How to get investment visa in Morocco?

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Morocco Property Pack

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Morocco Property Pack

Who is the author of this content?

SANDSOFWEALTH

A team specialized in real estate investing in MENA countries (Morocco, UAE, Egypt, Tunisia, etc.).

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Morocco. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At SandsOfWealth, we explore the Moroccan real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

What types of investment visas does Morocco offer, and is there a Golden Visa program?

Morocco does not currently offer a formal Golden Visa or dedicated citizenship by investment program like Portugal or Malta.

The country provides residency opportunities through business investment and real estate purchases, but these operate under general immigration laws rather than specialized investor visa schemes. Foreign investors can obtain temporary residency permits renewable annually, which may lead to permanent residency after multiple renewals.

Morocco's approach focuses on encouraging foreign investment through various sectors rather than offering streamlined visa-for-investment programs. The government evaluates each case individually based on the investment's economic impact and the applicant's financial stability.

As we reach mid-2025, discussions about implementing formal investor visa programs continue, but no concrete timeline has been established for such initiatives.

What is the general process to obtain residency through investment in Morocco?

The investment residency process in Morocco follows a structured approach requiring legal entry, substantial investment, and proper documentation.

You must first enter Morocco legally with appropriate visa documentation if required. Next, make your investment either through real estate purchase or business establishment, ensuring all transactions comply with Moroccan law. Document preparation involves gathering passport copies, investment proof, accommodation evidence, criminal background checks, medical certificates, and financial statements.

Submit your residency application to local police or immigration authorities in your area of residence. Authorities conduct thorough background and financial verification checks, which typically take 3-6 months. Upon approval, you receive a temporary residency permit valid for one year.

The entire process from investment to permit issuance usually takes 6-12 months, depending on document completeness and processing times.

Is there a pathway from investment residency to permanent residency or citizenship?

Morocco offers a gradual progression from temporary to permanent residency, but citizenship remains challenging to obtain.

After your initial one-year residency permit, you can renew for additional periods. Subsequent renewals may extend to five years, and eventually to ten-year permits, effectively granting permanent residency status. This progression typically requires three successful renewals and continuous legal residence.

Citizenship through investment is not guaranteed and follows strict, non-transparent requirements. The government evaluates citizenship applications based on years of continuous residence, cultural integration, language proficiency in Arabic or French, and significant contribution to Moroccan society.

Most successful applicants for citizenship have maintained legal residence for 10-15 years, demonstrated deep community involvement, and shown substantial economic contribution to Morocco.

What are the minimum investment thresholds for different types of investments?

Investment Category	Minimum Amount	Additional Requirements
Real Estate	No official minimum	Substantial investment expected
Business Creation	No official minimum	Must create economic value
Existing Business Purchase	No official minimum	Maintain employment levels
Government Bonds (unofficial)	MAD 1,000,000 (~$100,000)	Subject to availability
Priority Sector Investment	Varies by sector	Must align with national strategy
Agricultural Investment	No official minimum	Special land ownership rules apply
Tourism Infrastructure	No official minimum	Must meet tourism standards

Are there specific sectors or regions where investment is prioritized?

Morocco actively encourages investment in strategic sectors that align with national development goals.

Priority sectors include renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, aerospace, textiles and apparel, pharmaceuticals, business outsourcing, and food processing and agriculture. These sectors receive additional government support and may expedite residency applications. Regional Investment Centers (CRI) throughout Morocco promote local investment opportunities and provide sector-specific guidance.

Geographically, investment is welcomed nationwide, but certain regions offer specific advantages. The Souss Massa region focuses on agri-tech, tourism, and export agriculture. Casablanca-Settat emphasizes finance and business services, while Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima targets automotive and logistics industries.

It's something we develop in our Morocco property pack.

What documents and financial proofs are required for the application?

The investment visa application requires comprehensive documentation to prove identity, financial capacity, and investment legitimacy.

1. Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity2. Completed residency application form with passport-sized photographs3. Proof of investment (property deeds, business registration, bank transfer receipts)4. Criminal background check from your home country, apostilled and translated5. Medical certificate from Moroccan-approved healthcare provider

Financial documentation includes bank statements from the past 6 months, proof of income or pension, investment fund sources documentation, and financial guarantees or insurance coverage. Accommodation proof requires either property ownership documents or long-term rental agreements.

All foreign documents must be apostilled, officially translated into Arabic or French, and notarized by Moroccan consular services. Professional translation services ensure accuracy and compliance with local requirements.

Can I include my spouse and children in the same investment visa application?

Morocco permits family inclusion in investment residency applications, covering spouses and minor children under specific conditions.

Your spouse and children under 18 years can be included in your primary application without additional investment requirements. Each family member must provide individual documentation including passports, medical certificates, criminal background checks (for adults), and proof of family relationship through marriage certificates or birth certificates.

Financial requirements extend to demonstrate capacity to support all family members throughout their residence. This includes proof of sufficient income, housing accommodation for the entire family, and health insurance coverage for all applicants.

Adult children over 18 must apply independently unless they qualify as dependents due to educational enrollment or disability status. Processing times and fees apply to each family member included in the application.

Is real estate investment a valid route to residency, and are there limitations?

Real estate investment represents the most popular and straightforward path to Moroccan residency for foreign investors.

Property purchase automatically demonstrates substantial investment and commitment to Morocco, making residency applications more favorable. There are no legal restrictions on foreign ownership of residential and commercial properties in most areas, allowing complete ownership rights.

Agricultural land faces special regulations requiring government approval for foreign ownership, though this rarely affects residential investors. Urban property investments in cities like Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, and Tangier face no ownership restrictions.

The investment must be significant enough to support residency claims, though no official minimum exists. Most successful applicants invest at least $50,000-100,000 in property to demonstrate serious commitment to residing in Morocco.

How long is the residency permit issued for, and is it renewable?

Moroccan investment residency permits follow a progressive system starting with short-term permits extending to long-term residence.

Initial permits are issued for one year and require annual renewal with updated documentation and proof of continued investment. After successful renewals, permits may extend to three-year periods, followed by five-year permits for established residents.

Long-term residents who have renewed multiple times may qualify for ten-year permits, effectively providing permanent residency status. Each renewal requires demonstrating continued investment, clean criminal record, and sufficient financial means.

Renewal applications should be submitted 60-90 days before permit expiration to avoid legal residence gaps. Processing times for renewals typically take 30-60 days with proper documentation.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Morocco versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

What are the exact steps in the application process from start to finish?

The Moroccan investment residency application follows a systematic process requiring careful preparation and local assistance.

1. **Pre-investment consultation**: Engage qualified immigration lawyer and identify investment opportunities2. **Investment execution**: Complete property purchase or business establishment with proper legal documentation3. **Document preparation**: Gather all required documents, obtain apostilles, and arrange certified translations4. **Initial application**: Submit complete application package to local police or prefecture5. **Biometric appointment**: Attend required appointments for fingerprints and photographs

Background verification involves financial checks, criminal record verification, and investment legitimacy confirmation by Moroccan authorities. Medical examination at approved facilities includes general health screening and specific tests required by immigration authorities.

Final approval and permit issuance typically occurs 3-6 months after submission, depending on application completeness and processing capacity. Legal representation throughout this process significantly improves success rates and reduces processing delays.

What agencies and professionals typically help with this process?

Professional assistance is essential for successfully navigating Morocco's investment residency process due to bureaucratic complexity.

Immigration lawyers specializing in Moroccan residency law provide crucial expertise in document preparation, application submission, and government liaison. These professionals typically charge $2,000-5,000 for complete residency application services. Real estate lawyers handle property transactions and ensure compliance with ownership regulations.

Government offices involved include local police stations for application submission, prefectures for document processing, and immigration authorities for final approvals. Regional Investment Centers provide sector-specific guidance and investment facilitation services.

It's something we develop in our Morocco property pack.

What have been real investor experiences with this process?

Foreign investor experiences with Moroccan residency applications vary significantly based on preparation quality and professional assistance.

Successful cases typically involve investors who engaged local legal counsel early, prepared comprehensive documentation, and made substantial property investments of $75,000 or more. European retirees and business entrepreneurs report highest success rates, particularly those investing in Marrakech, Casablanca, and coastal regions.

Common challenges include document authentication delays, changing regulatory requirements, incomplete paperwork causing application rejections, and extended processing times exceeding advertised timeframes. Language barriers and cultural differences in business practices create additional complications for unrepresented applicants.

Expert recommendations include budgeting 18-24 months for complete residency establishment, working exclusively with licensed legal professionals, maintaining substantial financial reserves beyond minimum investment requirements, and building relationships with local business communities to demonstrate integration commitment.

It's something we develop in our Morocco property pack.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. Golden Visas - Morocco Investment Options
2. Mackrell International - Morocco Golden Visa
3. Sands of Wealth - Morocco Real Estate for Foreigners
4. Russell Bedford - Investing in Morocco
5. Escape Artist - Morocco Residency Options
6. US Embassy Morocco - Residency Requirements
7. Assendelft - Morocco Citizenship by Investment
8. DBS Morocco - Investment Laws