Morocco investor visa

No official source reviewed describes a golden visa, citizenship-by-investment or a residence permit granted in exchange for a set investment or property purchase. Buying property does not by itself give a right of residence. What exists is a consular visa category for investors and the general residence card system of Law No. 02-03.

Visa-exempt investors can make exploratory trips of up to 90 days on their passport; the consular investor visa is only relevant to nationalities outside the exemption list. Living in Morocco to run an investment still requires the carte d'immatriculation once 90 days are exceeded.

Alongside the standard form, two colour photos, proof of address and passport with copy, the ministry asks for one of the following: a recommendation from the department in charge of foreign investment or from a professional federation; or from a competent supervisory authority or a Regional Investment Centre (CRI); or from a Moroccan partner or the Moroccan branch of a foreign investor.

For stays beyond 90 days apply to the police for a carte d'immatriculation. The law gives cards a validity of 1 to 10 years depending on the reasons given, with a mention of the professional activity if it is subject to authorisation and the authorisation has been obtained, or the mention "visiteur" if you live on your own resources without working. Managing a company you own is distinct from salaried employment; if you take a salaried post in your company, the work contract procedure applies, with shareholders exempt from the ANAPEC attestation.

Law No. 02-03 requires every foreigner over 18 who stays beyond 90 days to hold a residence card. The application receipt stands in for the card until it is issued, the card must be produced to the authorities within 48 hours if requested, and a change of address has to be declared. The card can be refused on public-order grounds, its grant may be made conditional on a long-stay visa of more than three months, and after a refusal or withdrawal the foreigner must leave Morocco within 15 days of notification.

Spouses and children follow the family reunification route: a family reunification visa for visa-required nationalities, proof of the marriage or family link, and their own residence cards in Morocco.