Can foreigners buy real estate in Morocco?
Yes. Foreigners are permitted to acquire full ownership of residential and commercial real estate in Morocco — apartments, villas, riads, and commercial premises. The only exception is agricultural land: this may not be purchased by non-Moroccans unless the land has been rezoned as a construction zone.
You do not need a residence permit or a specific visa to buy real estate. Many foreign buyers complete the purchase during a visit on a tourist visa. It is even possible to handle the entire purchase remotely via a power of attorney.
The purchase process in 6 steps
Step 1: Due diligence
Before you sign anything, the property is thoroughly investigated. This includes the verification of title deeds at the land registry (ANCFCC), checking for any debts, mortgages, or legal disputes, and assessing building permits and urban planning compliance. This is the most important step in the entire process — and exactly where many foreign buyers make mistakes when working without guidance.
Step 2: Preliminary sales agreement (Compromis de Vente)
When the buyer and seller agree on the price, a preliminary sales agreement is drawn up by a notary. At that point, you pay a deposit, typically 10% of the sale price. This contract is legally binding for both parties.
Step 3: Opening a bank account
As a foreign buyer, you must open a convertible dirham account with a Moroccan bank. This is mandatory: all payments must be made through this account. It is also crucial for the future sale or repatriation of funds. Be Casa Estate assists you in opening this account.
Step 4: Document verification
The notary verifies all property documents: the title deed, the cadastral plan, any building permits, and urban planning compliance. In the case of a co-owned apartment, the documents from the building manager (syndic) are also checked.
Step 5: Signing the final deed (Acte de Vente)
The final deed of sale is signed at the notary’s office, in the presence of both parties (or their representatives). The notary ensures the correct drafting of the contract and the payment of all taxes and fees.
Step 6: Registration at the land registry
After signing, the deed is registered with the Conservation Foncière (the Moroccan land registry). This process typically takes 10 to 15 working days. After registration, you receive your final title deed — and you are officially the owner.
Which documents do you need?
- Valid passport (copy and original)
- Proof of address in your home country
- Confirmation of your Moroccan bank account
- Signed preliminary sales agreement
- Proof of payment (bank transfers)
- Power of attorney, if applicable (for remote purchases)
All documents in a language other than French or Arabic must be translated by a sworn translator.
What are the costs of the purchase process?
In addition to the purchase price, you should take into account additional costs of approximately 10% of the sale price. This includes:
- Registration duties: 4% of the sale price
- Notary fees: 0.5% to 1% of the sale price
- Land registry fees: 1.5% of the sale price
- Brokerage fees: typically 3% + VAT (20%)
- Legal assistance (optional): 1% to 2% of the sale price
Common mistakes made by foreign buyers
- Buying without title verification — the biggest mistake foreign buyers make is purchasing a property that is not correctly registered at the land registry. You only discover this during a potential resale.
- No convertible account — without the correct bank account, you will not be able to repatriate your funds later.
- Working without local guidance — the Moroccan system operates differently than in Europe. A local partner who knows the language, culture, and procedures is not a luxury but a necessity.
How Be Casa Estate guides you
At Be Casa Estate, Katrien and Nizar guide you personally through every step of the purchase process. From the initial due diligence to the registration at the land registry — you have one dedicated point of contact who knows your situation and represents your interests. Our guidance is available in Dutch, French, and English.
