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Best places to Retiring in Morocco

Why retiring in Morocco? Morocco offers a range of attractions to retirees: superb climates, advantageous taxation, affordability, friendly people and a location on the doorstep of continental Europe.
Nearly 60.000 retired French citizens live in Morocco and it is attractive for many reasons : low cost of living, low crime rates, stable government and rich culture.

Most Popular Places to Retiring in Morocco

Best city if you're looking for a peaceful retirement
City	Why?
Agadir	Beach - Relaxation is easy - Great seafood - Quiet
Essaouira	Beach - Relaxation is easy - Affordable - Great seafood - Quiet
Marrakesh	Natural beauty - Good Facilities - Authenticity
Rabat	Beach - Good Facilities - Shopping - Historic sites
Casablanca	Beach - Good facilities - Shopping - Western-feeling city
Tangier	Beach - Most vibrant - 30 minutes to Europe

Retained rights of residence

Tourists may stay 90 days - check the list here - If you wish to stay more than 90 days you will need to register with the police (in major cities) or at the Gendarmerie (in small towns) and apply for a resident’s permit called in French (Certificat d’Immatriculation).
You'll have to fill in a form (Demande d'immatriculation - Registration application).

You'll also need the following documents :

A valid passport.
Proof of Financial Resources : Document from your Bank called in French (Attestation de Banque) that proves you are able to take care of yourself financially (for example: 500$/month income or deposits).
2 printed completed registration applications.
7 passport photographs.
60 dirham stamp (available from 'tabacs'.
A legalised photocopy of your proof of address (Lease agreement..).
Criminal Record Check from your country of origin this document must be less than 6 months old (For renewals you can apply the CRC from the Justice Ministry in Rabat).
A medical clearance certificate : from a local doctor confirming that you have no contagious diseases.

Note: When legalised documents are required, they should be legalised at the closest local district office called a 'MUQATAA'.

You will be given a receipt and told when to return, initial applications are good for 1 year and then are extended. If you stay for at least 3 years in Morocco you can then apply for a Residency Card of 5 or 10 years.

Banks and Money

Foreign residents in Morocco should open a 'convertible Dirham' account, with an income coming from a foreign source in hard currency.
Moroccan Dirhams can't be deposited into this account, it is a useful account to have if you are planning on buying a property in Morocco : with this account you'll be able to prove, if you want to take your money out of the country that you have paid for your house with outside currency.

Note: Moroccan Dirham is a non convertible currency, you can't buy Moroccan Dirham before getting to Morocco.

Safety of Moroccan Banks

Morocco assures safety of depositor's money in Moroccan banks.

Cost to Retiring in Morocco

Morocco is very affordable country you can easily live with your pension but the cost of living can significantly change depending on which city you will be living in. Rabat and Casablanca are the most expensive cities in Morocco.
How much you spend will depend on your lifestyle expectation.

Note: You can read our article about Cost of Living in Morocco

Advice before you Retiring to Morocco

Key considerations to take into consideration
About	Advice
House	For your first year never buy a house, the smarter choice is renting for one year just to be sure.
Health	Depending on your age and health, take into consideration the quality care near you.
Climate	Mediterranean weather promotes good health - Climate in Morocco
Food	Food here is fresh and varied. You can buy alcohol in Morocco.
Money	Morocco is still a cash society cheques are commonly used but only for large purchases.
Buy	In major cities you will find almost the same offers as in supermarkets in Europe, however imported products are more expensive e.g. electronic devices (+20% to +40%).