Morocco Immigration and Visas

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Visas, Permits and Residence Options in Morocco

Morocco is a key destination in North Africa for foreign nationals entering for tourism, business, employment, family reunification, and long-term residence. The country operates under a constitutional monarchy and maintains a structured immigration framework governed by labour legislation and laws regulating the entry and stay of foreign nationals.

Moroccan immigration processes involve multiple authorities, most notably the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs for work authorisation and the Direction Générale de la Sécurité Nationale (DGSN) for residence permits. As a result, immigration procedures often follow a two-stage process, combining entry or work approval with residence authorisation.

Foreign nationals must ensure that their immigration status aligns precisely with their intended activities in Morocco. Entry permission alone does not authorise employment, and residence authorisation is required for stays exceeding short-term entry allowances.

Last updated: 06/01/2026

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Visa and Permit Categories Available in Morocco

Morocco offers several immigration categories depending on the purpose and duration of stay. These categories are distinct and carry specific rights and limitations.

  • Tourist and Visitor Visas
  • Business Entry Visas
  • Work Authorisation (Long-Term Employment)
  • Residence Permits
  • Family Reunification Residence Permits
  • Study Entry and Residence

Morocco does not operate a formal short-term work permit category. Any productive work generally requires full work authorisation, regardless of assignment duration.

Morocco Short-Stay Entry
Morocco Work Permit
Morocco Residence Permit and Long-Term Stay
Morocco Family Reunification and Dependant Residence
Morocco Study Visa and Residence for Students

Morocco Short-Stay Entry

Morocco Short-Stay Entry

Morocco’s Short-Stay Entry framework covers foreign nationals entering the country for tourism, business visits, or family visits without the intention to work or reside long term. Citizens of approximately 65 visa-exempt countries may enter Morocco without a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided they hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date and can demonstrate onward travel and sufficient financial means.

For nationals who are not visa-exempt, a short-stay entry visa must be obtained from a Moroccan embassy or consulate before travel. These visas are typically issued for stays of up to 90 days and are used for activities such as tourism, attending meetings, conferences, or visiting family members. Entry under this category does not permit employment or income-generating activities in Morocco.

Short-stay entry may be extended in limited circumstances, either through an in-country extension or by exiting and re-entering Morocco, subject to immigration approval. Foreign nationals who intend to remain beyond the permitted short-stay period, or who plan to engage in employment or study, must transition to the appropriate work, study, or residence authorisation before undertaking those activities.

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Morocco Work Permit

Morocco Work Permit

Morocco’s Work Permit authorises a foreign national to be employed by a Moroccan-registered company or to be assigned to a Moroccan entity within the same corporate group. Morocco does not distinguish between short-term and long-term work authorisation. Any form of productive work, regardless of duration, requires formal work authorisation issued by the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs before or alongside residence authorisation.

Work authorisation is issued following a review of the employment relationship, the role to be performed, and the employer’s compliance status. In cases of local hire, an ANAPEC labour market assessment is usually required to confirm that no suitably qualified Moroccan national is available for the role. Certain categories, such as intra-company transfers, senior executives, spouses of Moroccan citizens, and some nationalities, may benefit from exemptions or simplified processing routes. Companies registered with Casablanca Finance City (CFC) may also access expedited procedures.

A Moroccan Work Permit alone does not authorise stay in the country. Once work authorisation is granted, the foreign national must apply for a Residence Permit at the local police station in their area of residence. Full work authorisation is only achieved once both work and residence approvals are in place, and employers are required to notify authorities when employment ends or assignments are completed.

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Morocco Residence Permit and Long-Term Stay

Morocco Residence Permit and Long-Term Stay

Morocco’s Residence Permit authorises a foreign national to lawfully reside in the country for an extended period and is required for any stay that goes beyond short-stay entry allowances. Residence permits are commonly issued to foreign nationals who hold valid work authorisation, are studying in Morocco, or qualify under family reunification. Entry permission alone does not grant the right to reside long term.

Residence Permit applications must be submitted in person at the local police station that has jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence. Upon submission, applicants are issued with a temporary receipt known as a récépissé, which serves as proof of lawful stay while the application is being processed. This receipt is typically valid for up to three months and may need to be renewed until the final residence card is issued.

Final residence cards are generally issued for an initial period of one year and are renewable, provided the underlying basis for residence remains valid. Holders of a Residence Permit may exit and re-enter Morocco freely during its validity. Foreign nationals must ensure that renewals are submitted on time and that any changes to employment, address, or family status are properly reported to the authorities to remain compliant.

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Morocco Family Reunification and Dependant Residence

Morocco Family Reunification and Dependant Residence

Morocco’s Family Reunification framework allows eligible family members of a foreign national who lawfully resides in Morocco to apply for dependant residence. This route is available to close family members of a principal residence permit holder and is intended to enable families to live together in Morocco for the duration of the principal applicant’s authorised stay.

Eligible dependants generally include a legally married spouse and minor children. In some cases, parents may also qualify, depending on dependency and supporting circumstances. Applicants must provide documentary proof of the family relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates, and the principal applicant must hold a valid residence permit and demonstrate the ability to support their family financially while residing in Morocco.

A dependant residence permit allows lawful residence in Morocco but does not automatically grant the right to work. Any dependant who wishes to engage in employment must independently qualify for and obtain the appropriate work authorisation. Morocco does not recognise life partnerships or same-sex relationships for immigration purposes, and such relationships do not qualify under the family reunification framework.

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Morocco Study Visa and Residence for Students

Morocco Study Visa and Residence for Students

Morocco’s Study Visa and Student Residence framework applies to foreign nationals who intend to pursue full-time studies at recognised educational institutions in Morocco, including universities, higher education institutes, and accredited training establishments. Students must hold an official admission or enrolment letter before beginning the immigration process, and entry permission alone does not authorise long-term stay.

Students who are not visa-exempt must obtain an entry visa for study purposes before travelling to Morocco. Once in the country, foreign students are required to apply for a Residence Permit at the local police station with jurisdiction over their place of residence. Upon submission, a temporary receipt (récépissé) is issued, allowing lawful stay while the residence card is processed. Student residence permits are usually issued for one year and may be renewed for the duration of the academic programme.

A student residence permit allows residence in Morocco strictly for educational purposes and does not automatically permit employment. Students who wish to work must independently qualify for and obtain the appropriate work authorisation. Continued enrolment, academic attendance, and timely renewals are required to maintain lawful status throughout the period of study.

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General Documentation Requirements

Documentation requirements in Morocco vary depending on the visa or permit type, but most applications require a common set of supporting documents. Additional documentation may be required depending on nationality, sector, or employer.

  • Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
  • Completed visa or permit application forms
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Employment contract or assignment letter (where applicable)
  • Academic qualifications and professional experience documents
  • Police clearance certificate (for residence and family applications)
  • Medical documentation where required
  • Proof of accommodation in Morocco
  • Authenticated and translated documents (French or Arabic)

Foreign-issued documents typically require legalisation or apostille and translation before submission.

General Costs and Government Fees

Immigration fees in Morocco vary depending on visa type, nationality, and duration of stay. Fees are payable to Moroccan embassies, consulates, or in-country authorities such as the Ministry of Employment and local police services.

Common cost categories include:

  • Entry visa fees (where applicable)
  • Work authorisation processing fees
  • Residence permit issuance and renewal fees
  • Medical examinations
  • Police clearance certificates
  • Document legalisation, translation, and certification costs

Exact government fees differ by nationality and are subject to periodic revision.

General Processing Times

Processing times in Morocco depend on the immigration category and the authorities involved. Applications that involve both work and residence authorisation should be planned sequentially.

  • Tourist and business entry visas: typically up to 90 days validity
  • Work authorisation: approximately 2 to 3 weeks (standard cases)
  • Residence permit receipt (récépissé): issued immediately and valid for up to 3 months
  • Final residence permit card: approximately 4 to 6 weeks

Processing times may be shorter for nationals of certain countries or for companies registered under Casablanca Finance City (CFC).

General Application Considerations

Morocco’s immigration system involves multiple institutions, which can make navigation challenging. Work authorisation must be secured before or alongside residence authorisation, and residence permits are issued in-person at local police stations.

Applicants should note the following:

  • Residence permit applications require physical presence in Morocco
  • Applicants receive a temporary receipt (récépissé) while awaiting final cards
  • Employers must notify authorities upon termination or completion of assignments
  • Renewals should be initiated well before expiry to avoid status gaps

Non-compliance with immigration rules may result in fines, refusal of renewals, or removal from Morocco.

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that navigating the visa application process can be complex and sometimes overwhelming. This resource is designed to provide clear, concise, and comprehensive answers to the most common questions applicants have about obtaining a Visa or Permit.

Yes. Citizens of around 65 countries may enter Morocco without a visa for stays of up to 90 days, subject to passport validity and entry conditions.

No. Any form of productive work requires formal work authorisation issued by the Ministry of Employment, regardless of stay duration.

No. Morocco does not operate a short-term work authorisation category. All employment requires standard work authorisation.

Yes. Foreign nationals staying beyond short-term entry must obtain a residence permit issued by the local police authority.

No. Moroccan immigration law recognises only legally defined family relationships for family reunification.

Yes. Residence permits are renewable, provided the underlying work or family basis remains valid and applications are submitted on time.

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