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Retiring in Morocco: The Practical Guide

Why retire in Morocco? Morocco offers retirees a rare combination: a mild climate all year round, a cost of living far below Western Europe or North America, good private healthcare in the main cities, direct flights to Europe, and a famously welcoming culture. Tens of thousands of European retirees - the French community alone counts several tens of thousands - already call Morocco home.

Best Places to Retire in Morocco

Where retirees settle, and why
City	Why?
Agadir	The retirees' favorite: beach, 300 days of sunshine, flat and modern city, large expat community
Essaouira	Artistic small town, ocean breeze, affordable, relaxed pace
Marrakesh	Culture and gardens, excellent private clinics, international airport, vibrant expat scene
Rabat	Calm, green and orderly capital, beaches, good hospitals, historic sites
Casablanca	The best healthcare in the country, shopping, a western-feeling big city
Tangier	Booming and cosmopolitan, one hour from Spain by ferry, mild summers

How Much Money Do You Need to Retire in Morocco?

Most single retirees live comfortably on 8,000 to 12,000 dirhams per month (roughly 750 - 1,150 euros / 800 - 1,200 US dollars), rent included. A couple should count on 12,000 to 18,000 dirhams per month for a comfortable lifestyle with a nice apartment, eating out and domestic help - a budget that would be impossible in most of Europe or North America.

Life in Agadir, Essaouira or Fes costs noticeably less than in Casablanca or Rabat, the two most expensive cities. For detailed prices - rent, food, utilities, transport - see our full guide to the cost of living in Morocco.

Getting a Residence Permit

Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada and many other countries enter Morocco visa-free for 90 days - check the visa rules here. To stay longer you apply for a residence card, the carte de sejour (Certificat d'Immatriculation), at the police prefecture (or Gendarmerie in small towns) of your place of residence.

The typical file for a retiree includes:

A valid passport (with copies of the identity and entry-stamp pages).
Proof of stable income or savings: pension statements and a Moroccan bank certificate (Attestation de Banque) showing regular transfers - a modest pension of a few hundred euros per month is generally sufficient.
Completed registration application forms.
Passport photographs.
Revenue stamp (timbre fiscal).
A legalised copy of your lease agreement or property title as proof of address.
A criminal record check from your country of origin, less than 6 months old.
A medical certificate from a local doctor.

Note: Documents are legalised at the local district office, the 'MUQATAA'. Requirements can vary slightly from one prefecture to another, so ask for the exact list locally before preparing your file.

The first card is issued for 1 year and renewed; after several years of residence you can apply for a 5-year, then 10-year card. Keep the receipt (recepisse) you are given while the card is being processed - it serves as proof of legal stay.

Healthcare

Private clinics in Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakesh, Agadir and Tangier offer good care at a fraction of Western prices: a specialist consultation typically costs 300 - 500 dirhams (about 30 - 50 dollars). Public hospitals are best avoided when a private option exists.

Take out health insurance: either an international expat policy, or a local Moroccan insurer at a much lower premium. French retirees can also use the Caisse des Francais de l'Etranger (CFE). For serious planned treatment, many retirees keep coverage allowing care in their home country.

Banks, Money and Taxes

Open a convertible dirham account, fed exclusively by transfers from abroad. It is the key to taking money back out of the country later - for instance if you sell a property - because the dirham is not a freely convertible currency.

Note: You cannot buy Moroccan dirhams before arriving in Morocco; exchange money once in the country - see our page on the Moroccan dirham.

Taxes for retired residents

Morocco taxes residents on worldwide income, but foreign pensions transferred permanently into Morocco (in dirhams) benefit from substantial income-tax reductions, which historically made Morocco one of the most tax-friendly retirement destinations. Morocco also has double-taxation treaties with France, Belgium, Canada, the US and many other countries. The rules and rates evolve, so confirm the current regime with a local accountant before committing.

Advice Before You Retire to Morocco

Key considerations before moving
About	Advice
House	Never buy during your first year. Rent first, test the city and the neighborhood through all seasons.
Health	Check the quality of clinics near your chosen city, and insure yourself properly.
Climate	Coastal cities are mild all year; Marrakesh is very hot in summer - compare climates here.
Language	French goes a long way in cities; a few words of Darija open every door.
Money	Morocco is still largely a cash society; cards are accepted in cities but keep cash for daily life.
Shopping	Big cities have European-style supermarkets; imported goods (electronics, some foods) cost 20 - 40% more.

Note: Considering the move? Start with a long stay in winter - the best test of whether Morocco fits your retirement plans - and read our cost of living guide to build your budget.