How overseas buyers buy property in Morocco

What to know first

• One of the calmest macro environments of any market on this platform: Bank Al-Maghrib inflation running just 0.8-1.9% and a policy rate held at 2.25% — a striking contrast to Turkey, Rwanda or Uganda's currency and inflation risk
• GDP growth accelerating — 4.9% (2025) projected to reach 5.2-5.6% (2026) per Bank Al-Maghrib and other forecasts
• No restrictions on foreigners owning urban residential property (apartments, villas, building plots) — only agricultural land outside urban perimeters is reserved for Moroccan nationals
• No residency requirement to buy — a passport and a convertible dirham account are sufficient
• The dirham (MAD) has traded in a narrow, stable band against the dollar through 2026

The general process

1. Confirm what foreigners may own in Morocco and in which areas.
2. Set your budget in MAD, including taxes, fees and currency costs.
3. Shortlist areas and check the developer or seller.
4. Appoint an independent local lawyer before paying anything substantial.
5. Reserve, sign the contract, and pay through the approved channel.
6. Complete registration, and take tax advice in both countries on any rent or sale.

The exact steps and order differ by country and by project.

Financing for foreign buyers

Maximum loan to value

Available to foreign buyers at some Moroccan banks, typically requiring 30-40% down payment

Typical rate

Bank Al-Maghrib policy rate held at 2.25% (5th consecutive hold, June 2026) — one of the lowest, calmest rate environments of any market on this platform

Notes

Banks generally require proof of stable income, a valid passport, bank statements and sometimes a local Moroccan bank account from foreign applicants

Residency through property

Programme

No dedicated golden-visa-style residency-by-investment program — property ownership does not automatically grant residency, but serves as strong evidence of "means of subsistence" for a Visitor residence permit (Carte de Séjour) under Law 02-03

Taxes and running costs

Income tax on rent

15% withholding tax on gross rental income for non-residents (final)

Capital gains tax

20% of the gain (minimum 3% of sale price); full exemption on a primary residence held over 5 years, per the 2026 Finance Law

Transfer tax or fees

Registration and notary fees typically apply; capital gains must now be declared within 30 days of the month of sale under the 2026 Finance Law