Morocco guide 2026: visas, riads, living costs and investing

Morocco at a glance

World Bank data (2025) and official references. Compare all 54 countries in the Africa comparison tool.

Inflation was slightly negative in August 2026 and Bank Al-Maghrib kept its rate at 2.25%. The dirham was about MAD 9.86 per US dollar in October 2026. Parliamentary elections were held on 23 September 2026, and Fatima Zahra El Mansouri became Morocco's first woman head of government.

Visiting

• Visa: UK, EU, US and Canadian citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Others can apply for an e-visa at acces-maroc.ma (MAD 770, or MAD 1,100 express).
• Time zone: Morocco returned to GMT (UTC+0) permanently from 20 September 2026.
• Health: Morocco is certified malaria-free and doesn't require a yellow fever certificate.
• Things to do: the medinas of Fez and Marrakech, Jemaa el-Fna, Aït-Ben-Haddou, Volubilis, Essaouira, Rabat and desert trips from Merzouga.
• Where to stay: Marrakech medina riads cost about MAD 1,200–4,500 a night in high season (October to May) and MAD 600–1,800 in summer.
• Safety: the US rates Morocco Level 2, "Exercise increased caution".

Moving and working

• Work permit: usually an ANAPEC certificate, then contract approval on the TAECHIR platform, then a residence card from the police. Allow 3–5 months.
• Tax: resident after 183 days in 365. The top personal rate is 37% above MAD 180,000; income up to MAD 40,000 is tax-free.
• Rent: a 2-bedroom in Casablanca averages about MAD 9,200 a month, commonly MAD 6,500–15,500.

Business and property

• There are no general limits on foreign ownership, with exceptions in some transport, fishing, energy and banking activities.
• Corporate tax is moving to a two-rate system in 2026 (20% up to MAD 100 million of profit, 35% above). VAT is 20% standard.
• Foreigners can buy urban property but can't own agricultural land (long leases are possible).

Football

Morocco hosted AFCON 2025, whose final result is under appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and will co-host the FIFA World Cup 2030 with Spain and Portugal. See our AFCON 2027 travel guide for the next tournament in East Africa.

Frequently asked questions

Last reviewed 1 Oct 2026. METRIKA gives estimates and general information, not financial, tax, legal or immigration advice.