MoroccoResidence

Morocco residence permit (carte d'immatriculation)

Carte d'immatriculation (temporary residence card)

In short

The carte d'immatriculation is Morocco's standard residence card for foreigners over 18 who stay longer than 90 days. Issued by the national police (DGSN), it authorises residence for 1 to 10 years depending on the reason given and carries a mention such as "visiteur", "étudiant" or the authorised professional activity.

checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
For the card's validity
Validity
1 to 10 years, renewable for the same period, according to the reasons for the stay
Processing time
The application receipt temporarily replaces the card; no official processing time is published
Work
Only if the card mentions an authorised professional activity
Family
Minor children receive a circulation document on request; adults need their own card
Path to permanent residence
After at least four years of uninterrupted lawful residence: carte de résidence
Where to apply
In Morocco, at the police foreigners' department of your place of residence

Who needs a residence card

Every foreigner over 18 residing in Morocco must hold a carte d'immatriculation or a carte de résidence. Exempt are diplomatic and consular staff and their households, and foreigners staying no more than 90 days with a valid travel document. A foreigner aged 16 to 18 who wants salaried work receives the card by right if a parent holds the same card; other minors may request one.

Mentions on the card

The law describes three main mentions. "Visiteur": the foreigner proves they can live on their own resources and commits not to work in an activity requiring authorisation. "Étudiant": the foreigner shows they study in Morocco and have sufficient means. Professional activity: the foreigner wishes to exercise an activity subject to authorisation and shows the authorisation has been obtained; the card names that activity. The police may make the card conditional on a visa of more than three months for visa-required nationals, and may refuse it on public-order grounds.

Typical file

The police use their own application form. Typical documents, as described for refugees applying for the same card, include proof of residence such as a lease, proof of means of subsistence or an employment contract, passport photos and a criminal-record extract, together with the passport showing the entry stamp. Requirements vary between police headquarters, so ask your local office for its list before applying.

Required documents

Identity

  • Police residence-card application form and passport photos

Travel

  • Passport with entry stamp (and visa where required)

Money

  • Proof of means of subsistence, or the approved work contract, or enrolment and means for students

Other

  • Proof of residence in Morocco: lease, property title or similar
  • Criminal-record extract

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Other

  • Undertaking not to work (visitor mention)

Stamp duty

Issuance, renewal and duplicates of residence cards are subject to the stamp duty set by Morocco's registration and stamp-duty legislation, as Law No. 02-03 provides. The current amount is not stated on the official pages checked; confirm it with the police or the tax administration.

Obligations while holding the card

Carry the card, or be able to produce it within 48 hours when asked. Declare any change of residence within the time limits set by regulation. Apply for renewal before expiry: when the card expires without renewal or replacement by a carte de résidence, the law requires you to leave Morocco.

Refusal or withdrawal

If the card is refused or withdrawn, the foreigner must leave Moroccan territory within 15 days of the notification. A refusal can be based on a threat to public order.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Enter Morocco lawfully and keep the passport entry stamp.
  2. Secure the basis of stay: approved work contract, enrolment, or proof of own resources.
  3. Ask the police foreigners' department of your city for its form and document list.
  4. File the application before your first 90 days end and keep the receipt as temporary permit.
  5. Collect the card, declare address changes and renew it before expiry.

Frequently asked questions

Is the carte d'immatriculation the same as a residence permit?

Yes. It is one of the two residence titles in Moroccan law, the other being the long-term carte de résidence.

How long is the card valid?

Between 1 and 10 years, renewable for the same period, depending on the reasons for the stay accepted by the administration.

Do I need a card if I stay exactly 90 days?

No. Foreigners staying up to 90 days with a valid travel document are exempt.

What if my application is refused?

You must leave Morocco within 15 days of being notified of the refusal.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Morocco

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per stay for visa-exempt visitors; a consular short-validity visa allows stays of 1 to 90 days as decided by the consulate.
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: 72 hours per transit
  • Culture, sports and events visa Maximum stay: The eVisa for Event is single entry; the portal states a maximum of 30 days for the e-Visa granted
  • Medical treatment visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days; treatment beyond 90 days requires a carte d'immatriculation from the police

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per stay
  • Investor visa Maximum stay: Visa: up to 90 days per stay; longer stays through a residence card

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: For the length of studies, through renewable residence cards

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: As long as the approved contract and residence card remain valid

Family

Residence

Online travel permits

Protection

Morocco visa guide