How to Obtain a Residence Card in Morocco?
Are you planning to settle or manage a business in Morocco? Our firm guides you step by step through building your file and the procedures to obtain your residence permit.
We cover the key steps, with a particular focus for foreign Managers and Directors General of Moroccan companies.
Why Is a Residence Permit Essential?
Welcome to Morocco! While a tourist stay is limited to 3 months (over a 6-consecutive-month period), long-term settlement requires registration with the police authorities (Central Police Station).
Beyond the legal aspect, the residence card is the key to your daily life for:
- Subscribing to a phone or internet plan.
- Registering a vehicle (vehicle registration).
- Opening a resident bank account: Without this permit, you can only hold an account in "convertible Dirhams" (funded exclusively by foreign currency).
The Different Categories of Registration Cards
The registration card allows you to stay in the Kingdom for a period ranging from 1 to 10 years (renewable).
There are mainly three statuses:
- Visitor (without gainful employment).
- Student.
- Worker (with mention of professional activity).
Building Your File: Required Documents
For a first application, you will need to present originals and provide the following:
- Forms: 2 white copies and 2 yellow copies (available free of charge upon presentation of passport), to be filled in capital letters.
- Photos: 6 identity photos (format 2.5 cm × 2.5 cm).
- Passport: Certified copy of the first 6 pages and entry stamps.
- Proof of address: Photocopy of the lease agreement.
- Administrative: 100 DH fiscal stamp, criminal record extract and medical certificate.
Profile-Specific Requirements
Depending on your situation, additional documents are required:
| Profile | Additional Documents |
| Employees | Foreign employment contract endorsed by the Ministry of Employment (3 copies). |
|---|---|
| Managers / Partners | Company statutes, Trade Register (RC) and Model J less than 3 months old. |
| Liberal Professions | Authorization to practice issued by the General Secretariat of the Government. |
| Students | Enrollment certificate and proof of resources (scholarships, etc.). |
> ⚠️ Important note: All photocopies must be legalized without exception. Obtaining a 10-year card does not exempt employees from having their employment contract endorsed.
Focus: Foreign Managers and Directors General
If you are a manager or director general of a Moroccan company, your file must include, in addition to the common documents:
- The current company statutes.
- The valid Trade Register (RC).
- The Model J (register extract) dated less than 3 months ago.
Our firm, specializing in accompanying foreign executives in Tangier, handles the verification and complete preparation of your file.
Renewal and Expert Support
The residence card must be renewed annually until the decennial permit is obtained.
For renewal, the criminal record extract must be requested:
- At the court of your place of birth (if born in Morocco).
- At the National Criminal Records Service in Rabat (if born abroad).
Our Support at Accounting Services SARL
The residence card application process can seem complex, especially for a first-time applicant. Our firm, certified since 2003 in Tangier, offers you:
- Complete verification of your file before submission.
- Translation and legalization of foreign documents.
- Follow-up with authorities (Central Police Station, Ministry of Employment...).
- Support for annual renewal.
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