Morocco is a short flight from Spain, France and the UK, with year-round sunshine on its Atlantic coast, historic medinas and the Atlas Mountains and Sahara within reach. Living costs are low, and cities such as Marrakech, Rabat, Tangier, Essaouira and Agadir have growing foreign communities. Arabic and Amazigh are the official languages, and French is widely used in business and government.

Visa and residence options

Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days. To stay longer, you need a residence card (carte de séjour), applied for at the local police prefecture (Sûreté Nationale). Requirements vary by city, so check with your local office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs consular portal. Common grounds include:

  • Employment: a work contract approved by the Ministry of Labour. For many jobs, the employer must first get a certificate from ANAPEC, the national employment agency, confirming no suitable Moroccan candidate was found.
  • Retirement and independent means: for people with a regular foreign pension or income transferred into a Moroccan bank account, plus a rental contract or property deed.
  • Business: for founders and investors in a Moroccan company.
  • Family: for spouses and children of Moroccan citizens and residents.

Morocco does not currently have a dedicated digital nomad visa. Cards are usually issued for one year at first, then for longer periods.

How much does it cost to live in Morocco?

Morocco is one of the cheapest countries near Europe. Our Morocco data puts a one-bedroom apartment at around $350 a month and a three-bedroom at around $650. Renovated riads in the Marrakech medina and sea-view flats in Tangier or Casablanca cost more. Rabat, Agadir and smaller towns offer good value.

Groceries cost about $150 a month, and fresh produce from markets is very cheap. A meal at a local restaurant costs a few dollars. Imported goods and alcohol, which is sold only in licensed shops and venues, are expensive. Morocco's Al Boraq high-speed train links Tangier, Rabat and Casablanca, and trains and buses connect most cities.

How Moroccan tax works

Residents are taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates. After the 2025 reform, income up to 40,000 dirhams a year is exempt and the top rate of 37% applies above 180,000 dirhams, according to the Direction Générale des Impôts. Retirees whose foreign pensions are transferred to Morocco and converted into dirhams receive a large tax reduction on that pension income, which makes Morocco attractive for pensioners; confirm the current percentage with the tax authority or an adviser. Check your home country's tax treaty with Morocco.

Employees contribute about 6.7% of their salary to social security (CNSS) and compulsory health insurance (AMO). VAT is 20%. See our tax calculator for estimates.

Healthcare

Private clinics in Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech offer good care at low prices, and many doctors trained in France. Public hospitals are crowded and under-resourced. Expats should hold private or international health insurance.

Daily life

Moroccan culture is warm, social and family-centred, and hospitality is a point of pride: mint tea is offered to every guest. Islam shapes daily rhythms, and Ramadan changes working hours and social life for a month each year. Dress modestly outside beach resorts, especially in rural areas.

French is very useful for paperwork and business, and Darija (Moroccan Arabic) helps in markets and daily life. Bureaucracy can be slow and paper-heavy. Haggling is normal in souks, and taxi fares should be agreed or metered before you set off.

Is Morocco a good place to move?

Morocco suits retirees with foreign pensions, French speakers and people who want an affordable base near Europe with a rich culture. Local salaries are low and unemployment is high, so it works best if your income comes from abroad.