How To Start A Business in Morocco

How to Start a Business in Morocco - Step by Step Guide

Starting a business in Morocco involves several key steps, and this guide will help both local and foreign investors understand the process, including the necessary documents, taxes, and fees associated with business setup.

Step-by-Step Guide for Moroccan Nationals

1. Choose Your Business Structure: Decide on the type of business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company - LLC).
2. Register the Business Name: Register your business name with the Moroccan Commercial Registry (Registre du Commerce).
   Ministry of Industry, Trade, Investment, and Digital Economy
3. Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN): Register for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) with the Moroccan Tax Administration (Direction Générale des Impôts - DGI).
   Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI)
4. Business License: Obtain any necessary licenses or permits for your specific type of business. Depending on the sector, this can include a commercial license or special permits for regulated industries.
   Estimated Fees: Varies depending on the business type (approx. MAD 1,000 - 5,000).
5. Register with Social Security: If you have employees, you must register with the Moroccan Social Security Fund (Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale - CNSS).
   Fees: Monthly contribution rates vary depending on the employee’s salary.
   Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale (CNSS)
6. Open a Business Bank Account: Open a dedicated business bank account in a commercial bank in Morocco.
   Fees: Varies by bank, typically involves administrative fees for opening and maintaining the account.

Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Investors

1. Obtain Investment Approval: Foreign investors need to apply for investment approval with the Moroccan Investment Development Agency (Agence Marocaine de Développement des Investissements - AMDI).
   Agence Marocaine de Développement des Investissements (AMDI)
2. Choose a Business Structure: Foreign investors typically choose from LLCs, joint-stock companies, or branches of foreign companies.
3. Register the Business: Submit the necessary documentation (investment approval certificate, company incorporation documents) to the Commercial Registry for registration.
4. Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN): Register for a TIN with the Moroccan Tax Administration (DGI).
5. Obtain Business Licenses and Permits: Depending on the business type, foreign investors must obtain the necessary business licenses or industry-specific permits. This is especially important in regulated industries.
   Estimated Fees: Fees may vary by industry, but a general range is MAD 1,000 - 5,000 for business permits.
6. Work and Residence Permits: Foreign workers and investors may need to apply for work and residence permits from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
   Estimated Fees: Varies based on qualifications and the employee’s role.

Estimated Duration

• For Locals: 1–2 weeks
• For Foreigners: 4–6 weeks (includes approval and permits)

Useful Resources

• Ministry of Industry, Trade, Investment, and Digital Economy
• Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI)
• Agence Marocaine de Développement des Investissements (AMDI)
• Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale (CNSS)