
people of the Book (Christian or Jewish)
 If you and your future spouse are Muslim
The family judge can give you permission to establish a marriage license, provided
that you present the relevant texts regulating marriage in your home country. The
copies of these texts must be certified by the competent authority.
 If you and your future spouse are not Muslim
You must contact the Consulate or the Embassy in your respective countries so that
they can take care of the procedure.
► Birth & Death
You are required to register your new-born child in the register of the Moroccan civil
status within the legal deadline (30 days) before declaring the birth to your Embassy
or Consulate.
Special provisions are made if you are a man married to a Moroccan woman.
- 30 -
For more details, please visit the section "What if ..." on the
website: www.service-public.ma
Whenever a child is born, the mother can benefit from a maternity leave of a
duration of 14 weeks which is paid by the “Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale
(CNSS)” to the employer. The father is entitled to a leave of three days.
If one of your family members dies, you are required to make the declaration of
death at the Civil Registry at the place where it occurred, within a period of 30 days.
For more details, please consult the section "How to proceed if
..." on the website: www.service-public.ma
► The residence of your foreign spouse and family
reunification
It is possible to reunify with your spouse and minor children (if you receive refugee
status, you can reunify with you children until the year following the age of majority).
They would obtain their residence card or registration card with the mention
"visitor" or "family reunification" as long as you have yours.
Specific provisions are made in case your spouse is Moroccan.
If you have a residence card, you will need to present some papers to go through the
family reunification procedure and bring your family members.
For more details on the procedure of family reunification, please
refer to the section "Foreigners in Morocco" on the website:
www.service-public.ma
- 31 -
Your health
Do you need medical care?
In Morocco you can have access to several services related to your health and the
health of your partner(s) and your children.
This section helps you to assimilate your right of access to health care services. It also
presents you healthcare and hospital infrastructures existing in Morocco and
eventually gives you a better understanding of the welfare regime.
► Access to healthcare is a guaranteed right in Morocco
In 2008, the Ministry of Health issued a circular on the right of access to healthcare
for all migrants. Since 2011, the Rules of Procedures in Moroccan hospitals, which
are adopted by the various departments of the Ministry of Health, also state that
foreigners, regardless of their status, are admitted and
taken care of the same way Moroccan citizens are:
"Foreign patients are admitted regardless of their
status, under the same conditions as nationals.
The terms of payment are not different as well
unless there are any agreements between
Morocco and the patient’s country of nationality.
"(Article 57 - Rules of Procedures in Moroccan
hospitals)
Since 2002, Morocco has admitted several immigrants, including illegal
immigrants, in some programs of the Ministry of Health (tuberculosis,
malaria, national strategic plan to fight against AIDS ...)
- 32 -
► Various health care services and health facilities
structured by fields of activities
Morocco proposes a diversified health care supply and has a set of infrastructure and
resources to ensure the administration of health benefits and services.
The offer is organized as follows:
Public Sector
Basic Care
Network
* Urban
Health Centres
(UHC)
* Urban
Health Centres
with Beds
(UHCB)
* Township
health centers
* Township
health centers
with birthing
beds
* Rural
dispensaries
Private Sector
Supporting
Structures
Non-profit
basis
* Polyvalent
diagnosis
center
* Reference
Centre for
Family Planning
* Diagnostic
Center
Specialized in
Tuberculosis
* Epidemiology
and Health
Environment
laboratory
* Hospitals
and care
institutions
of the CNSS,
OCP,ONEE
and Mutual
* Clinical
laboratories
* Hospitals
and clinics
of
Foundations
for
Solidarity
Hospital
Network
* General
Hospitals
*
Specialized
hospitals
(Psychiatric
hospitals,
pneumophtysiologie
hospitals
leprology
...)
- 33 -
For-profit
basis
* Hospitals
and private
clinics
* Radiology
Cabinets
*Laboratori
es of
medical
analysis
* Medical
Surgeries
* Pharmacies
Hospital infrastructures are classified into three levels according to their field of
action and the offered services.
Level
Health Facilities
Specialties
Local hospital
Present in cities with at least 20,000 inhabitants. In
addition to the emergency department, it provides
basic disciplines such as: obstetrics, pediatrics,
general medicine and general surgery.
Provincial Health
Center (PHC)
A PHC consists of one or more hospitals which can
be
general
or
specialized.
In addition to basic services, it provides health care,
trauma services, orthopedics, ophthalmology,
otorhinolaryngology,
maxillofacial
surgery,
dentistry, gastroenterology, cardiology, nephrology,
psychiatry and pneumophtisiology.
Regional Health
Center (RHC)
In addition to the services available in a CHP, a RHC
provides services in the following specialties:
urology, neurosurgery, burn care, nephrology,
rheumatology, neurology and hematology.
1st Level
2nd Level
3rd Level
University Health
Center (UHC)
A UHC have an academic vocation and offer all
medical specialties and highly specialized services.
There are 5 UHC nation-wide (Rabat, Casablanca,
Marrakesh, Fez and Oujda). 2 other UHC are
expected in Agadir and Tangier.
The location of health facilities by region and province is available on the
website: www.cartesanitaire.sante.gov.ma/offresoins/National.aspx
There are different ways of using the services and benefits offered in Moroccan
hospitals:





Either hospitalization or ordinary admission or emergency;
Health and diagnostic services outside the hospital;
Specialized Consultations made outside the hospital;
Consultations and emergency care;
Rehabilitation services and professional readjustment.
- 34 -
The conditions of use of hospital services differ from one mode of admission to
another.
For more information on the conditions of use of public hospital
services and benefits, please refer to the third chapter of the Internal
Regulations of hospitals.
Health care in basic health care facilities is free. In hospitals, some benefits are
chargeable.
For more information on fares for paid services in public hospitals,
please visit the Regulations section in the website of the Ministry of
Health: www.sante.gov.ma
► Social security system
The welfare system covers employees in public and private sectors.
It also covers their families in case of sickness, maternity, disability,
old age, survival and death.
Since 2005, membership in a basic medical coverage called Mandatory
Health Insurance -MHI became mandatory via the National Health
Insurance Fund (National Fund of Social Welfare Organizations -CNOPS
for employees in the public sector and the National Fund of Social
Security- CNSS for employees in the private sector).
Access to health services is possible after 55 days of membership.
The range of services is wide and includes:







Acts of general medicine and medical/surgical specialties;
Pregnancy and childbirth care;
Biomedical analyzes;
Radiology and Medical Imaging;
Optical care;
Oral care;
Paramedical acts.
- 35 -
For work accident and occupational disease insurance, companies must
subscribe to an insurance policy on behalf of their employees with Insurance
companies.
It is to mention that AMO covers the employee as well as his spouse and his
unmarried dependent children who are aged less than 21 years. The choice of doctor
and health center is free.
Mutual Membership is not free. The employee may contribute to other social
securities including from private insurers.
Furthermore the "Medical Assistance Scheme" RAMED was also implemented by the
Government.
Based on the principles of social assistance and national solidarity for Moroccans in
need, this regime allows to benefit from basic medical coverage that provides free
health care and medical services available in public hospitals, health centers and
health services in case of emergency or hospitalization.
This scheme should be extended to migrants and refugees, who do not have medical
coverage in their country of residence.
Concerning family allowances , the amount is uniform. It is the same for all
employees , regardless of their income. Family allowances are paid monthly and
concern up to 6 dependent children:


200 DH per child for the first 3 children;
36 DH for the following 3.
Family allowances are paid for children until they reach 12 years old. However, these
benefits are always granted beyond that age in the following cases:



For children who are up to 18 years old, if they are apprenticed;
For children who are up to 21 years old, if they pursue their studies in
Morocco or abroad;
For children affected by disabilities or incurable illness and who cannot carry
out lucrative activities permanently.
- 36 -
Care, medicines and medical devices covered by the mandatory social
protection regime are available on the website of the National Agency
of Health Insurance: www.anam.ma
Morocco has signed and ratified bilateral social security agreements
with several countries: Algeria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Egypt,
France, Libya, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Quebec,
Romania, Sweden and Tunisia.
Other agreements were signed but they’re still not ratified, with
Italy (Signature: February 18th, 1994) and the United Arabic
Maghreb (Signature: March 10th, 1991)
In the case of Senegal, social security is included in the framework
of the establishment agreement, signed in Dakar on March 27th,
1964 and ratified in December 22nd, 1965 (cf the Official Bulletin).
The texts of the bilateral social security agreements are available in
the "International Conventions" on the website of the CNSS
www.cnss.ma
- 37 -
Your education / Education for your relatives
Do you want to study in Morocco or enrol your child in a Moroccan school?
If you wish to pursue your studies in Morocco or if you have children that you want
to enroll in a Moroccan school, this section provides you with insights into the
Moroccan education system.
► Organization of the Moroccan education system
The Moroccan education system is free and compulsory for all children aged from 6
to 15 years old.
Education is proposed in Arabic and French but it is also open to other foreign
languages (English, Spanish, German ...).
The Moroccan educational system is organized as follows:
 Pre-school education:
 Middle education (“le collège”):
Begins in kindergarten at the age of 4.
It lasts 3 more years and leads to the
According to the National Charter of
obtaining of the certificate of middle
Education
and
Training,
this
school.
education is accessible to all children  Secondary education:
under 6 years old. This level generally
It lasts 3 years. At the end of the first
welcomes children aged from 4 to 6
year, students choose to prepare a
years old before enrolling primary
baccalaureate in general, technical or
school.
traditional education. In all three
cases, students are required to take
 Primary education:
the baccalaureate exam which is the
Lasts for six years and for children
gate to higher education.
aged from 6 to 12 years old. Students  Higher education:
must complete a Certificate of
Includes private institutions, and
Primary Education in order to be
public universities/ non-university
admitted in the secondary cycle.
institutions.
- 38 -
The Ministry of National Education has set up an educational map of
all
institutions.
This
map
can
be
consulted
on:
www.cartesco.men.gov.ma/carte/
In order to enroll your child in Morocco, you may choose between
public and private education. There are also several Foreign schools
(French, Spanish, American ...) according to the education system of
their original countries.
th
st
The circular No. 13-487 of October 9 , 2013 and 5-2014 of January 21 ,
2014 of the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training
states the right of migrants to enroll their children in the Moroccan
education system (public, private and access to non-formal education).
For more information on the process and the documents to prepare
the application, please refer to the text of the circular on the website
of the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad: www.ccme.org.ma
► An offer of diversified higher education
Higher education in Morocco includes public and private institutions.
Public higher education is free (excluding registration fees, accommodation
expenses...). It is offered in universities and non-university institutions (faculties,
engineering schools preceded by preparatory classes, schools and higher
institutes...).
The offered private education is also diverse. Indeed, for the academic year
2013/2014, Morocco counts up to 230 institutions authorized by the responsible
Minister. These institutions are in different cities even though they are highly
concentrated in the Casablanca-Rabat axis.
-39-
Moroccan Higher Education trains executives of levels from bac + 3 to bac + 8. It
offers a wide range of courses, options and specialties (engineering, science,
technology, medical and paramedical studies, literature, economy, social and
management, educational and vocational training, etc.). It also prepares for national
degrees in all cycles.
To better help students choose the university curriculum that meets
their expectations, the Ministry of Higher Education has implemented a
set of so-called orientation centers "centers Irchad Attalib" in different
Moroccan cities.
The contact details of the centers are available in the "Orientation"
section on the website of the Ministry of Higher Education:
www.enssup.gov.ma.
Access to the various institutions of higher education is based on the following
methods: selection on the basis of the grades obtained at the baccalaureate, the
interview, the tests or the entrance examinations. Studies duration and evaluation
methods vary depending on the type of institution.
► Vocational training
In Morocco, there are various vocational training Institutions (VTI) both public and
private.
These institutions can be centers, institutes or schools. They provide training in
several disciplines, areas and sectors.
A detailed list of academic Moroccan institutions of high education is
available on the website of the Ministry of Higher Education:
www.enssup.gov.ma
French is the common language in public institutions of higher
education.
If you are not a French-speaker, it is highly recommended that you take
a one-year class to upgrade your French level.
This training is provided since 2011 at the International Language
Center of Rabat which is a recent structure built by the Moroccan
Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI) in partnership with the
Faculty of Education Sciences (ESF).
-40-
Each institution is governed by its own status and has its own missions in the
framework of the national policy of higher education and vocational training.
There are 3 modes of training, namely:



The residential training that mainly takes place in a public or private VTI. Each
year of training is completed with a 2-months internship in a company;
The alternate Vocational Training where 50% of the training duration is spent
in the company and at least one third is spent in the VTI ;
The apprenticeship training where most of the training takes place in a
company (80% of the time) and at least 10% takes place in the VTI.
Any VTI offers 4 levels of training:




th
Specialization level accessible to candidates with a 6 grade level in primary
education at least.
rd
Qualification level accessible to candidates with at least a 3 grade level in
“collège”. It is also accessible to graduates from the specialization level.
Technician level accessible to students having at least the final year of the
Baccalaureate cycle and graduates from the qualification level.
Specialized technician level, accessible to the Baccalaureate candidates and
graduates from the department level.
The training duration in a VIT depends on the level of education and the chosen
specialty.
Please note that you can follow these training levels only if you’re a permanent
resident in Morocco (or if you have a residence permit).
-41-
The Office of Vocational Training and Work Promotion (OFPPT) was established
in 1974. It is now the first public operator in terms of vocational training with a
total of 327 training institutions, 273 specializations, 8400 employees and 5900
trainers.
For more information on vocational training and location of the OFPPT centers,
please visit the website www.ofppt.ma
For more information, please visit the website of the Ministry in charge
of Vocational Training at www.dfp.ac.ma or the National Portal of
Professional Orientation at www.orientationfp.men.gov.ma
► Registering and obtaining the residence permit for
students
 Registration in an educational institution in Morocco
For a public school
Your registration in a higher education institution is made through diplomatic
channels in the context of cooperation between Morocco and your country.
You can enroll in a public school if you are among the
candidates officially proposed to the Moroccan Agency for
International Cooperation (AMCI) and whose records are held
by the ministerial departments and the relevant institutions.
Any application which is not transmitted by AMCI will not be
considered.
The details of the application you need to send to the AMCI are
available on the website www.amci.ma
-42-
If your application is accepted, you will receive a letter specifying the final
registration procedures in Morocco. You must sign this letter and return it to the
AMCI. No changes in the terms of the registration application will be accepted.
For more details on the registration procedures for each cycle, please
refer to the section "Foreign Students in Morocco" on the website of the
Ministry of Higher Education www.enssup.gov.ma.
For a private institution
To enroll in a private school, you must have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and
living expenses in Morocco. Concerning the registration process in the institution of
your choice, please contact the concerned private institution.
However, you must ensure that the private institution is eligible for a visa and that
they can issue a student certificate of registration.
1.
2.
If you are Tunisian or Algerian resident in Morocco, your
application is treated like any Moroccan’s.
In some cases, the definitive enrollment in Moroccan higher
education institutions is conditioned by the presentation of the
equivalence certificate of a diploma or the required national
diploma (the recognition of foreign diplomas is assessed on a case
by case basis).
To get this recognition, you will have to prepare an application of a
diploma equivalency.
Equivalence applications for all degrees, diplomas, degrees,
certificates or school certificates that attest studies or higher
education are addressed to the government authority which is
responsible for higher education. This application should contain
other supporting documents.
The equivalence application to prepare is available on the website
of the Ministry of Higher Education: www.enssup.gov.ma
-43-
 Education fees and scholarship granting
Education fees depend on the attended institution. Indeed if public schools are free,
fees vary from a private institution to another. This applies also for all levels, from
kindergarten to higher education.
When studying in a public institution, you can also enjoy a scholarship from your
country of origin or from Morocco.
‐
For a Moroccan scholarship, you can follow the procedure from your home
country through the Moroccan authorities present in your country (AMCI).
‐
AMCI grants a scholarship of 750 dirhams per month and it is usually
completed by another scholarship issued by your country of origin.
‐
For a scholarship from your country, please refer to the relevant authorities
in your country.
Please contact the AMCI to have more information on the
application to submit in order to benefit from the Moroccan
scholarship.
 Obtaining a residence permit
If you want to pursue your education in Morocco, you must get a residence permit
which in this case, is the registration certificate with the mention "student". This
certificate is valid for one year and it is renewable for the same
duration as long as the holder fulfills the conditions
required for its issuance.
In order to get a registration card with the mention
"student", you must present your entry visa once you are in
Morocco. This is not necessary if you are a national of visa
exempt countries.
-44-
The filing of the application to get this registration card comes after all the
formalities of school registration and accommodation.
Then you must show up at the foreign service of the National Security at the local
central police station or at the police headquarters in Rabat in order to obtain your
residence permit in Morocco.
Besides, you must file this application before the end of the validity of your visa or
within 90 days from the date of entry if you are national of a visa exempt country.
The details of the application to file are available in the section
"Foreigners in Morocco" on the website www.service-public.ma
What you need to REMEMBER
Your acceptance in the desired institution conditions the obtaining of your
residence permit as a student. In the case of a public institution, your acceptance
must go through the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI).
Departments and services in charge of Student Affairs at the
Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI)
- Communication Unit - Tel: 05. 37. 57.35.80
- Executive Training Unit - Tel: 05.37.57.35.73
- Scholarship Programs Unit - Tel: 05.37.57.35.73
- International Languages Unit:
Address: Hay Ryad next to the International University Campus
Tel: 05. 37.57.35.88 / 05.37.57.35.89
- International University Campus
Address: Madinat Al Irfane, Hay Ryad Rabat - Postal Code: 10104
Tel: 05 37.57.35.86 / 05.37.57.35.87
- Medico-Social Center:
Address: International University Campus
Tel: 05.37.56.30.26
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Your job
Are you looking for a job?
What are the characteristics of employment in Morocco? What are the steps to
take to work in Morocco? What regulations apply to you? ... These are probably
some questions you may have and that we answer in this section.
► Just like Moroccan citizens, foreigners who work in
Morocco are subject to the Labor Code
Morocco has a Labor Code governing the rules on the organization of social relations
within companies and in the field of work.
This code was issued in September 2003 and entered into force in 2004. Overall, it is
aligned with the conventions and recommendations of the International Labor
Organization (ILO).
This code provides in Chapter V, a set of labor regulations articles for foreign
employees such as:

Employers willing to hire a foreign worker must obtain an authorization
from the government labor authority. This authorization takes the form of a
visa on the employment contract.
The date of the visa is the date when the employment contract first takes
effect.
The authorization may be withdrawn at any time by the government
authority in charge of the work.

The employment contract issued to foreigners must comply with the model
set by the government labor authority.

The contract must stipulate that in case of a refusal of the granting of the
authorization, the employer agrees to bear the cost of returning a foreign
employee to his country or the country where s/he resided.

The deposit made by contractors who work on behalf of the state, local
communities, businesses and public institutions can not be refunded.
-46-
The security deposit can only be refunded if an administrative certificate is
issued by the prefectural or provincial Labour delegate which certifies the
payment for the cost of return of foreign employees recruited outside
Morocco as well as all amounts due to its employees.
What you need to REMEMBER
An authorization from the government labor authority must be obtained
by the employer willing to hire a foreign worker. Algerians, Tunisians and
Senegalese are exempt from this work permit due to bilateral agreements
between the three countries and Morocco.
- The employer agrees to bear the cost of returning a foreign employee to
his country or the country where he lived if he does not obtain the work
permit.
- The employment contract reserved for foreigners must comply with the
model set by the government labor authority.
The Labor Code is available on the website of the Ministry of
Employment and Social Affairs
on the website:
www.emploi.gov.ma
► Employment in Morocco has its own specificities
 Salary
There is a minimum wage called Guaranteed Inter-professional Minimum Wage
(SMIG). It is currently 12.85 DH / hour at a rate of 44 hours per week. It will increase
to 13.46 DH / hour from July 2015.
Average salaries vary according to the profile and experience of the employee, the
industry and the professional sector with disparities between urban and rural
communities. Salaries are freely negotiated between the employer and the
employee.
In addition to their salary, all workers must receive seniority allowance (5% of salary
after a period, continuous or not, of 2 years of service in the same institution or with
-47-
the same employer, 10% after 5 years of service, 15% after 12 years of service and
20% after 20 years of service).
 Legal duration and working time
The legal work time period is 44 hours per week in Morocco.
The maximum legal work time period is set at 48 hours per week. Beyond that, you
start overtime work which is increased by 25 to 50%.
 Leave
After 6 months of continuous service with the same employer, every worker is
entitled to 1.5 working days of holiday every working month, or a total of 18 working
days per year. This annual leave is increased by 1.5 for entire period, continuous or
not, of five years of service. However, the total leave cannot exceed 30 working days
per year.
 Social benefits
The private sector employees are affiliated to the National Social Security Fund
(CNSS).
Many retirement plans are available in Morocco: mandatory pension funds such as
the Moroccan Pension Fund (CMR) and optional pension funds such as the Moroccan
Interprofessional Pension Fund (CIMR).
 Taxation
Just like Moroccan citizens, migrants working in Morocco have to pay taxes.
The income tax is established each year depending on the overall income earned by
the taxpayer the previous year.
-48-
Art. 73 of the General Tax Code gives the table that helps calculating the income tax.
The rates prevailing in 2010 are:
Annual income range (MAD)
Applicable rate
Less than 30 000
From 30 001 to 50 000
From 50 001 to 60 000
From 60 001 to 80 000
From 80 001 to 180 000
Beyond 180 001
0%
10 %
20 %
30 %
34 %
38 %
*Source: General Code of the Taxes (Version 2014)
Morocco has signed agreements with several countries in order to avoid
double taxation with respect to taxes on income.
Please make sure that such agreements exist between Morocco and your
country. This information is available on the website of the General Direction
of Taxes (www.portail.tax.gov.ma). You can also read the text of the agreement
if necessary.
► The steps to follow to work in Morocco
If you want to work in Morocco, a permit from the Ministry of Employment is
required. It is up to your employer to initiate the process in order to obtain the
permit.
The application to file for the work visa varies depending on whether it is a renewal
or first time contract.
The list of required documents in the 2 cases is available on the
website of the Ministry of Employment. The website also allows
you to download the employment contract and the work visa
application templates to respect on the website:
www.emploi.gov.ma
In both cases, you must submit a certification issued by the National Agency for
Promotion of Employment and Skills (ANAPEC) certifying there are no national
candidates available for the job that is offered.
-49-
This certificate is not required in some cases:










Foreigners born in Morocco or from a Moroccan mother, and residents in
Morocco for more than six months;
Spouses of Moroccans;
Owners, executives and corporate managers;
Partners and shareholders of companies;
Expatriate employees for a limited work period in an international group ;
Expatriate employees for a limited work period in the framework of a public
market;
Delegates or representatives in the framework of a cooperation for a
maximum period of six months;
Foreign artists authorized by the General Direction of National Security;
Coaches and sportsmen provided that they obtain a permit issued by the
competent services of the Department of Sports;
Political refugees and stateless people.
The application for the work visa has to be submitted at the Service of Migrants
Employment within the Ministry of Employment. You can track the status of the
application through the website of the Ministry.
What you need to REMEMBER
By working in Morocco, you are subject to the Moroccan Code of Labor,
the Moroccan legislation of social security and the Moroccan taxation.
► Job Search
As in other countries, seeking jobs in Morocco requires personal effort, efficient
methods of searching and a good knowledge of the job market needs.
-50-
The search for employment is largely based on networking but you can also help
yourself with all the ads on websites and specialized newspapers. You should also opt
for job offers which are in line with your professional and personal skills.
The most attractive sectors for job-seekers are outsourcing, information
technologies, communication, tourism, trade, logistics, large-scale distribution, etc.
The National Agency for Promotion of Employment and Skills (ANAPEC) is a
public company whose mission is to contribute to the organization and the
implementation of qualified employment promotion programs which are
decided by public authorities.
ANAPEC offers several services to job seekers, including:
• Help to define a clear professional project;
• Qualifying training;
• Job search workshops (Highlighting your know-how and skills,
organizing your job research, job applications, interview
preparations...);
• Accompanying integration measures;
• E-intermediation;
• Creating links with companies ...
ANAPEC has an extensive network of local offices that can assist job seekers
and project leaders.
For more information, please visit the website: www.anapec.org
► Key players in employment






Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs: www.emploi.gov.ma
Service of Migrants Employment
41 avenue Oqba angle and street Essouhaihi Agdal - Rabat Tel: + 212 (0) 537 68 32 01
Fax: + 212 (0) 537 68 31 86
National Agency for Promotion of Employment and Skills (ANAPEC) :
www.anapec.org
Companies / firms specialized in recruitment
Specialized Websites in recruitment
Professional associations and organizations
Syndicates
Civil society
-51-
Looking for housing?
Are you looking for housing?
Looking for a home?
If you are looking for accommodation, you will have plenty of choices.
This section presents housing supply, housing laws and all the regulations
governing the procedures if you want to build or buy your home, etc.
► Diversified offer of housing
The housing supply in Morocco is diverse. It allows you to choose between several
types of housing: villas, apartments and/or studios, houses ... within several
categories:
Economic homes: They
benefit from the royal
support as a large number
of projects are launched
across the Kingdom in
favor of the neediest
people or with a limited
income.
Housing of average
standing: The sector is
expanding fast. It
provides people with an
average or even higher
salaries some housing
opportunities that suit
them.
Luxury homes: They
are known for the
quality of their
equipment and the
high quality services
offered in residences
with this category of
housing.
Home prices, being for sale or for rent, vary depending on the type, the category,
the area, the city and the neighborhood.
The Government has defined a set of strategic guidelines to double housing
production in the medium term in order to meet the high demand for housing. It is
also willing to encourage investment in this high-value-added sector and to
restructure public companies in this sector.
-52-
These strategic guidelines have another ambition, which is to facilitate access to
housing through:





Streamlining the conditions for granting credit;
The mobilization of long-term resources for the sector;
The creation of a National Solidarity Fund for Employees' Housing;
Strengthening the links between government and promoters through
partnerships;
Streamlining property taxation and its adaptation to local living conditions
with the aim of boosting investment in the housing sector.
Looking for authenticity? Choose a Riad
The Riad is the Moroccan traditional construction. These typical
houses are organized around a courtyard that opens to several living
rooms and bedrooms. The price of a Riad depends on its location, its
condition, its size, its decoration and the construction materials.
Looking for comfort and modernity? Opt for a villa or an apartment
In Morocco, real estate programs are proliferating to meet the
growing demand for housing. You will find a range of villas and new
residences, including sometimes some top-of-the-range amenities
(swimming pool, hammam, gardens and palm groves, guard service,
restaurants …).
Please note that housing in Morocco is governed by several laws and regulations,
including:


Law No. 18-00 on the condominium;
The 67-12 law on the leasing agreement.
For more information about regulations and legislation
governing housing, please visit the website: www.mhu.gov.ma
-53-
► Renting a House
The lease in Morocco is governed by the law 67-12, which defines the contractual
relationship between landlords and tenants of premises used for residential or
professional use, furnished or unfurnished, and for leasing agreements that exceed
30 days. This law treats the lease, the deposit, the cost increases, the resiliation, the
eviction and the healthiness of the premises.
Among the provisions of the law 67-12:
‐
The obligation to have a written lease contract.
‐
The need to draw up an inventory at the end of the lease
agreement which must contain the names of the two parties,
their occupations...
‐
The price, its revision, and the rate of revision: it is now up to
the concerned parties to determine them.
‐
The regulation of the rent increase that can be done in a time
interval of less than three years from the date of the
transaction.
‐
The notice period is set at 2 months.
‐
The deposit paid by the tenant is equivalent to two months’
rent.
‐
Tenant's right to require improvements of the premise
(water system, ventilation, electricity ...).
► Construction and purchase of an accommodation
 Purchase
Buying a property is not an easy task which is why you should not hesitate to
contact professionals like your banker or a real estate agent.
To finance your home you can contact various banking institutions.
-54-
Take some time to explore the area ...
It is necessary to spend time there before making any
purchase. You do not just buy a home: you opt for a city
and a neighborhood which will become part of your life
during your stay.
Ask yourself the following questions: Is the environment
good for you? Can you adapt to its pace and style (noise,
distance from the center...)? Do the equipment and
infrastructure suit your needs?
Know the market
Feel free to multiply visits to get an idea on prices. Visit
several properties to fully appreciate them at fair value
and to compare them. This will make you avoid
unpleasant surprises.
Obtain the ownership title before signing the sales
agreement
It is necessary to obtain the ownership title at the Land
Conservation and to translate it if necessary. Some titleless
properties, known as "melkia" are governed by Islamic law
and are not yet registered in the Land Conservation.
Checking is mandatory as the property may belong to
many heirs.
Sign the sale contract with a notary
Make sure to sign your contract in presence of a notary.
Check with the relevant authorities that the sales
contract was drawn up in due form.
-55-
Taxes and fees
Any real estate transaction in Morocco, is accompanied
by tax regulations and miscellaneous costs:
9
• Registration fees during the acquisition of a
property. This tax applies to the total value of
the property stated in the contract, including
the VAT;
• Notarial fee is a fee due at the time of the
drafting of deeds and is collected by the
Treasury;
• Land conservation costs;
• Update of constructions notified to the Land
Conservation (if necessary);
• Notary fees;
• Other costs (stamps, etc.);
• Real estate agency fees (in the case where the
purchase is made through an agency).
 Construction
In order to start your construction, you must send to the municipality a
construction application and a set of documents relevant to your project.
Your demand is then examined by a specialized committee that decides on the
acceptance and the issuance of a building permit.
This committee has the freedom to refuse your request, accept, or accept under
reserve. In the last case, you should comply with the remarks made by the
Commission regarding your request and re-file in order to get the building permit.
When the construction work is complete, you must declare it and ask for a housing
permit from the Service of Plans in the municipality or the district. This permit is
issued after checking the compliance of your construction.
9
CGI- 2014 version
-56-
For more information about administrative procedures related
to construction, please visit the sections “How to proceed if ..."
and "Housing and real estate" on the website: www.servicepublic.ma
To ensure integration of immigrants and refugees in Morocco,
measures have been taken by the Ministry in charge of Moroccans
Living Abroad and Migration Affairs and the Ministry of Housing and
Urban Policy allowing you to enjoy real estate programs subsidized by
the state, in the same conditions as other Moroccan citizens. These
measures were adopted by the Finance Act of the year 2015. It is
about:
‐
Low property value Housing (140,000 DH) intended for a
category with an income not exceeding twice the "minimum
wage";
‐
Social Housing, with a sale price not exceeding 250,000 DH,
excluding value added tax;
‐
Housing for the middle class for those whose net monthly
income tax does not exceed 20,000 dirhams.
Furthermore, foreigners residing in Morocco will be entitled to benefit
from warranty products offered by the Fund "DAMANE Assakane"
designed to guarantee the loans granted by credit institutions to target
populations.
What you need to REMEMBER
It is strongly recommended to do some checking in order to find out about local
practices, neighborhoods and surrounding areas, average rent (or purchase price)
depending on the location, schools and/or day care centers that are close by ...
Furthermore, many real estate agents or real estate websites offer some services
that can be very helpful to you.
-57-
 Housing-related taxes
Taxes and duties are related to housing and differ following two cases:
Case of built-up lands

The housing tax, also known as the urban tax (TU) : It applies to buildings
and constructions of any kind, occupied in whole or in part by their owners
as a primary or secondary residence, or left available to their spouses,
parents or children. The scale of the housing tax consists of four slices of
annual rental value. This rental value is fixed according to the average rents
for similar dwellings located in the same neighborhood. The rental value is
revised every five years with a 2% increase.

The fee for communal services (TSC) : This is a local tax applicable to
buildings regardless of their destination. This tax is established annually on
the basis of the rental value (annual VL).
10
11
Concerning the providers of such taxes, common law principle applies. The
role of the tax is issued to the owner who is,
theoretically, liable for tax. But in reality this is not
always the case as it depends on the contract
between the two parties.
For vacant lands, you must pay two taxes:


The tax on lands which are not built on (depending
on the municipality) and is applicable only on lots
located within urban areas;
The tax of Communal Services TSC.
10
Law No 47-06 which the promulgation is done by the Dahir 1-07-195 Kaada 1428 ( 30
November 2007)
11
Law No 47-06 which the promulgation is done by the Dahir 1-07-195 Kaada 1428 ( 30
November 2007)
-58-
For more information about the taxes payable in your real estate
transactions, please visit the website of Land Conservation
Agency of Cadastre and Cartography: www.ancfcc.gov.ma, the
website of the General Treasury of the Kingdom:
www.tgr.gov.ma and the site of the Ministry of Economy and
Finance: www.finances.gov.ma
-59-
Your personal finances
Do you have questions about the banking system?
This section contains the core elements that help you better manage your personal
finances through a better understanding of the key banking services.
► Moroccan Currency
The Moroccan currency is the dirham (MAD). It is divided into 100
cents. Different metal coins and bank notes are in circulation
(coins of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, coins of 1, 2, 5, 10 dirhams
and bills 20, 25, 50, 100 and 200 dirhams).
The Moroccan Dirham is not freely convertible. Refer to the
exchange rate for the value of the dirham relative to other
currencies.
► Banking
Opening a bank account, which is essential, is generally an easy task. Banks offer a
variety of accounts and packages. The two main types are:
 Account in dirhams
This is an account that allows you to manage your current
account in dirhams. You can open a non-convertible
dirham account if you have a residence permit.
 Account in convertible dirhams
This account gives you the opportunity to access your money in Morocco and
abroad. It allows you to make payments in both dirham and foreign currency. It also
allows you to build up savings in Morocco and transfer your money in foreign
-60-
currency abroad without the prioral of the Exchange Office (which is responsible,
among other things, for the exchange regulations).
Opening an account in convertible dirhams is a simple task: just present your
passport and a certain amount of money to make an initial deposit.
Both accounts can entitle you to several payment methods (debit card, check book...)
Some banks offer the possibility of opening a temporary checking
account until you receive your registration card to open a permanent
account.
To open a bank account, please contact one of the agencies of
the bank of your choice. You can also visit the website of banking
institutions to learn more about the procedure
 Bank debit card
You can use your credit card to pay for your purchases (department stores,
pharmacies, supermarkets, stations, restaurants, hotels ...) or you can use different
ATMs (automated teller machines) for withdrawal of cash (payment in cash is the
most common mode in Morocco). ATMs also allow you to perform other transactions
(e.g. paying bills).
 Bank loans
It is possible to take out loans from banks in Morocco which offer different types of
loans (mortgage, consumer credit, car loans ...)
The decision to grant or not a credit arises from the study of your file. The bank
requires collateral to ensure your ability to repay your credit.
Contact your bank to find out more about the conditions and terms of lending and
about the credit application to prepare.
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 Transfer operations
There are several transfer operations which may concern you as a foreigner living in
Morocco:



Transfer of income savings (wages, salaries, benefits and pensions);
Transfer of payroll taxes (due to foreign public or private funds);
Transfer of revenues and proceeds from the sale or liquidation of foreign
investment in Morocco.
For further information on the conditions, transferable amounts,
terms and frequency of transfers, please refer to the "General
Instructions exchange operations" available on the website of the
Office des Changes: www.oc.gov.ma
Major banks operating in Morocco
Attijariwafa Bank: www.attijariwafabank.com
Banque Populaire: www.gbp.ma
Moroccan Bank of Foreign Trade (BMCE) www.bmcebank.ma
Société Générale of Morocco: www.sgmaroc.ma
Moroccan Bank for Trade and Industry (BMCI) www.bmci.ma
Crédit Agricole of Morocco: www.creditagricole.ma
Crédit du Maroc: www.cdm.co.ma
Credit Immobilier et Hotelier (CIH Bank): www.cihbank.ma
-62-
Your investment project
Do you want to invest?
Would you like to invest?
If you want to start a business or start your own business, you will find in this part
the answers on the business environment in Morocco and the steps that will help
you to build your business.
► An attractive business environment
The promotion of investment is a national priority that
is at the heart of major reform projects launched by
Morocco (macroeconomic framework, institutional
and legislative framework of business, sector
strategies...).
The good performance in improving the business
climate illustrates the efforts undertaken by
Morocco in this framework.
Morocco is now a platform with great potential in terms of investment. The 7 key
12
reasons why you should invest in this country are:
12

Cost competitiveness: Morocco is positioned as a competitive platform for
export, for several reasons:
 Reduced labor costs: The average salary in Morocco is set at $327/month
(about ten times less than the average wage in Spain);
 Competitive costs to export: $ 577/container according to data from the
World Bank (the sixth most competitive rate worldwide);
 Reduced taxes: Total taxes paid by companies represent 42% of their
profit.

Strong and stable economic fundamentals: The preservation of
macroeconomic stability is a major concern for public authorities.
Source : Moroccan Agency for the Development of the Investment
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Several actions and structural reforms have been undertaken in order to put
the country on a path of strong and sustainable growth:
 Access to a new level of growth;
 Resilience to the crisis;
 Control over inflation;
 Shrinking debts;
 Growth driven by domestic demand and public investment.

Access to a market of over one billion consumers: With multiple
international agreements, Morocco offers investors a free trade access to a
market of 55 countries representing one billion consumers and 60% of
world GDP.
Morocco-European Union FTA
(1996)
Morocco FTA / USA
(2005)
Agadir’s Agreement (2004)
Arabs Agreement (1998)
Agreement (in progress) with
the Economic and Monetary
Union of West Africa
Source: Moroccan Agency for the development of the investment

Infrastructures with international standards: For over a decade, Morocco
has undertaken major projects to modernize its infrastructure and meet
international standards (Port Tangier-Mediterranean, Development of the
highway network, Open Sky Policy, Areas of Economic Activities, etc.).
-64-

A qualified and efficient human capital: In Morocco, human resources are a
major asset in the service of competitive investment and the creation of
added value (level of education, cultural awareness, language skills and new
technologies mastering, commitment to entrepreneurship, adaptability to
changes in activities and competitive wage costs).

Ambitious sector strategies: A series of sector plans have been
implemented by the government. These plans aim to ensure high and
sustainable economic growth which creates wealth. This development
dynamic is characterized by an innovative approach of contracting and
developing public-private partnership. This approach advocates for
increased and coordinated participation of the private sector in the
elaboration of strategies, sector policies and project financing, which
repositions the role of the state as a regulatory and coordinating body.
These plans are part of a dual logic: On the one hand, they aim to modernize
traditional sectors like agriculture, fisheries and mining; while on the other
hand, they develop innovative sectors such as renewable energy, logistics,
automotive, aerospace and high value-added services, where Morocco
offers real competitive assets.

A favorable business environment: In order to promote investment,
particular attention is paid to improve the business climate. A set of
approaches have been implemented in order to strengthen competition and
transparency:
 Simplification of administrative procedures for businesses;
 Strengthening of the business law system (competition law and freedom
of prices, law on economic interest groups, law on industrial and
intellectual property ...);

Improvement of regulatory transparency;

Development and modernization of financial markets;

Creation of the National Committee of the Business Environment;
-65-

Creation of the Central Authority for the Prevention of Corruption;

Creation of the Moroccan Office of Intellectual and Commercial
Property;

Promotion on charter relative to the Social Responsibility of
Corporations.
Morocco has moved up from 87th to 71th place in terms of business
climate for 2015. Morocco has won 16 seats compared to the last
edition of "Doing Business" from the World Bank.
► An advantageous regulatory framework
The investment in Morocco is governed by law No. 18-95 of 8 November 1955 which
is the investment charter.
Any investment project is now subject to the same laws regardless of their industry
and its settlement area and it enjoys the same benefits under the law without
discrimination between domestic and foreign investors.
The investment charter has instituted a convertibility regime for foreign investors.
This plan allows individual investors to freely pursue their investment operations in
Morocco and transfer directly to the banking system the revenues generated by
these investments as well as the proceeds of their sale or liquidation.
For more information on the law No. 18-95 which constitutes the
Investment Charter, please visit: www.egov.ma
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There are several actors and agencies that can support you in your investment
project:
•
Actors of development and investment promotion: Moroccan Agency
for Investment Development (AMDI), Investment Department,
Agricultural Development Agency (ADA), Moroccan Society of Touristic
Engineering (SMIT), ...
•
Actors of support and assistance: Chambers of Commerce and Industry,
Regional Investment Centers ...
•
Funding Actors: Credit institutions, investment funds, capital markets...
For further information about the investment opportunities in each region of
Morocco, you can consult the websites of the Regional Investment Centers:
•
CRI Agadir : www.cri-agadir.ma
•
CRI Al Hoceima-Taza-Taounate : www.alhoceimainvest.ma
•
CRI Casablanca : www.casainvest.ma
•
CRI Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Lagouira : www.dakhla-invest.com
•
CRI Fez-Boulemane : www.crifes.ma
•
CRI Guelmim-Essmara : www.guelmiminvest.ma
•
CRI Gharb-Chrarda -Béni Hssen (Kénitra) : www.kenitrainvesti.ma
•
CRI Laayoune-Boujdour-Sakia Al Hamra : www.laayouneinvest.ma
•
CRI Marrakesh Tensift Al Haouz : www.crimarrakech.ma
•
CRI Meknès-Tafilalet : www.meknesinvest.ma
•
CRI Oujda : www.orientalinvest.ma
•
CRI RABAT-SALE-ZEMMOUR-ZAER : www.rabatinvest.ma
•
CRI Doukkala-Abda (Safi) : www.safi-invest.ma
•
CRI CHAOUIA OUARDIGHA (Settat) : www.settatinvest.ma
•
CRI Tadla-Azilal : www.tadla-azilal.ma
•
CRI Tangier-Tetouan : www.investangier.com
In fact, you can invest wherever you want except for some sectors which involve
strategic resources (for example phosphate mining for which Cherifian Office of
Phosphates (OCP) holds monopoly). The acquisition of agricultural land also remains
impossible.
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To run lands, you should partner with a Moroccan owner or contract agricultural
leases for a maximum of 99 years.
To learn more about how to invest in Morocco, please refer to the
sections "Business" and “How to proceed if ..." in the website of
the Moroccan Agency of Investment Development and in the
website: www.service-public.ma
Note that Morocco has ratified international conventions relating to the guarantee
and investment protection. Several agreements were signed with several countries
to avoid double taxation with respect to income taxes. These agreements establish
the list of concerned taxes and income, the rules of mutual administrative
assistance and the principle of non-discrimination.
What you need to REMEMBER
Morocco has implemented several measures and approaches to improve
its business climate. The continuous improvement of Morocco's ranking
reflects the efforts made in this context.
For your investment projects, you can benefit from the support of several
actors at different levels.
► Creating your business
The creation of your business goes through several stages (choice of the name of
your company and obtaining the negative certificate, establishment of association,
subscription to the business tax, affiliation to the CNSS ...).
These steps may vary slightly depending on the legal status of the company to
create.
To learn more about the company's creation steps, visit the
website: www.invest.gov.ma or refer to the sections "Business"
and “How to proceed if ..." on: www.service-public.ma
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► Support and assistance to business development in
Morocco
As part of the National Pact for Industrial Emergence,
ANPME has initiated programs to support and develop
SMEs.
The programs "Imtiaz" and "Moussanada" are the two
major programs that support SMEs:

Moussanada program aims to improve productivity and enhance the
competitiveness of companies being modernized, including through
progress plans to improve their performance. The program facilitates
access to new markets and accelerates their use of technology
information thus strengthening their competitiveness factors by reducing
costs and time and improving the quality of their products and services.

The program Imtiaz allows holders of development projects to benefit
from state assistance in the form of a bonus granted by the ANPME up to
20% of the total investment amount in the limit of 5 million Dhs. This
program is dedicated to SMEs with high growth potential.
To learn more about Imtiaz and Moussanada programs, please
visit the website of the National Agency for the Promotion of
Small and Medium Companies- ANPME: www.anpme.ma.
What you need to REMEMBER
The Regional Investment Center is the essential partner for everyone
seeking to create his own company.
You may contact directly the RIC from the area where you want to invest or
visit their website for more information.
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Your Travels / Transport
How to get around in Morocco?
To travel in Morocco, you have a large choice of means of transport (plane, train,
bus, car ...). This part aims to present the different means that you can use for your
daily movements and for your trips.
► An important road network
In Morocco, the road is the most common mean of transport for people (90%). The
Moroccan road network is considered among the best of the African continent
networks. The Moroccan road network managed by the Ministry of Equipments,
Transport and Logistic is classified into four categories: highways, national roads,
regional roads and provincial roads.
The following map shows the Moroccan road network:
Ministry of Equipement, Transport and Logistics
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For more information on the Moroccan road network, refer to the
section "Road sector" of the website of the Ministry of
Equipment, Transport and Logistic: www.mtpnet.gov.ma
► A multitude of means of public transportation
Public transportation service is varied and is in constant development:

Small taxi: Each city has a distinctive color of its taxis (red for Casablanca,
blue for Rabat ...). The small taxi can take no more than 3 people going in
the same direction.
In most cities, the imposed minimum pricing varies
between 5 and 7.50 DH.

Tramway: Available only in Rabat and Casablanca.
New tramway projects are being studied for the
cities of Marrakech, Meknes, Fez and Tangier.

Big Taxi: Collective Taxi ensuring connections within or between cities.

Bus : Means of public transport ensuring connections within or between
cities at cheap fares (between 4 and 10 DHs depending on the lines).

Coach: Economic means of transport ensuring inter-city transportation
services. Coaches serve several distant destinations which are not served by
trains.

Train: Inter-city means of transport serving several cities but not covering
the whole Moroccan territory.
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Si
d’untime
peu de
temps
et que lesevents
imprévus
ne not
vousspecifically
perturbent
If vous
you disposez
have extra
and
unexpected
are
pas
spécialement,
placez
plutôt
vos
déplacements
sous
le
signe des
disturbing for you, then you would rather use public transportation.
transports
en commun.
They are always
opportunities to make contacts with Moroccans and
Ils sont toujours l’occasion de nouer des contacts avec des Marocains et d’en
learn more about their lives, stories, opinions and aspirations, if you
apprendre plus sur leurs vies, histoires, opinions ou aspirations, à condition
respect the courtesy rules.
toutefois de respecter les règles de courtoisie en vigueur.
► Traveling by bus, train or plane: make your choice!
Depending on the chosen means of transport, you will find bus stations, rail stations
and airports in several cities.
 Bus station
There are several bus stations in different cities of Morocco:
 Bus station of Tangier;
 Bus station of Ouled Ziane Casablanca;
 Bus station of Al Kamra Rabat;
 Bus station of Bab Ftouh Fez;
 Bus station of Sidi Said Meknes;
 Bus station of Oujda;
 Bus station of Nador;
 Bus station of Bab Doukalla Marrakesh;
 Bus station of Agadir;
 Bus station of Laayoune;

…
 Railway Stations
"Mainline" Trains serve about one hundred rail stations belonging to the ONCF
network. Whatever your destination is, it is possible to make the round trip during
the day by direct trains or via quick and easy connections.
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For destinations which are not yet connected to the rails (Tetouan, Agadir,
Laayoune...) it is possible to continue the journey by bus.
More information about served destinations, pricing and train
schedules is available on the website of the ONCF: www.oncf.ma.
 Airports
Moroccan airports welcome several passengers each year from different countries.
There are two types of airports in Morocco: national airports (offering only domestic
flights) and international airports (offering national and international flights).
Réseau ONCF
Airports in Morocco
ONCF network
► Driving in Morocco
The license is a certificate issued by the Ministry of Equipment, Transport and
Logistic. It is obtained after spending a specific training which is evaluated by a
driving test. The driving license justifies that the person is able to drive on the tracks
of the public road provided s/he respects traffic rules and s/he does not put his/her
live or the lives of others in danger.
The driving license is produced in electronic format and gathers all information
relative to the driver but it has the same probative value as the paper.
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There are 8 categories of license:
 "A1" (less than 125cm cylinder):
Lightweight Motorcycle - Motorpowered light tricycle – Motorpowered heavy quadricycle.

“D": Motor vehicles used to
transport passengers and having, in
addition to the driver's seat, more
than eight seats.
 "A": (more than 125cm cylinder)
Lightweight Motorcycle - Motorpowered Tricycle.

“EB”: Vehicles from the "B"
category, harnessed to a trailer the
laden weight of over 750 kilograms,
when the gross weight of the trailer
exceeds the unladen weight of the
towing vehicle or when the sum of
the total loaded weight of the
towing vehicle with the trailer
exceeds 3500 kg.

"EC": A set of coupled vehicles with
towing vehicle in category "C"
coupled to a trailer with a gross
weight of over 750 kilograms.

"ED": A set of coupled vehicles with
towing vehicle in category "D"
coupled to a trailer with a gross
weight of over 750 kilograms.
3
3
 "B": - Motor vehicles used to transport
people and having, in addition to the
driver's seat, at most eight seats;
- Motor vehicles used to
transport goods and having a maximum
gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 3 500 kg;
- Agricultural motor vehicles,
forest motor vehicles, motor-powered
public work engines and motorpowered special engines, travelling on
public roadways with a maximum laden
weight of 3500 kg.
"C": - Motor vehicles used to transport
goods and with a gross vehicle weight
(GVW) exceeding 3 500 kg;
- Agricultural motor vehicles,
forest motor vehicles, motor-powered
public work engines and motorpowered special engines, travelling on
public roadways with a laden weight
exceeding 3500 kg.
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 If you do not have a driving license
To get your Moroccan license, you must meet the following conditions:
1. Age by category:
 Being 16 for category A1;
 Being 18 for category A - B - EB
 Being 21 old for category C - D - EC –
ED
2. Having the physical and mental ability
depending on the license category. You
would need to present a medical
certificate as documentary evidence.
After obtaining the required documents, you must go to the driving school of your
choice where you will need to establish a contract before starting your training
(theoretical and practical).
The driving school issues at the end of the training a certificate allowing you to take
the driving license exam. This examination is divided into two parts:


A theoretical part on some material mainly covering legislation and
regulations related to vehicle driving;
A practical part with the control of skills and behaviors related to vehicle
driving.
After passing the exam, you get your license in two steps:
 You first get a provisional driving license which is valid for two years and has
20 points.
 When the first license expires, you will get your final driving license which is
valid for 10 years and has a total of 30 points.
 You have your foreign driving license
Law No. 52.05 on the Highway Code allows driving on national territory by a foreign
driving license.
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Foreign nationals may drive with a valid driving license from abroad, but for a
maximum period of one year from their temporary stay in Morocco according to the
legislation and regulations relating to entry and stay of foreigners in the Kingdom of
Morocco.
What you need to REMEMBER
If you have a license issued abroad and you spend a year in the Moroccan
territory, you must pass the driving test in order to obtain the Moroccan
driving license or you can request a replacement for your driving license,
which can be done:
 If the foreign driving license is issued by a State which is bounded
to Morocco by a mutual recognition agreement of driving license;
 If the foreign driving license is issued by a state that recognizes the
exchange of driving licenses with Morocco;
 If you are in possession of an international driving license, you can
drive on the national territory during the period of validity of the
license but you cannot exceed one year from the first day of entry
into Morocco.
► Purchase of a vehicle
Before buying a car, it is better that you answer a certain number of questions to
better define your needs. What are you going to use it for? If you have children, the
size of the car and the trunk may be determining factors? Gasoline or diesel engine?
Do you take your car every day to work? Are you using it for weekends and holidays?
It is possible to buy a new or used car (from private individuals or professionals).
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Leisure activities and self-fulfillment
How to thrive?
Do you want to have fun and explore nearby natural, touristic, cultural and historic
attractions in Morocco? This part helps you discover entertainment activities,
tourist sites, the main cultural and artistic events and manifestations, and
associative work in order for you to enjoy your trip in Morocco
► A varied tourist and cultural offer
Your new host country is rich with important cultural heritage and countless natural
and historical attractions (placing Morocco in top 30 of the most visited destinations
in the world). The Kingdom therefore offers the opportunity to learn / practice a
multitude of activities to satisfy your desire to thrive and entertain.
 Seaside tourism
Morocco has thousands of kilometers of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean and the
Mediterranean Sea. It has many beaches and resorts:


Atlantic: Agadir Taghazout, Dakhla, Tan-tan, Essaouira, Sidi Ifni ...
Mediterranean: Saidia, El Houceima, Tangier, M'diq ...
 Sports tourism

Water sports: Thanks to its opening onto the Atlantic Ocean and the
Mediterranean, its large coastline and favorable climatic conditions,
Morocco offers a wide choice for water sports (surfing, kite-surfing,
windsurfing, diving ... )
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
Other sports: It is entirely possible to practice other sports in a touristic
context: skiing, skydiving, golf, horse riding, mountain biking, climbing,
hunting ...
 Discovery tourism
The diversity of the natural landscape of Morocco (deserts, oases, beaches,
mountains, cliffs ...) and the availability of several nature reserves and parks offer
many opportunities for nature tourism and discovery such as:



Hiking;
Bird watching;
Caving…
 Cultural Tourism
You can take part in various cultural events thanks to a rich cultural calendar and the
programming of several events throughout the year across the Moroccan territory:
Festivals: the most famous ones are the Mawazine World Music Festival in Rabat,
the Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira, the International Film Festival in Marrakech, the
Tanjazz festival in Tangier, the international festival of Rai in Oujda, the Timitar
festival in Agadir...
Moussems: The moussem of Tan-Tan (ranked intangible heritage of humanity by
UNESCO), the Moussem of engagements at Imilchil, the moussem of cherries at
Sefrou…
 Religious Tourism
Morocco hosts a large flow of tourists who want to make a religious pilgrimage to
the various "zaouiyas" of the Kingdom. The majority of tourists come from West
African countries which have built strong spiritual and religious links with Morocco.
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 Tourism wellness
Tourism wellness is booming and is offered by many destinations basing their offer
on relaxation, thalassotherapy, Turkish baths, thermal sources.
Of all Morocco's magnificent sites, nine are
recognized by UNESCO:

Ksar Ait Ben Haddou (1987)


Medina of Fez (1981)


Medina of Marrakesh (1985)

Historic City of Meknes

(1996)

Medina of Tetouan- Titawin
old (1997)

Volubilis (1997)
Intangible heritage recognized by UNESCO:

The Cultural Space of Jemaa
el-Fna (2008)

Moussem Tan-Tan (2008)

The Sefrou Cherry Festival
(2012)



particularly distinguished and
Essaouira- ancient Medina
Mogador (2001)
Portuguese City of Mazagan
(2004)
Rabat: modern capital and
historic city (2012)
Falconry: a living human
heritage (2012)
The Mediterranean Diet (2013)
The Argan: practices and
know-how related to the
Argan tree (2014)
► Cultural and artistic infrastructure
In most cities you can visit places loaded of memories and discover the cultural and
artistic
heritage
of
universal
interest,
such
as:







Old Medinas
Palace
Riads
Medrassas
Mellahs


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Souks and Market
Museums and art
galleries
Theaters
…
For more information, visit the website: www.visitmorocco.com
► Associations and Voluntary work
In Morocco, volunteering is a practice that refers to ancient forms of mutual
aid and collective solidarity which is why it has a sort of sacred connotation.
Over the past 15 years, Morocco has experienced strong mobilization of civil
society which has been improving the living conditions for all the population.


The voluntary sector has developed significantly as there are about
116,000 Moroccan associations today.
The work of associations is governed by a law which is the Dahir No. 1-58376 of 15 November 1958 regulating the right of association, as amended
and supplemented by law No. 75.00 2002 and law No. 36.04 2006.
If you want to participate in association activities or volunteering, there are
several organizations and associations who will open their doors to you. You
only have to choose according to your preferences or needs and the
association (social, artistic, cultural ...) that you want to join.
There are several associations that work on issues related to immigration, which
you can also join.
As part of the implementation of the new policy of immigration and asylum, the
Ministry in Charge of Moroccans Living Abroad and Migration Affairs has
launched a call for projects to associations which are active in the field of
"supporting the integration of migrants living in Morocco."
It is specifically about projects in the following areas:





Economic Integration Program and self-employment of migrants;
Teaching of language and Moroccan cultures to migrants;
Cultural, educational and social integration Program for migrants and their
children;
Support program for vulnerable groups of migrants;
Support courses for school children of migrants.
-80-
For more information about the calls for projects, visit the
website: www.mre.gov.ma
► Language courses, meetings between young
people and children associations
You can benefit from language courses to learn Arabic. Whatever your
motivations are, your level in Arabic, the time you have, you will definitely
find "customized" language courses that suit you.
For younger people, the Youth Division of the Ministry of Youth and Sports
made several actions in order to make young Moroccans and foreigners know
about cultural and civilization characteristics of the Kingdom, by organizing
cultural trips, knowledge sessions, meetings and national / international events
and language stay.
Under the supervision of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, several centers,
organizations and associations are dedicated to children and young people:

"Reception centers" in the Youth Service located in different regions of
the Kingdom. They are reserved for Moroccan and foreign young
people who want to stay in Morocco, in groups or individually.

"Kids clubs" are socio-educational institutions open to children aged
between 6 and 15 years old. These clubs are involved in the
supervision of children during their free time through various activities
that meet their needs and introduce them to the group life.

"Early Childhood" institutions hosting children between 3 months and
school age, especially those belonging to middle or poor social classes,
in order to help their development through play, their integration in
the group, and the development of their psychic and mental abilities...
For more information, visit the website: www.mjs.gov.ma
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Ministry in Charge of Moroccan living Abroad and Migration
Affairs
Angle avenue de France et rue Oum Erbii, Agdal, Rabat
Phone : 0537 77 65 64 / 0537 77 65 88
Fax : 0537 77 00 06