Ficha de Marruecos

Opening Hours and Days

Banks: 8:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 02:15 p.m. to 05:30 p.m.
Public bodies: from 8:30 a.m. to 04:00 p.m. continuous
Businesses: from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 03:00 p.m. to 08:00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.
On Friday, all institutions are closed from 11:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m.

Public Holidays

Periods When Companies Usually Close

Hotel reservation websites

Office Holidays

Tax Rate For Foreign Companies

Moroccan tax applies territorially. Companies, whether established in Morocco or not, are subject to corporate income tax on all profits or income derived from property they own, activities they conduct, and profit-making transactions they carry out in Morocco, even if these activities are occasional. Foreign companies are liable on Moroccan-sourced income at the same rates as local companies (unless preferential treatment is granted under foreign investment schemes).
A branch tax of 15% applies to the net income transferred by the Moroccan branch to foreign entities.

Capital Gains Taxation

Capital gains are treated as non-current income and taxed at the normal corporate tax rate.
Non-resident companies are exempt from capital gains derived from the sale of stocks listed on the Casablanca stock exchange, excluding the shares of real estate entities.
For the years 2023, 2024 and 2025, companies will benefit from a 70% deduction on the net capital gain resulting from the sale of fixed assets, excluding land and buildings.

Main Allowable Deductions and Tax Credits

Expenses incurred in connection with business activities are generally deductible unless specifically excluded. Start-up expenses shall be capitalised and depreciated for tax purposes over a five-year period. Interest on loans granted by direct shareholders is deductible if the capital is fully paid in, limited to the share capital equity and the interest rate provided annually by the Ministry of Finance.

Charitable contributions made by companies are deductible only if they are granted to foundations and societies explicitly provided by law. In the case of contributions made to the community enterprise, the deduction is capped at 0.2% of the turnover.

Bad debts that are definitively non-recoverable are treated as deductible losses. Taxes are generally deductible (except for corporate income tax).

Tax losses can be carried forward for up to four years from the end of the accounting period in which the loss occurred. However, the portion of a loss attributable to depreciation can be carried forward indefinitely. The carryback of losses is not permitted. Foreign tax relief is provided for foreign-sourced income.

Morocco offers tax incentives in the form of tax exemption or taxation at more advantageous rates for local and foreign investors. For instance, incentives include an exemption from business tax for the first five years for newly incorporated companies and a corporate income tax exemption for companies operating tourist establishments for the first five years, subject to certain conditions. Several acceleration zones in cities like Fes, Kenitra, Layoune, Nador, Rabat, and Tangier offer authorized companies a business tax exemption for the first 15 years and a corporate income tax exemption for the first five years. Companies with "Casablanca Finance City" status are entitled to a corporate income tax exemption for five years from the start of the tax year in which the status was obtained. Additionally, tax-neutral treatment may be available for corporate income tax purposes for the transfer of investment goods between member companies of a restructuring group. Companies that qualify as OPCIs are exempt from tax on rental income from buildings constructed for professional use, as well as dividends and interest received.

Other Corporate Taxes

Registration duties between 1% to 6% are due on all written or verbal conventions, such as property transfer of real estate, shares, or rights; company set-up; equity increase; and goodwill transfer (6%). A flat rate of MAD 200 is also applicable to specific operations and conventions. The acquisition of real property is subject to a 1% real estate tax.

Legal entities conducting business activities in Morocco are subject to a business tax based on the rental value of buildings, premises, and other assets used for the business. This tax is levied at rates of 10%, 20%, or 30% of the rental value, depending on the nature of the entity's business.

Additionally, a municipal tax is imposed at a rate of 10.5% on the rental value of real estate assets located within urban districts, and at a rate of 6.5% on the rental value of real estate assets in the peripheral zones of urban districts.

A Payroll tax (called professional training tax) is imposed on the gross monthly remuneration of employees that are subject to social security contributions, at a rate of 1.6%. Morocco's mandatory social security regime is managed by the CNSS (Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale). Employers' contributions are as follows: family allocation 6.40%; social allocation 8.60% (with a computation base capped at MAD 6,000); professional tax 1.60%; mandatory medical care 4.11%.

Other Domestic Resources

General Tax Administration

Country Comparison For Corporate Taxation

Source: The World Bank - Doing Business, Latest data available.

Accounting System

Accounting Standards

All banks and similar financial institutions need to file using IFRS Standards. All companies listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange other than banks and similar financial institutions are required to choose between IFRSs and Moroccan GAAP.

Accounting Regulation Bodies

National Council of Accounting (Link in French)

Accounting Law

Companies Law of 1999, Law 15-89 1993 on the regulation of the profession of Chartered Accountants

Difference Between National and International Standards (IAS/IFRS)

Moroccan GAAP, which are significantly different from IFRS Standards, are no longer required for domestic or foreign public companies as the only available financial reporting framework. In fact, banks and similar financial institutions are required to file using IFRS standards. All companies listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange other than banks and similar financial institutions are required to choose between IFRSs and Moroccan GAAP.

Accounting Practices

Tax Year

The calendar year normally is the fiscal year, although a company may opt for a different fiscal year.

Accounting Reports

Moroccan Institute of Chartered Accountants aims to converge the Moroccan Standards on Auditing with International Standards on Auditing (ISA) for statutory audits by December 2017.

Publication Requirements

The balance sheet describes separately the asset and liabilities items of the business.
The income and expense account summarizes the incomes and expenses of the financial year without considering their date of cashing or payment.
The management balances report describes the formation of the net income and that of self-financing.
The funds flow statement highlights the financial growth of the company during the financial year by describing the resources provided and jobs provided from it.
The additional details report supplements and comments on information provided by the balance sheet, the income and expense account, the management balances report and the funds flow statement.

The account should be certified annually.

Accountancy Profession

Accountants

Generally auditors, chartered accountants and public accountants are distinguished.
The government auditors necessarily belong to the public accountants corporation.
The chartered accountants play the role of financial, accounting, legal and tax consultant in companies.
Audit relates more to an internal management audit of the company.

Professional Accountancy Bodies

Moroccan Institute of Chartered Accountants
Moroccan Institute of Internal Auditors

Member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC)

Morocco is a member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC).

Allowable Deductions and Tax Credits

The deductions from gross salary concern mainly social security contributions, retirement contributions, and a lump-sum deduction equal to 25% of the gross salary for incomes not exceeding MAD 78,000 (with a ceiling of MAD 35,000 per year).
The deduction applicable to pensions and life annuities is set at 70% of the gross taxable amount not exceeding MAD 168,000.

Charitable contributions are deductible if granted to organisms and societies expressly provided by the tax law. Loan interest related to the acquisition of a main house is tax deductible, up to a limit of 10% of the taxable global revenue.

Certain indemnities such as dismissal indemnity, compensation for voluntary departure, and compensation for damages awarded in the event of dismissal are exempt from taxation up to a maximum limit of MAD 1 million. However, if an individual receives multiple indemnities, the combined total amount of such indemnities exempted from income tax cannot surpass the aforementioned limit of 1 million.

Professional expenses incurred in the operation of the business are generally deductible unless specifically excluded. The cap on professional expenses deductible from gross annual taxable income has been raised from MAD 30,000 to MAD 35,000 for individuals whose gross annual taxable income does not exceed MAD 78,000. For those with a gross annual taxable income exceeding MAD 78,000, the deduction rate is set at 25%, up to a limit of MAD 35,000. Additionally, the deduction for pensions and life annuities has been increased from 60% to 70% on the gross taxable amount not exceeding MAD 168,000.

Special Expatriate Tax Regime

Individuals with their main homes in Morocco are taxed on the totality of their incomes. Non-resident individuals are taxed only on Moroccan-sourced income.
There are no special regimes for expatriates (unless a double taxation treaty applies).

Capital Tax Rate

Capital gains from the sale of property are generally taxed at 20% as part of ordinary income, at a minimum of 3% of the selling price. The sale of a resident company's share is taxed at 10%.
Capital gains derived from the disposal of immovable property generally are subject to a 20% tax, the same as those derived from the disposal of shares. Capital gains derived from the disposal of a residence used as principal residence for at least six years are exempt from taxation.

Rental income is subject to individual income tax (based on the gross amount) at the following rates: 10% for annual gross revenues below MAD 120,000, and 15% for annual gross revenues equal to or exceeding MAD 120,000.

Municipal tax is levied at a rate of 10.5% of the rental value of real estate assets situated within urban districts, and 6.5% of the rental value of real estate assets in peripheral zones of urban districts.

Employees have to contribute to the Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale (CNSS) fund, as follows: social allocation 4.48%; mandatory medical care 2.26%.

Morocco does not levy any net wealth tax, net worth tax, inheritance tax, or gift tax.

National Regulation and International Agreements

Equity of Judgments

The Language of Justice

Arabic is the legal language, but French is often used in businesses as well as in government milieus.

Recourse to an Interpreter

Possible

Legal Similarities

The main source of the law is the constitution of 1972 (revised in 1992 and 1996). The legal system is based on the Islamic law as well as on the French and Spanish civil law systems.

The Different Legal Codes

Checking National Laws Online

Guide to Law Online: Morocco
Business Law in Morocco

Other Useful Resources

Guide to Morocco Legal System
Wordpress, Blog on Moroccan law.

Country Guides

Moroccan Embassy in the UK, Investor's guide to Morocco.

The Jurisdictions

Court Officials

Judge

Judge appointed by the Department of Justice, but irrevocable and supposedly independent; he renders judgments.

Public Prosecutor

Judge of the Department of Justice, responsible for indictment in a criminal lawsuit.

Lawyer

Lawyer member of the Bar.
He provides defense of protagonists.

Bailiff

Officers of the court holding monopoly of notification of writs, he also plays the role of an expert.

Registrar

Court clerk.

Customs Procedures

Import Procedures

For free imports, the importer must sign a commitment for imports on form "Commitment for Import, Import license, Preliminary Import Declaration" (in French).
The Commitment to Import must be drawn up in 5 specimens and accompanied by a Pro-forma invoice in 5 copies specifying:

• the unit price expressed in ex-works value, FOB, FAS;
• quantity expressed in units of appropriate measures;
• trade description of the goods.

The Commitment to Import must be filed with an authorised bank chosen by the importer for domiciliation. After domiciliation, the bank gives the importer their own copy along with two extra copies, in a sealed envelop for the customs office. The Commitment to Import is valid for 6 months as from the date of its domiciliation and facilitates customs clearance and the financial settlement of the goods.

An application for exemption from customs duties is necessary for free imports allowed as duty-free within the framework of the tariff and commercial Agreements and Accords concluded between Morocco and certain countries, products belonging to tariff quotas set forth by the Association and Free trade Agreements concluded between Morocco and the European Community and Morocco and the States of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and products belonging to tariff quotas envisaged by the Multilateral Agreements.

Application for exemption from customs duties is to be made in 4 copies on a form called "Customs Exemption Application" and accompanied by a pro forma invoice in 3 copies, specifying:

• the unit price expressed in ex-works value, FOB, FAS;
• quantity expressed in units of appropriate measures;
• trade description of the goods.

Application for exemption from customs duties is lodged with the Ministry of Foreign Trade; it is delivered by this department after consultation with the ministry concerned. The decision to grant or refuse exemption from customs duties is notified to the concerned party by the Ministry of Foreign Trade. Exemption from customs duties is valid for a maximum of 6 months as from the date of the stamp of the Ministry for Foreign Trade.

Import of goods is further subject to the invoice, the import title and, if necessary other documents required according to the nature of the products, on presentation at the customs office within 60 days as from the deposit of the summary declaration, a detailed declaration on a form called "Single Declaration of Goods" (DUM).

In the case of imports, you can make an advance payment up to 40% of the transaction. The advance payment is authorized for certain products to the limit of the value of DH 200,000 (see Circular 1718 of 1st August, 2007). For more information on the framework of the exchange transactions regulation, please consult the website of the Moroccan Foreign Exchange Office(in French only).

For more information on customs clearance procedure, please visit the website of Moroccan Customs.

Specific Import Procedures

For goods subject to import license, the importer must submit the license application form in 6 copies, against receipt, with the Ministry of Industry, Investment, Trade and Digital Economy. The license is issued delivered by the ministry, after consultation with other concerned ministries. The import license is valid for 6 months to the maximum.
Certain goods are also subject to a preliminary import declaration: those that are likely to cause a serious damage to local production. These include cases of massive imports, imports of products subsidised in the exporting country or products imported at dumped prices. The importer must submit 6 copies of the preliminary import declaration application with the Ministry of Industry, Investment, Trade and Digital Economy. The Ministry of Foreign Trade assesses the application within 10 days. The preliminary import declaration is valid for a period of 9 months and renewable once.

Importing Samples

Samples can enter without custom duties, subject to a deposit, if they are re-exported. The limit for temporary entry is six months, renewable for up to two years.
Morocco is a signatory of the ATA carnet agreement.

Customs Duties and Taxes on Imports

Customs threshold (from which tariffs are required)

No customs threshold applies.

Average Customs Duty (Excluding Agricultural Products)

According to data by the World Bank, the simple average tariff across all products is 4.34%.

Products Having a Higher Customs Tariff

According to data by the World Bank, the maximum rate of tariff on any product is 200%. However, import duties generally vary from 2.5% to 40%.

Preferential Rates

Morocco has signed several bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, including those with the EU, the USA, the EFTA, the Arab Free Trade Zone, Turkey, etc.

Customs Classification

Morocco applies the Harmonised Customs System. 

Method of Calculation of Duties

Ad valorem on the CIF value of the goods.

Method of Payment of Customs Duties

Import commitments must be domiciled with a bank.
Recently, the Moroccan customs have set up a system of online secure payment.

Import Taxes (Excluding Consumer Taxes)

A para-fiscal tax of 25% on imports applies to finance activities, such as technical inspections for export goods, economic and export promotion, industrial development, and small-scale production.
Under Moroccan tax law, the importation operations are subject to VAT at the rate of 20%, plus a special tax on importation called Taxe Parafiscale à l’Importation (TPI), with a rate of 0.25%.Excise taxes apply to specific products, such as tobacco, alcohol, and lubricants.

Labeling and Packaging Rules

Packaging

The Moroccan Institute of Packaging and Conditioning (IMEC) is competent as regards standards of packaging and conditioning. The Ministries of Agriculture and Health control farm products and products meant for human consumption.

Languages Permitted on Packaging and Labeling

French and/or Arabic

Unit of Measurement

Metric system

Mark of Origin "Made In"

Obligatory

Labeling Requirements

Name of the product, name and address of the manufacturer, country of origin, weight

Specific Regulations

For foodstuffs, date of manufacture and expiry date of consumption.
For drugs, additionally composition should be mentioned.

Distribution Network

E-commerce

Internet access

Morocco, with its 36.2 million inhabitants, is a mid-sized country by African standards and has the sixth highest internet penetration rate across the continent. Internet penetration rate rose to 62.4% (63.67% according to Moroccan National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency) at the end of 2017 with 22.6 million Internet users (Internet World Stats). As such, despite accounting for 2.8% of Africa's total population, Morocco has nearly 5% of all Internet users in Africa. Over 90% of Internet users access via mobile (20.83 million) and their number rose by 31.69% in 2017. Morocco had 1.32 million fixed Internet users (ADSL) at the end of 2017, as opposed to 1.23 million in 2016. Fibre Optic Internet has only 36,347 subscribers (10,657 in 2016). 6.8 million users had 4G Wireless Internet access at the end of 2017 (2.8 million at the end of 2016, +143% y-o-y). The number of smartphones rose to 18.06 million at the end of 2016 (3.36 million higher than 2015) (National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency). As far as search engines are concerned, Google dominates the industry with a 96.31% market share, followed by Yahoo at 2.7%.

E-commerce market

The Moroccan e-commerce market is booming and is among the most vibrant in Africa. Morocco is ranked 6th among African states (after Mauritius, South Africa, Tunisia, Nigeria and Kenya) and 85th worldwide on UNCTAD's B2C E-commerce Index list. Retail websites affiliated with the Moroccan Electronic Interbanking Centre registered US$ 211 million income in the first nine months of 2017, an increase of 51.4% from the previous year. The Pan-African Jumia, which is the top online retailer in many African countries, is also in a leading position in Morocco, with more than five million visitors per month and 230,000 daily visits on average. Morocco-based Hmizate is also a key player in the market and has launched many special sales events (Black Friday, Mobile Week, Ramadan special) to compete against international retailers. As far as specialist websites are concerned, Inwi leads the electronics sector whereas Citymall and Lavieclaire dominate beauty and food markets respectively. Richbond and Azurahome generate nearly two-thirds of sales in housing and decoration. Decathlon and Vetement lead online fashion sales (more than 40% of specialised sales). Cross-border trade is less popular than in European countries owing to a general lack of secure online payment methods. Nonetheless, AliExpress has launched a local version of its website, and Amazon France along with several other intermediary companies deliver Amazon orders to Morocco. The lack of online payment systems has always been an obstacle for the development of Moroccan e-commerce. However, online payments and credit cards recorded strong growth in 2017 and 2018. According to the Moroccan Electronic Interbanking Centre, internet payment activity was characterised by strong growth during the first half of 2018, with the number of online payments increasing 32%. Additionally, internet payment systems such as PayPal are beginning to enter the market and are also gaining popularity in the country. Finally, the Moroccan Government is working on the implementation of policies and strategies that aim to accelerate the digital transformation of the country. The main goals of the '2020 Morocco Digital Plan' are to make Morocco a regional digital hub through the strengthening of digital export offers and the bridging of the digital divide and the transformation of the most important sectors of the national economy.

Social media

Moroccan Internet users are increasingly active on social media and spend on average 2 hours and 24 minutes per day on these platforms, and 2 hours and 53 minutes online in general, according to Hootsuite. The number of social media users is estimated at 16 million - 44% of total population - which represents a 12% y-o-y increase from 2017. Nearly all of them - 15 million users - also access their accounts via mobile, denoting a 15% y-o-y increase during the same period. According to the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency, 77% of social media users check their accounts on a daily basis, a rate that increases to 80% in cities, and decreases to 68% in rural areas. Facebook is by far the most popular social media network with nearly 16 million accounts, out of which 13.2 million belong to users under 34 years old (8.2 million males under 34 and 5 million females). Additionally, of the total number of accounts, 36% belong to female users and 64% to males. WhatsApp users are slightly more active than those on Facebook. Instagram has 3.5 million users in Morocco, accounting for nearly 10% of the total population, and is more popular among men, with 43% of accounts belonging to female users and 57% to males. Twitter and LinkedIn are among the least popular networks with only 8% and 3% of Internet users being active on these platforms respectively. As of August 2018, the leading social media platforms by market share in the country were YouTube (50.19%), Facebook (43.4%), Twitter (2.74%), Pinterest (2.74%), Instagram (0.36%) and Google+ (0.18%).

Direct Selling

Evolution of the Sector

The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) 2017 report shows retail direct selling in Morocco grew 3%, was valued at USD 119 million, and involved 292,597 independent representatives.

Euromonitor International expects the Moroccan direct selling industry to continue growing due to the entry of small direct sellers, increased Internet use, and brand representatives in every city or town as well as young consumers interested in beauty products and trends. Oriflame remained the largest direct selling company in 2017. Avon Beauty Products and Forever Living have adopted a different sales strategy, option to collaborate with beauty bloggers and Youtube influencers when introducing new products. Independent online retailers such as American Shop by Hanan, Accesories shop, and UniqueShop have growing influence on social media and offer international cosmetics not available in Moroccan direct selling channels

Commercial Intermediaries

Trading Companies

 

• Type of Organization

Generally import-export companies specialized in a product range.
Occasionally, they have distribution activities.

• Main Actors

Macro Market
Casma

Wholesalers

 

• Type of Organization

The sector is very spread out.
Wholesalers are generally small companies specialized in a type of product. They are generally local food-processing or craft industry (co-operatives) products.
Wholesalers are found in the industrial sector, and are generally related to the producing conglomerate (ONA, etc).
For many kind of goods distribution’s network, it is relatively easy to identify the major players.

• Main Actors

Metro Cash & Carry

Useful Resources

Morocco directory

Using a Commercial Agent

The Advantages

Having a sales representative facilitates penetrating the market rapidly (he is already well established) and less expensive (no fixed charges).

Where to Be Vigilant

Loss of autonomy in commercial management and marketing.
The company is completely dependent on the motivation and competence on the agent.

Elements of Motivation

Exclusive rights, a fixed term contract, a minimal sale objective.
Besides, follow-up and in particular field visits are very important.

The Average Amount of Commission

From 5 to 10% of sales or 50% of the gross margin. Variable according to the sectors.

Breach of Contract

A written contract is highly recommended.
The duration of the collaboration, the amount of remuneration must be fixed and a non-competition clause must be specified at least during the collaboration.

Finding a Commercial Agent

Agent & Co
Laniac, in French

Setting Up a Commercial Unit

The Advantages

Facilitates having an observation and research base, entering into commercial contacts and advertising its company.

Where to Be Vigilant

Relatively expensive. If one does not know the market, it would be better to be introduced.

Different Possible Forms of Settlement

 

• A Representative Office

A representative office may be necessary to obtain market or any other data and provide promotional support. However, a contact office not being able to involve in commercial transactions or income generation, cannot directly manage orders and print invoices.

• A Branch Office

A branch or a subsidiary company can take and run orders and run a marketing or advertizing program, recruit sales forces and carry out promotional activities.
The branch does not have legal entity, the procedures of creation are thus simple and short. On the other hand, the parent company is responsible for all debts and obligations of the branch.

• A Company

It offers a commercial credibility to your prospectives and  suppliers, a better guarantee of protection of the registered brand, of obtaining credit and market penetration.

Franchising

Evolution of the Sector

The franchise sector is in full rise in Morocco and occupies an increasingly important place within the commercial landscape, in line with the evolution of consumers’ behaviour in Morocco, aspiring to quality products and a modern and pleasant purchasing environment. Such trends have played a structuring role in the development of commercial real estate and has accompanied the emergence of a significant supply of shopping centres in several Moroccan cities (including the Morocco Mall in Casablanca, which is North Africa’s largest). Data from the Moroccan Association of Franchises shows that there are currently 500 franchising firms active in the country, with more than 2,000 points of sale and more than 600,000 people employed. US firms play an important role, with over four hundred American franchises operating in the fast food, clothing, office supply, furniture, cosmetics, office cleaning, and auto repair sectors. French firms are also important for the sector (around 40% of total franchises according to Business France). The distribution of sales points shows a strong concentration in the metropolitan area of Rabat-Casablanca due to its high population density and purchasing power.
The 2019 International Franchise Attractiveness Index ranked Morocco 39 with a significant score of 54. With a list of 131 states, the index listed Morocco as the first attractive business hub in Africa and the 2nd in MENA after the UAE.
According to a recent survey carried out by the Moroccan Association of Franchises, the sector has been strongly impacted by the Covid-19 health crisis. The drop in activity is estimated at nearly 90% of turnover.

Some Big Franchises

Pigier, educational programs

For Further Information

Ministry of Industry, Commerce and New Technologies (in French), Department of Commerce and distribution

Finding Assistance

Export Trading Companies

Moroccan Association of Exporters
Directory of Moroccan importers
Cassma

Recommended Resource

The industrial sector constitutes 26% of Morocco's GDP in 2019 (World Bank).

Type of Manufacturers

Original Equipment Manufacturers

Low compared to subcontracting due to weakness of the domestic market.

Original Design Manufacturers

Low compared to subcontracting due to weakness of the domestic market.

Subcontractors

Subcontractors are numerous in Morocco: 1850 companies already in 2002.
Historically, they are more concentrated in the textile-clothing sector. But today, Moroccan companies are moving into production of electronics components or spare parts for cars and aeronautics.

Useful Resources

Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Moroccan multisector Business directories

2FindLocal Morocco - Moroccan business directory

Afrikta - Morocco business directory

Arabo Morocco - Business directory for Morocco

Biz Pages Morocco - Business directory for Morocco

BizExposed Morocco - Business directory for Morocco

Bloombiz Morocco - Business directory for Morocco

City By App Morocco - Business directory for Morocco

Cybo Morocco - Business directory for Morocco

eArabic Market - Morocco business directory

eArabic Market Morocco - Business directory for Morocco

Moroccan Marketplaces

Sample of marketplaces incorporated in Morocco (A to Z)

Upcoming Trade shows in Morocco

Other Useful Resources

Trade Agencies and Their Representations Abroad

Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Casablanca
Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Rabat
Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Tanger (In French)
Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Marrakech and Safi
Moroccan Center for Promotion of Exports

 

 

Finding Assistance

Recommended Resource

Main Useful Means of Transport

Over the last two decades Morocco spent an average of about MAD 40 billion on transport and logistics, upgrading consistently its network.
Roadways dominate inland transport in Morocco, providing 90% of the mobility of the people and 85% of flows of goods except phosphate. As of January 2020 Morocco’s road network consists of more than 57,330 km of road, of which around 43,500 is paved.
Morocco’s railway network includes 1300 km of track, with 120 stations serving passengers as well as freight.
Bestowed with a 3,500 km long coastline distributed on the Atlantic ocean and the Mediterranean sea, 95% of Morocco’s external trade is carried on through maritime transport. According to the latest figures from the Ministry of Transport, during the first eleven months of 2018, 122.8 million tonnes of goods transited through Moroccan ports. The Moroccan freight transport fleet is made up of 8 vessels active belonging to 7 shipping companies.

By Sea

Ports

Website of Moroccan ports

Transport Professionals

OCP Group
Comarit
CMA-CGM

By Air

Airports

National Office of Airports

Transport Professionals

Royal Air Maroc
Air France
Emirates

Government Transport Organisations

Department of Civil Aviation of the Ministry of Equipment and Transport (in French)

By Road

Transport Professionals

Schenker
Dascher
TIMAR - Transport international Maroc

By Rail

Transport Professionals

National Office of Railways

Société à Responsabilité Limitée S.A.R.L. (private limited company)

Number of partners: 1 minimum and 50 maximum
Capital (max/min): MAD 10,000
Shareholders and liability: Liability is limited to the amount of contributions.

Société anonyme, S.A. (public limited company)

Number of partners: 5 minimum with no maximum
Capital (max/min): MAD 3,000,000 to open a listed public limited companies and MAD 300,000 for a Public Liability company.
Shareholders and liability: Liability is limited to the amount of contributions.

Société en nom collectif, SNC (Partnership)

Number of partners: 2 partners at the minimum
Capital (max/min): No minimum capital required.
Shareholders and liability: Liability is unlimited.

Société en Commandite Simple, SCS (Limited Partnership)

Number of partners: 2 partners at the minimum
Capital (max/min): No minimum capital required.
Shareholders and liability: Liability of the active partners is unlimited and limited to the amount of contributions for the silent partners.

Société en Commandite par Actions, SCA (Partnership limited by shares)

Number of partners: 3 sleeping partners and one active partner.
Capital (max/min): no minimum capital.
Shareholders and liability: Liability of the active partners is unlimited and limited to the amount of contributions for the silent partners.

Business Setup Procedures

The Competent Organisation

The Regional Investment Center of Casablanca.

For Further Information

Doing Business website, Procedures to start a business in Morocco.
Export.gov, A commercial guide to assist companies wishing to export to Morocco.

Financial Information Directories

Dun & Bradstreet - Worldwide directory with financial information on businesses

Kerix.net - Business directory in Morocco

Kompass - Moroccan business directory

Recovery Procedures

Principle

The court appoints a receiver and controllers. The receiver contributes to managing the business. He draws up an economic, accounting and company balance sheet and offers a recovery package by considering possible offers. He meets the creditors to make offers to them.
The court then decides either on a plan of continuation, or a plan of transfer, or a compulsory liquidation.

Minimum Debt-to-Capital Ratio Triggering Liquidation

None

Bankruptcy Laws

Book V of the the Commercial law of 1996, inspired from the French legislation.

Reorganization and Rehabilitation Laws

Book V of the Commercial law of 1996, inspired from the French legislation.

For Further Statistics

High Commissioner for Planning
L'Economiste

For Further Information About the Labour Market

World Bank

Opening Hours

 

• Legal Weekly Duration

44 hours per week for non-agricultural sector.
48 hours per week for agricultural sector.

• Maximum Duration

Not more than 10h per day except for waiver

• Night Hours

From 21h to 6h

Working Rest Day

Sundays generally

Paid Annual Vacation

One and a half day per month of effective work, increased with seniority

Retirement Age

60 years generally and 55 years for miners.

Child Labour and Minimum Age For Employment

Forbidden for less than 15 years

Informal Labour Market

The informal sector is important in Morocco. According to the last survey in 2004, it represents 39% of the non-agricultural employment.

Pay

Minimum Wage

Morocco's minimum wage is MAD 3,300 per month in the public sector, MAD 2,828.71 per month in the private sector, and MAD 76,70 MAD per day for agricultural workers, according to the Moroccan government data.

Average Wage

The average salary of Moroccans in 2021 stood at around MAD 1,793. In the public sector, the average salary was MAD 8,237.

Other Forms of Pay

• Pay For Overtime

Increase by 25%

• Pay For Rest Days Worked

+25% during the day and 50% during the night

• Pay For Night Hours

No increase

• Pay For Overtime at Night

Increase by 50%

Social Security Costs

The Areas Covered

Health insurance, unemployment, family and maternity benefits, and pension

Contributions

Contributions Paid By the Employer: Family allocation: 6.40%
Social allocation: 8.98% (with a computation base capped at MAD 6,000)
Professional tax: 1.60%
Mandatory medical care: 4.11%.
Contributions Paid By the Employee: Social allocation: 4.48% (with a computation base capped at MAD 6,000)
Mandatory medical care: 2.26%

Recruitment

Method of Recruitment

Majority of recruitments in Morocco are done by co-option or network. The word of the mouth is thus essential.
Advertisements in the newspapers are always reliable, while those on the Internet are developing rapidly.

Recruitment Agencies

There are many recruitment firms, most of them being French-speaking.
On the other hand, one does not fine large international firms.
Link to a directory of recruitment firms.

Recruitment Websites

ReKrute
Employment exchange
Career option
Bayt.com: Source for Jobs in the Middle East

The Contract

Dispute Settlement

Social Partners

Employer Associations

CGEM - General Confederation of Companies of Morocco

Social Dialogue and Involvement of Social Partners

Historically unions had important influence but it has reduced. Article 29 of the Constitution gives workers the right to strike, but no detailed law defines it. Although unions claim high membership rates, Morocco has about 600,000 unionized workers, less than 6% of the 11.26 million-strong workforce. Three federations stand out among the 17 existing trade unions: Moroccan Union of Work (UMT), the Democratic Confederation of Work (CDT), and General union of the Workers of Morocco (UGTM).
Their negotiation powers are overall weak because of the rupture and a rather cloudy management, but they are rooted in the company.

Unionisation Rate

6% (official figures)

Labour Unions

Unions in Morocco
General Union of the workers of Morocco (In arabic)

FDI STOCKS BY COUNTRY AND INDUSTRY

Source: Foreign Exchange Office of the Ministry of Finance, Latest data available.

Strong Points

Morocco's strengths for FDI are:

• A legal framework and assistance measures very favourable to investors
• Relatively low labour cost
• A strategic location, between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa 
• Robust infrastructure
• A young and relatively well-trained population
• Political stability encouraged by the popularity of the King, Mohammed VI

Weak Points

The main obstacles to the development of FDI in Morocco are:

• A relatively small internal market
• A country still highly dependent on agriculture and therefore vulnerable to natural disasters and the price of hydrocarbons
• Administrative burdens slowing down, among other things, the start of business activities
• Significant social disparities by region (rural vs. urban) and a high poverty rate
• High unemployment rate and low productivity
• Weak intellectual property rights protection
• A lack of transparency in public procurement

Government Measures to Motivate or Restrict FDI

The Moroccan government actively encourages foreign investments. The "Investment Charter" of 1995 is the main legal source for FDIs. This charter mainly provides company exemptions for VAT and for corporate tax for 5 years under certain conditions.
In the industrial sector, the Industrial Acceleration Plan 2014-2020 aimed at establishing “ecosystems” that integrate value chains and supplier relationships between large companies and SMEs; and the government announced a new Acceleration Plan for the period 2021-2025.
Morocco has implemented reforms to reduce company registration fees, eliminate minimum capital requirements for limited liability companies and facilitate business registration. Companies in the “Industrial Acceleration Zones” enjoy a 15% corporate tax rate following an initial five years of exemption, whereas companies in the Casablanca Finance City (CFC) are tax exempt for the first five years, then are subject to tax at a 15% rate both on their local and export activities.
The Moroccan government can sign specific agreements and contracts with investors, providing subsidies for certain expenses, custom duty and VAT exemptions when the agreed criteria are met.
Each of the 12 regions into which the country is divided has the authority to develop its own investment promotion campaigns.

Bilateral Investment Conventions Signed By Morocco

To see the list of investment treaties signed by Morocco, consult UNCTAD's International Investment Agreements Navigator.

International Controversies Registered By UNCTAD

Refer to UNCTAD's Investment Dispute Settlement Navigator.

Organizations Offering Their Assistance in Case of Disagreement

ICSID, International Center for settlement of Investment Disputes
ICCWBO, International Court of Arbitration, International Chamber of Commerce

Member of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency

Morocco is a signatory of the MIGA convention.

Rules For Eating Out

A tip of few Dirhams is expected

Food Specialties

Moroccan food is prepared with exquisite spices, vegetables and fruits, fish and meats. It is influenced by Arabic, French and Andalusian Spanish cuisine.

Specialty dishes include:
- B'ssara: broad bean soup that is usually eaten for breakfast with toppings such as olive and cumin and a side of bread
- Kebabs: pieces of beef or chicken marinated with spices
- Couscous: tiny wheat flour pasta granules, similar to rice, often served with meat and vegetables
- Lamb barbecue: whole lamb roasted on a skewer
- Pastilla: served with pigeon, chicken or seafood, this recipe contains flavours from the Middle-East and North-Africa
- Tajines: a clay pot dish that uses red or white meat and is made with a sauce of vegetables or dry fruits
- Fish chermoula: a coastal dish of fish marinated in herbs and spices before being grilled over hot coals

Popular desserts:
- M'hancha: known as a Moroccan almond snake pastry, this dish is made from flattened and coiled pastry that is stuffed with almond paste
- Ma'amoul: shortbread pastry stuffed with nut varieties like pistachios, walnuts and almonds and mixed with fillings like dates and figs

Drinks

Tea is found everywhere. A particular favourite consumed by Moroccans is Chinese green tea, which is garnished with mint and sugar. Coffee is also another staple drunk by many Moroccans.
Fresh fruit juices are varied and popular.

Alcohol is relatively rare, though the Meknès region produces pleasant wines.

Dietary Restrictions

The only dietary restriction in Morocco is the prohibition of consuming pork.

Table Manners

Traditionally, the right hand is used for eating.

Means of Transport Recommended in Town

Urban transport services

Independent Agency of Urban Transports of Casablanca (RATC)
Independent Agency of Urban Transports of Rabat (RATR)

Find an Itinerary

Taxi services

Taxi-Essaouira

Transportation From Airport to City Centre:

Means of Transport Recommended in the Rest of the Country

Train reservation services

Railway National Office

Major airlines

You Can Consult The EU Air Safety List. Look Also at the rating of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Travelling By Yourself

Car rental agencies

Europcar
Auto Escape
Moroccocar

Real-time traffic conditions

Telephone Codes

To Make a Call From Morocco, Dial 00
To Make a Call to in Morocco, Dial +212 + 6 for mobile phones or 212 + 5 for fix phones.

Mobile Telephone Standards

GSM

National Mobile Phone Operators

There are 3 operators who by order of importance are: Maroc Telecom, Orange and Inwi

Availability of Internet

Internet Suffix

.ma

National Internet Access Providers

There are more than 500 service providers, but only 2 access providers: Maroc Télécom through its subsidiary company Ménara and Inwi.

Different Forms of Tourism

Historical

There are many sites in Morocco that are UNESCO Heritage listed.
The archaeological site of Volubilis was once an ancient Roman town. Its closest city is Meknes, near Fez and Rabat.
Chefchaouen is the well-known city of blue-washed homes: it is also a major place to buy local handicrafts, such as wool garments and woven blankets.
Aït Benhaddou is an ancient fortified city of Ouarzazate along the historic caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara desert.

Cultural

Jemma El-Fnaa in Marrakech is a giant square where you can find musicians, artists and dancers all in one place.
In Fez, the Medina is a UNESCO Heritage Site where you can find a maze of souks with stalls that have been owned by families for generations.
One can appreciate the time-honoured works of tanner artisans in Tétouan. In a more modern range, there are the Arab-Andalusian and Berber musical concerts, the Villa of Arts in Casablanca and the Majorelle Villa at Marrakech.

Nature

There are an impressive variety of countrysides in Morocco, including the forests of the Rif, plains lined with orchards, the Middle-Atlas, mountain tops of the High-Atlas, as well as rock and sand deserts to the South.

Religious

Morocco has many spiritual sites to visit. While mainly an Islamic country, it is tolerant of all religions.
The Hassan II mosque in Casablanca is one of the biggest in the world and is famous for its Moroccan architecture.

Thermal

As of now there are only 2 important sites, Moulay Yaacoub and Sidi Harazem near Fès, but the sector is being fully developed.

Beach

Visitors to Morocco are spoilt for choice, as they can choose between both the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastline. Along the Atlantic coastline popular seaside towns include Taghazout and Mazagan, which are popular with surfers. Also, Agadir beach is world-renowned for its sandy coastline, which is kilometers long.
Mediterranean beaches, such as Tétouan and Al Hoceima, are particularly popular.

Winter Sports

Alpine skiing and ski-tourism are practiced during winter in the High-Atlas mountains, mainly in the Oukaïmeden and Toubkal mountains, which are close to Marrakech.

Outdoor Activities

There is a wide variety of sports available depending on the area visited. There is mountain sports (trekking, ski, rafting), sea sports (sailing, jet-ski, water-skiing), golf and parachuting, etc.

Shopping

Morocco is well-known for its markets. The souks of big cities offer plenty of shopping opportunities. Visitors should also be on the look-out for items from the Moroccan craft industry, isuch carpets, leather-made goods, and pottery, as well as argan, which oil is a product that originates from Morocco and is highly sought-after for its numerous virtues.

Tourism Organisations

Administration of Tourisme

Cultural Organizations

Ministry of Culture
Royal Institute for Amazighe Culture

Hotel reservation websites

Tourism in Morocco