What You Should Know Before Moving to Morocco
As-salaam alaykum!
Many of you know me for my perfectly seasoned tagines and my love for simple, authentic Moroccan living. But beneath the warmth and the mint tea, moving to Morocco is a complex recipe that requires more than a dash of good luck, it needs solid preparation.
I’m opening up my personal notebook to give you the candid, step-by-step guide on what you must organize before you trade your current street for a bustling Moroccan alleyway. This is the long, honest talk about paperwork, city costs, and infrastructure. Let’s make this move an effortless success story!
1. The Paperwork: Master the Carte de Séjour
This is the non-negotiable step. Your tourist visa is good for 90 days, and extending it is a headache you don’t want. You need to secure your residency card (Carte de Séjour) as quickly as possible.
| The Document Challenge | Mouna’s Insider Tip |
| Proof of Income: The government needs assurance you won’t be taking local jobs. For Digital Nomads or Retirees, you need to show consistent, ample income from outside Morocco. | Double Your Money: Have far more than the minimum required in your bank account. Use a Moroccan notary for translation. Official translations and notarized copies of everything are your best friends. |
| Police & Health Records: You’ll need an officially certified, clean police background check from your home country. | Get it Before you leave! These documents expire, but getting them once you’re here is a nightmare. Also, purchase robust International Health Insurance, the peace of mind is worth every penny. |
| The In-Country Dance: You must register at the nearest Préfecture de Police (police headquarters) within your first 30 days. You will be asked for everything and then asked for it again. | Be Polite, Be Patient: Dress respectfully, arrive early, and always have a copy of every document on hand. The process is slow, but a friendly demeanor and a clear folder make a difference. |
2. City Deep Dive: Where Will You Stir Your Life?
Morocco is not one country; it’s a collection of unique, vibrant cities, and your budget and lifestyle will change dramatically depending on which one you choose.
| City | The Vibe/Personality | The Cost & Lifestyle Reality |
| Casablanca (Casa) | The Economic Engine. Modern, fast-paced, and commercial. Best for high-end job opportunities, international schools, and a lifestyle that feels more European/American. | Highest Cost. Rent is significantly higher. Traffic is intense and often polluted. You get the best shopping and services, but you trade a lot of traditional charm for metropolitan convenience. |
| Rabat | The Calm Capital. The administrative heart. It’s clean, green, orderly, and relaxed. Excellent for families, with high-quality schools and embassies. | High but Manageable. Prices are high, similar to Casa, but the city is less hectic. It is considered a safer, more stable environment for raising children. |
| Marrakesh | The Tourist Star. Vibrant, entrepreneurial, sunny, and very expat-friendly. The most competitive market for buying/renting riads and villas. | Dual Cost. Medina life is cheap for basics; New City (Gueliz) life is expensive for modern amenities. Be ready for extreme heat in summer, which spikes your electricity bill for A/C. |
| Tangier | The European Gateway. A beautiful, white coastal city in the North. Highly international, with a stunning mix of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences. | Mid-to-High Cost. Rent can be expensive near the center and the port. Its proximity to Spain makes it easy for travel, but the summer influx of tourists makes it very crowded and prices rise. |
| Fes & Meknes | The Traditional Soul. Deeply authentic, rooted in history, and centered around massive, ancient medinas. Less English and more French/Darija is necessary. | Most Affordable. Housing is very cheap outside the expat areas. If you’re willing to live truly local, you can stretch your budget the furthest here. |
| Agadir & Essaouira | The Coastal Breeze. Relaxed, warm, and laid-back. Agadir is modern and resort-focused; Essaouira is historic and windy, known for art and surfing. | Affordable to Mid-Range. Great climate means lower heating/cooling costs. Excellent for retirees and those who want a slower pace and easy beach access. |
3. Financial & Legal Basics: Don’t Get Caught Off Guard
Taxes and banking are a necessary seasoning for a long-term stay. Get this sorted immediately to prevent complications.
| Financial Must-Do | The Moroccan Reality |
| Banking: You will need a local bank account (MAD Dirhams) for rent, utilities, and daily transactions. You must also open a Convertible Dirham Account to receive funds transferred from your foreign accounts. | Know the Rules: Morocco has currency controls. You can’t simply transfer MAD out without proof that the original funds were brought in legally (which is why the convertible account is essential). |
| Taxes (IR – Impôt sur le Revenu): If you become a fiscal resident (i.e., you spend more than 183 days a year here), you are technically liable for Moroccan tax on your worldwide income. | The Digital Nomad Question: If you work remotely for a foreign company, seek professional advice. Tax treaties with your home country may apply, but a local accountant is essential to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. |
| VAT Changes (2024-2026): Morocco is in the middle of a VAT reform. Rates are changing gradually for essentials like electricity, water, and transport services. | Check your bills! The cost of utilities (electricity especially) will see a steady increase over the next few years as the VAT rate rises from 14% to 20% by 2026. Budget for this! |
4. Getting Around: The Infrastructure Network
Morocco’s infrastructure is rapidly modernizing, which is fantastic for movement, but urban traffic remains a challenge.
| Transport Type | The Pros and Cons for Residents |
| Trains (ONCF): The network is efficient, affordable, and comfortable. The Al Boraq High-Speed Train connects Tangier to Casablanca quickly. | Essential for City-Hopping. If you plan on traveling between the major Atlantic cities (Tangier, Rabat, Casa), the train is by far the best and safest option. |
| Petit Taxis (Small): Great for quick trips within a city’s boundary. They use meters, but always ensure the driver turns it on (or politely ask: “s-il vous plaît, le compteur”). | The Hustle: Drivers are often reluctant to use the meter. Be firm. In major cities like Casablanca, the traffic jams mean long rides and high fares during peak hours. |
| Grand Taxis (Large): Used for pre-agreed fares for inter-city travel or shared rides on fixed routes. They pack a lot of people in! | The Budget Option. Fantastic for traveling between towns, but be prepared for a tight squeeze, and negotiate the price before you step inside. |
| Driving: Morocco has an excellent, rapidly growing highway network (Autoroutes), which are paid. | Urban Chaos. Driving in the medina or Ville Nouvelle (new city) is not for the faint of heart. Traffic laws are often considered “guidelines,” and parking is a true challenge. Consider whether you really need a car if you live centrally. |
5. Culture, Climate, and Daily Life
This is the good stuff—the life and flavor of Morocco. You have to be ready to embrace it all.
- Language is Love: I’ll say it again: Darija is your connection. French is useful in business/administration, but Darija opens doors to genuine friendship, better prices, and integration. Spend your first three months learning the basics—your neighbors will appreciate the effort!
- The Power of Inshallah: This phrase means “God willing.” It is not an excuse for being late; it’s a reflection of a life view where humans propose, but a higher power decides. Deadlines are soft, appointments are flexible. You must adjust your expectations for time to maintain your peace.
- The Social Dynamic: Hospitality is everything. If you are invited for tea, go! If you are offered food, accept! Moroccans are curious about foreigners but are also very respectful once a relationship is established.
- Stay Connected: Internet infrastructure is strong in major cities, with fiber optic widely available. You can easily find 100Mbps+ connections for remote work. Mobile data (4G/5G) coverage is also excellent across the country.
Moving here is a leap, but with this detailed preparation, you’re not jumping blindly—you’re stepping confidently onto solid ground. Enjoy the spice of life that awaits you!
Mabrouk! (Congratulations!)