Moving to Morocco: A Complete Guide to a Successful Relocation
More and more French, Belgian, Swiss, Canadian, and German citizens are choosing to move to Morocco. This North African country, just a few hours from Europe, attracts newcomers with its sunny climate, cultural diversity, low cost of living, and growing opportunities. But behind the postcard image, a successful move requires planning, preparation, and a solid understanding of local realities. In this article, we offer a comprehensive overview to help you settle in Morocco with peace of mind.
Why Move to Morocco in 2025?
A Sunny and Affordable Lifestyle
Morocco’s climate is undoubtedly one of its strongest assets. In cities like Agadir, Essaouira, or Marrakech, the sun shines more than 300 days a year. Winters are mild, summers are dry and hot, and the constant sunlight promotes a more relaxed mindset. This climate particularly appeals to European retirees, remote workers, and families seeking a more natural way of life.
When it comes to cost of living, Morocco is much more accessible than Western Europe. You can rent a 70 m² apartment in Agadir for about €300/month, do your grocery shopping for under €200/month, and take a taxi for just a few dirhams. A hearty meal in a local restaurant can cost less than €5. For those looking to change their lifestyle without breaking the bank, Morocco is a credible and attractive option.
A Welcoming and French-Speaking Culture
Morocco is one of the few non-European countries where French is widely spoken, especially in large cities, the administration, the banking sector, and healthcare. This makes moving here much easier for French speakers who do not yet speak Arabic. Moroccan dialect (Darija) can be learned over time, but it’s not required for the early stages.
Beyond the language, Moroccan culture is deeply hospitable. Respect, generosity, and warm welcomes are part of daily life. A sincere smile on the street, spontaneous help in case of trouble, or even an invitation to a stranger’s home for tea is common. This cultural openness facilitates integration, if you show the same respect for local customs.
Where to Settle in Morocco Based on Your Profile
Major Urban Centers for Professionals and Entrepreneurs
If you plan to work or launch a business in Morocco, major cities like Casablanca offer a dynamic ecosystem for professionals. Casablanca is the country’s economic capital, home to corporate headquarters, business parks, incubators, and administrative centers. It’s ideal for consultants, liberal professionals, or start-ups.
Rabat, the administrative capital, is preferred by diplomats, NGOs, and international organizations. The city also boasts a peaceful and green setting. Marrakech, beyond tourism, attracts independent professionals and investors thanks to its excellent air links and vibrant business scene, including hospitality, crafts, and real estate.
Seaside Cities for Retirees
Agadir, located on the Atlantic coast, is especially popular among European retirees. Its mild year-round climate, lower pollution than Casablanca, and adapted infrastructure: supermarkets, private hospitals, well-stocked pharmacies, make it ideal. Rents are reasonable, with apartments and villas between €250 and €500/month. Beach walks, local markets, and general tranquility make it an excellent retirement spot.
Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracts with its charm, human scale, and artistic atmosphere. Less urbanized, it suits those seeking a peaceful life. El Jadida, Mohammedia, or Saïdia are also interesting options for those who want to stay close to large cities while enjoying a quieter setting.
These cities allow for a comfortable lifestyle at a lower cost, with access to quality healthcare, fresh local food, and often a tightly knit expat community.
Coastal Villages for Digital Nomads
The rise of remote work has turned Morocco into a hotspot for digital nomads. Villages like Taghazout, Tamraght, and Imsouane, once surfer havens, now welcome freelancers, content creators, developers, and remote workers from around the world.
You’ll find fast Wi-Fi cafes, modern coworking spaces (like SunDesk in Taghazout), and a laid-back vibe with yoga and surf at the heart of daily life. Rents remain reasonable, with studios between €200 and €300/month (with sea views in some cases). Note that prices can vary seasonally, and access to services (healthcare, transport, admin) may be limited.
These villages are ideal for those seeking a simple, connected, and community-oriented lifestyle, away from big cities but still online.
A Destination Increasingly Popular Among Expats
Since the late 2010s, Morocco has seen the emergence of vibrant expat communities in major cities. In Agadir, many French retirees live by the sea. In Casablanca, tech entrepreneurs, freelancers, and European professionals are becoming increasingly numerous. Marrakech hosts a mixed crowd of artists, investors, and lifestyle seekers.
This foreign presence has stimulated the creation of dedicated services: French or bilingual schools, high-end clinics, coworking spaces, sports centers… Morocco has become a credible destination for long-term relocation, whether you're looking to live here for a few years or retire permanently.
Practical Steps to Move to Morocco
Getting a Visa and Residence Permit
Tourist visas allow you to stay up to 90 days. Beyond that, you must start the process to obtain a residence card (carte de séjour), renewable annually. Requirements vary depending on your status (retiree, employee, self-employed, investor, or spouse of a Moroccan national).
You’ll usually need: proof of address (lease or hosting certificate), proof of income (pension, employment contract, business revenue), passport copy, ID photos, and a police clearance certificate. Applications are submitted to the prefecture (mouqataâ), and processing times vary from 3 weeks to several months.
Retirees generally benefit from favorable tax and administrative treatment. Freelancers may need to register a local business status (auto-entrepreneur or professional license). It’s best to seek professional help to avoid mistakes and save time.
Finding Suitable Housing
Morocco’s rental market is quite diverse but can be difficult for foreigners to navigate. Rentals are often handled informally, and lease contracts may be oral or written in Arabic without translation. You should visit several properties, beware of prices that seem too good to be true, and ask detailed questions about utilities, lease terms, and exit conditions.
Prices vary significantly between cities and neighborhoods. In Casablanca, a well-located flat may cost €600–900/month, while in Agadir or Essaouira, a spacious flat with a terrace may be €300–400. Many expats hire a local real estate hunter to represent them transparently and avoid scams.
Banking and SIM Cards
To live in Morocco long-term, you’ll need a local bank account. With a residence card or rental agreement, you can open one at banks like CIH, Attijariwafa, or BMCI. We recommend opening an account in convertible dirhams, which allows you to repatriate funds abroad.
SIM cards and internet are affordable. A prepaid SIM with 10 GB of data costs around €5. Operators like Inwi and Orange offer fiber broadband in large cities. For digital nomads and remote workers, mobile internet coverage is reliable, especially in coastal and urban areas.
Tips for a Successful Move to Morocco
Spend Time Exploring Before Committing
Moving abroad is not something to do on a whim. Before signing a long-term lease or buying a property, it's strongly recommended to spend a few weeks or months on-site, renting short-term. This lets you test daily life, understand the vibe of the neighborhood, the proximity to shops, and most importantly: your personal feeling.
Some expats even rent homes in multiple cities for a few months before making their final choice. This exploratory phase prevents costly mistakes and allows you to adapt your plans to your real needs.
Connect with Locals and Expats
Integration starts with human connections. Attend social events (French-speaking meetups, cooking classes, artisan workshops), join Facebook or WhatsApp groups for expats, or just hang out in local cafés, coworkings, or markets to meet people.
Established expats are usually happy to share tips, help you avoid classic pitfalls, or recommend reliable service providers (plumbers, lawyers, accountants). On the local side, Moroccans value foreigners who genuinely show interest in their culture and take time to adapt to their customs.
Understand Cultural and Administrative Norms
Your success in settling down will largely depend on your ability to respect the local culture. Time works differently here: appointments may start late, admin responses may take several days. You’ll need patience, humility, and flexibility.
Professional and administrative relationships are also based on personal trust. A good contact can open many doors; without one, a rigid or directive attitude may block your request. Morocco values curiosity, respect, and an open mind.
Conclusion: A Move That Requires Long-Term Planning
Moving to Morocco is more than a simple relocation. It’s a lifestyle shift, a change of pace and landmarks, and often, a way to find deeper meaning. Whether you’re drawn by the sun, sea, cost of living, or a new way of life, Morocco offers a rich, stimulating, and welcoming environment. But it must be approached methodically.
A successful move depends on thorough preparation. It’s not just about finding a home or opening a bank account, you must also learn about local laws, healthcare, cultural norms, and economic realities. Many expats struggle due to poorly channeled enthusiasm or lack of support.
Morocco requires adaptability and patience, but rewards those who take the time to settle in. It’s a country of relationships, human connections, and face-to-face interactions. What may seem complicated at first, like admin delays or cultural differences, can become a source of richness and a new way to be in the world.
Finally, don’t hesitate to surround yourself with trusted local professionalsr : real estate hunters, lawyers, accountants, or relocation specialists. They’ll help you avoid costly mistakes and speed up the process. Thousands of expats have made Morocco their home, often driven by a shared sense of community and mutual aid.
Living in Morocco doesn’t happen overnight. But with proper planning, this adventure can transform your life and offer you a rare quality of living, just a short flight from Europe.