Are you planning to live in Morocco for a longer period – privately, for work, or with your family? Then you will need the right form of residency in Morocco, such as a carte de séjour or carte de résidence. Understanding the rules and options is essential, because the requirements can differ depending on your personal situation. On this page, you will discover which types of residency in Morocco exist, how to apply step by step, and what documents are usually required. With the right preparation, securing legal residency becomes much easier and you can fully focus on building your new life in Morocco.
We support you throughout the entire application process – from filling out the forms to securing your official appointment for residency in Morocco!
A longer stay in Morocco requires the right legal basis. Whether you want to stay for a few months or move permanently, you will need an official permit that matches your situation. Many people underestimate how complex and individual the process for residency in Morocco can be. Depending on your personal circumstances, country of origin, and purpose of stay, different rules, documents, and deadlines apply. In this overview, we show you which types of residency permits in Morocco exist, what requirements apply, and how we personally guide you step by step – so that your arrival is safe and stress-free.
A tourist visa is usually valid for up to 90 days. Anyone who wants to live in Morocco beyond that must apply for residency – typically at the local police department in the city of residence. Missing or invalid permits can cause serious issues, such as problems renting an apartment, opening a bank account, or even fines and deportation. That’s why having a valid residence permit in Morocco is essential.
Depending on your life situation, there are different forms of residency in Morocco. These can generally be divided into two categories: temporary visas and long-term residence permits.
▸ Tourist Visa: For nationals requiring a visa, valid for up to 90 days.
▸ Business Residency: For entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals with business activity in Morocco.
▸ Family Reunification: For spouses, partners, or children when close relatives already live legally in Morocco.
▸ Student Residency: For those enrolled at Moroccan schools or universities.
▸ Work Residency: Based on a valid employment contract with a Moroccan company – less common, but possible.
▸ Permanent Residency: For retirees, property owners, spouses of Moroccan citizens, or long-term expats.
Each residency type comes with its own set of conditions. Most applications require a range of official documents, many of which must be translated into Arabic or French and officially certified.
Typical documents include:
▸ Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining
▸ Rental contract or proof of residence in Morocco
▸ Proof of financial means (e.g., pension statement, bank account, salary slip)
▸ Recent criminal record extract
▸ Marriage, birth, or family status certificates
For family reunification, you will need to prove your marriage or family relationship. For a work permit, a signed employment contract with a Moroccan company is required.
Many applicants underestimate the effort involved. Procedures vary from city to city and are usually available only in French or Arabic. Time, patience, and accuracy are crucial to avoid delays.
The typical steps include:
▸ Collecting all required documents
▸ Certification and translation by authorized offices
▸ Scheduling an appointment at the relevant authority (if required)
▸ Submission of documents & identity verification
▸ Waiting for the decision & issuance of the residency card
Processing times vary: from a few weeks to several months, depending on the region, type of application, and workload. Mistakes or missing documents can cause significant delays.
Move to Morocco is your trusted partner for a safe and successful stay. We know the administrative procedures, speak the languages, and handle the process for you – online, hybrid, or directly on-site.
▸ Advice on the right residency type
▸ Document check and preparation
▸ Certified translations, authentications & forms
▸ Appointment scheduling & personal assistance at authorities
▸ Connections to lawyers, translators & local offices
We help you avoid common mistakes, save valuable time, and navigate the Moroccan bureaucracy with confidence and peace of mind.
For additional trustworthy and internationally recognized information on entry and residency requirements in Morocco, you can also consult the UK Government’s “Living in Morocco” guide.
