7 valuable insights when relocating to Morocco

When relocating to Morocco, you need to prepare for cultural and linguistic adjustments, but generally, it is not hard for foreigners to move there. The North African country is a thriving expat destination. 

With beautiful landscapes to explore, Morocco is the only African country with coastlines on the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Interestingly, did you know that Morocco is only nine miles from Europe? 

If you wish to join the increasing number of expats from Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other parts of the world, this article is for you. Here are seven exciting insights about relocating to Morocco. 

1. Visas and immigration regulations

The Moroccan government is a monarchy with a parliamentary constitution. As such, there tends to be some bureaucracy when handling paperwork. However, you can apply for a tourist visa if you plan to visit Morroco for 90 days without working. 

Otherwise, you’ll have to apply for a residency permit if you’re migrating to Morocco and expect to remain for more than 90 days. You can apply for a residency permit if you meet specific criteria, such as studying, working, or reuniting with relatives (marriage).

Foreigners must first apply for a residence permit to live and work in Morocco. You can get more information about visa regulations from the immigration office. Also, you can contact us to get assistance and guidance on relocating to Morocco. 

2. Finding accommodation when relocating to Morocco

When moving to a new place, you need to find a suitable place to stay first. The majority of the expat communities in Morocco live in Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech. The prices are reasonable, depending on the features you want. It is advisable to only find accommodation outside significant cities if you speak the language. 

You can choose to look for a house by yourself or ask a friend to assist. If you are on a work visa, ask your employer for guidance on where to stay. Otherwise, you can choose to consult with us for the best advice on where to live in Morocco. 

3. Living In Morocco: what to expect

a. The cost of living

If you are relocating to Morocco from the United States, you will notice that the cost of living is around half of what you are used to at home. However, like in other countries worldwide, your way of life determines your cost of living. 

The average cost of living in Morocco is cheaper than in other areas, but there are a few outliers to keep in mind. Alcohol costs about the same in Morocco as in the United States. Imported products are pricey. You should consider the expense of private healthcare in Morocco since you would have to spend a lot otherwise.

b. The gastronomy

Moroccan cuisine is often regarded as one of the most diverse globally. This is the product of Morocco’s centuries-long engagement with the outside world. Morocco’s food is mostly a combination of Moorish, European, and Mediterranean cuisines.

Moroccan cuisine makes effective use of spices. In Morocco, chicken is the most popular meat. Beef is the most often consumed red meat in Morocco; lamb is also favoured, but is more costly. Couscous, a historic national delicacy, is the main Moroccan meal most people are familiar with in Morocco.

c. The Language

Arabic and Berber are the main languages of Morocco. Darija is the name given to the country’s peculiar Moroccan Arabic dialects. Roughly 89.8% of the inhabitants can speak Moroccan Arabic to a certain extent.

4. Transportation in Morocco

When driving in Morocco, foreigners should get an international driving permit in addition to their local license and passport. It is also critical to remember to follow local driving regulations, as Moroccan traffic cops are notoriously corrupt, especially if you are a foreigner in Morocco.

Trains are the most comfortable and fastest mode of transportation, although the route is limited to a few places. Commuters are separated into luxury and local, with the former offering air conditioning and higher comfort and expense.

You will have no issue navigating Morocco if you know how to use the public transportation system. You can reach almost anything via airlines, boats, railways, long-distance coaches, grand taxis, and petit taxis, all available modes of transportation. If you’re taking a taxi, make a payment agreement ahead of time.

5. Expats communities in Morocco

Morocco has been an ethnically diverse pool for ages, attracting Europeans, Berbers, South Africans, Middle Easterners, Americans, and others.

The people have adopted numerous cultures, dialects, and traditions at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, resulting in a diverse cultural hodgepodge. As a result, the expat community is vibrant and close-knit, with neighbors relying on one another for information and news about their adopted home.

However, you must first go searching for them. Register for Facebook groups. Consider joining an expat group. Take the opportunity to network with other colleagues, even if you are an expat trailing spouse.

6. Morocco’s labour market

The job market in Morocco is improving as the economy progressively grows. In Morocco, you can find most of the career possibilities for foreigners in large cities such as Rabat, Marrakech, and Casablanca. Technology, engineering, communications, information technology, and manufacturing are industries. It’s also a good idea to brush up on your language skills. English-speaking employment for expats in Morocco may be highly competitive, so knowing the language is advantageous.

Morocco’s educational system is of poor quality compared to other nations, and underfunding means that many children in rural regions continue to be denied access to compulsory education. School in Morocco is required from the age of 7 to 13. The good thing is there are several English and French-speaking international schools and private schools for individuals relocating to Morocco with children.

7. Morocco’s healthcare system

Many healthcare institutions in Morocco are understaffed due to poor wages and a lack of financing, and the quality of care is far worse than in the West. Although the quality of healthcare in big cities is higher, it is nevertheless suggested that you obtain private insurance to access private treatment for the duration of your stay in Morocco.

Conclusion

Take note that Moroccan stores close between 2 and 3 p.m. for a break and between 12 and 2 p.m. on Fridays for devotion. Because most Moroccans are Muslims, it is essential to show respect and follow their rules whether you are going to Morocco from the United States, the United Kingdom, or Europe.

If you plan a relocating to Morocco, you will undoubtedly experience Moroccan hospitality and warmly greet the inhabitants. Otherwise, be flexible and accommodating with your scheduling. Things proceed at their own speed in Morocco, and you never know what hurdle you’ll face next.