🛂 Introduction
Planning to live in Morocco for more than 90 days? Whether you’re moving for retirement, remote work, or a cultural reset, you’ll need to get Moroccan residency — officially called the Carte de Séjour.
This 2025 guide breaks down everything you need to know:
✅ Who can apply
✅ What documents are required
✅ Where to apply
✅ How to renew it each year
📅 Who Needs Residency?
Most foreign nationals — including citizens from the US, UK, Canada, and EU — can enter Morocco visa-free for 90 days.
But if you want to:
- Stay long-term
- Rent a home
- Open a bank account
- Register for utilities
You’ll need to apply for residency before your 90-day entry expires.
📋 Residency Application Requirements
Here’s what you typically need to submit to the Bureau des Étrangers (Foreigners Office) at your local police headquarters:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport (copy + original) | Must be valid 6+ months |
| 6–10 passport-sized photos | Moroccan-style (get locally) |
| Rental contract (notarized) | Must show long-term address |
| Proof of income or savings | Bank statements or pension/income letter |
| Health certificate | From local doctor |
| Criminal record certificate | From your home country (sometimes waived) |
| Stamped tax form (local) | Get from tax office |
| Application form (in French) | Provided at police station |
📌 Tip: Bring photocopies + originals of every document.
💰 How Much Does It Cost?
| Item | Approx. Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Application tax stamp | $10 – $20 |
| Document translation (if needed) | $5 – $15 per page |
| Photos (10) | $5 – $10 |
| Notary for rent contract | $10 – $30 |
✅ Total cost: $30–$80 USD depending on services used
📍 Where to Apply
Apply in person at your local police station (usually the one in your neighborhood). Look for the Bureau des Étrangers.
You’ll likely have a short interview, where they check:
- Purpose of stay
- Proof of housing
- Income/means of living
📆 How Long Does It Take?
- Processing time: 2 to 8 weeks
- You’ll receive a temporary receipt (récépissé)
- You’ll later be called back to pick up the residency card (valid 1 year)
⏳ Delays are common — apply at least 30 days before your 90-day visa expires
🔄 How to Renew Your Residency
Renew your residency card each year by:
- Re-submitting updated documents
- Proving continued residence/income
- Staying in good legal standing
✅ After 3–5 years, you may apply for a longer-term card (or permanent residency in some cases).
❗ Common Issues & Tips
- Don’t overstay your 90 days — apply early
- Ask local expats or lawyers for help with translations
- Be patient — bureaucracy in Morocco is slower but usually friendly
🏁 Final Word
Getting residency in Morocco can feel overwhelming — but it’s totally doable if you’re prepared.
With your Carte de Séjour, you can:
- Rent and live long-term
- Enroll in local services
- Travel in/out freely
- Open local accounts
✅ The first step? Gather your documents, find housing, and apply before your 90-day window ends.
