Residency Guide
Morocco Residency for Property Buyers
Morocco has no golden visa. Buying property does not in itself give residence. Here is what it does mean.
Many buyers search for a "Morocco golden visa", expecting a fixed investment amount that triggers a residence permit. Morocco has no such programme, and no residency-by-investment scheme of any kind.
Residence in Morocco (the carte de séjour) is decided case by case by the Moroccan authorities, on the usual grounds: income, employment, a business in Morocco, or family ties. Owning a home can be part of a file, but it is never the reason a permit is granted.
What Applies to a Foreign Buyer
Ownership
Foreigners can own urban, residential and commercial property held under a registered title on the same basis as Moroccans, with no local sponsor or partner. Agricultural land is restricted for foreigners (Dahir 1-73-213 of 1973) unless a certificate of non-agricultural use (VNA) is obtained.
Funds
Sale proceeds can be transferred abroad in full when the purchase was funded in foreign currency, under Office des Changes rules; otherwise in instalments. Fund the purchase from abroad and keep the bank record.
Costs and Tax
Registration duty is 4% of the price, plus land-registry and notary fees. Capital gains on a sale are taxed at 20% of the net gain, with a minimum of 3% of the sale price.
Residence
If you also want to live in Morocco, apply separately, on the grounds that fit your situation. Requirements and timelines are set by the authorities and change; a licensed Moroccan lawyer should confirm them for you.
Why Buyers Look at Tangier
- About 14 km from Spain across the Strait; Tarifa about an hour by fast ferry
- Al Boraq high-speed trains to Casablanca in about 2h10
- Tanger Med: about 10.2 million containers handled in 2024
- A host city of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Morocco
- The Mediterranean and the Atlantic, at a fraction of Costa del Sol prices
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Morocco have a golden visa?
No. Morocco has no golden visa and no residency-by-investment programme: no purchase amount, however large, triggers a residence permit. Residence (the carte de séjour) is decided case by case by the Moroccan authorities on the usual grounds, such as income, employment or a business in Morocco.
Can I get Moroccan residency by buying property?
Not by the purchase alone. Owning a home in Morocco can be part of a residence application, alongside proof of income or of a business activity, but it is not a route to residence in itself. A licensed Moroccan lawyer can tell you which grounds fit your situation.
Can GCC nationals own property in Morocco?
Yes. Foreigners, including GCC nationals, can own urban, residential and commercial property held under a registered title on the same basis as Moroccans, with no local sponsor or partner. Agricultural land is restricted for foreigners unless a certificate of non-agricultural use (VNA) is obtained. Sale proceeds can be transferred abroad in full when the purchase was funded in foreign currency (Office des Changes); otherwise in instalments.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for Moroccan residency?
It is not mandatory, but we recommend a licensed Moroccan lawyer for the application itself. MorAsset handles the property side and can introduce you to independent legal partners for residence and company questions.
Disclaimer: MorAsset is a real estate office, not a law firm or immigration consultancy. This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Residence requirements are set by the Moroccan authorities and can change; confirm them with a licensed Moroccan lawyer. MorAsset can introduce independent legal partners on request.
Considering a home in Tangier?
Speak to us in confidence. We handle the property side, and can introduce independent legal partners for residence questions.
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