There is no obligation of a minimum capital for limited liability companies (SARL). However, the capital blocking formality is only justified for companies whose capital exceeds the threshold of 100,000.00 Dh

The equivalent of a Limited Liability in Morocco is SARL, Société à Responsabilité Limitée. If it counts one single associate, it is called SARL AU, where AU stands for “Associé Unique”.

Foreign nationals can operate in Morocco either by creating a company under Moroccan law, by choosing the SARL (the equivalent of the LLC) or the SA (the equivalent of a Corporation). They can also establish a representative entity of a Foreign company, in this case, for tax purposes, these entities are qualified as permanent establishments (branch, liaison office, coordination office, a subsidiary, etc.).

More details on the legal entities, as well as their definitions, can be found in this link: https://arkadplus.com/business-entities/(opens in a new tab)

As a foreign investment in Morocco, it is understood that the latter generated a financial or real asset in Morocco, by foreign companies in Morocco, foreign nationals (both resident and non resident), and Moroccans residing abroad.

These investments benefit, when they are financed in foreign currencies, from a convertibility regime which guarantees the investors complete freedom to:

• Transfer the income produced by these investments;
• Transfer the proceeds of liquidation or sale of their investments.

Morocco offers subsidies up to 30% of the investment amount, within the framework of the New Investment Charter 2023. Criteria to benefit from them can be found in this link: https://arkadplus.com/investment-charter/

Companies pay corporate tax, VAT, tax on dividends, income tax on salaries, withholding tax on import of services, and others depending on the activity.

Companies under Casablanca Finance City Status have a total exemption from the Corporate Taxe during the first 5 consecutive fiscal years, starting from the first fiscal year of granting of the status.

It should be noted that the company can benefit from a total exemption from income tax and a partial exemption on social security contributions through various programs offered by Morocco for the encouragement of investment and recruitment.

Other taxes can apply depending on the activities, such as purchasing or selling assets, etc.

We also advise you to take a look at the New Finance Law 2023 in this link: https://arkadplus.com/finance-law-2023/

Employers pay mandatory employment fees such as social security, income tax (paid for by the employer), and employer contribution. However, thanks to the 2023 Finance Law, the company can benefit from a total exemption from income tax and a partial exemption on social security contributions through various programs offered by Morocco for the encouragement of investment and recruitment. More information can be found here: https://arkadplus.com/employment-fees/

Morocco has signed Non Double Taxation Treaties with multiple countries. They contain information regarding where corporate tax, tax on dividends as well as on revenue will be charged.

The official link to learn about the details can be found in the Directorate General of Taxes, online.

A standard rate of 20%: this rate is commonly used and the most widespread in daily business transactions. This rate concerns all taxable transactions for which no other rate has been provided.

Three reduced rates: a rate of 14% (intermediate rate), a rate of 10% (food products) and a rate of 7% (first necessity).

Yes, it does. The VAT refund request must be filed with the local tax department on which the taxpayer depends, at the end of each quarter of the calendar year, for transactions carried out during the past quarter(s). This deposit must be made within a period not exceeding the year following the quarter for which the refund is requested.

The products delivered and the provision of services rendered in the export free zones and originating from the subject territory, are exempt from VAT with the right to deduct, in accordance with the provisions of article 92 of the CGI. This exemption is not subject to any formality.

On the other hand, transactions carried out with companies established outside the said zones are liable to VAT under the conditions of common law.

The best way to obtain a residence card/permit is by providing supporting documents that justify a continuous activity in Morocco, such as a company with verifiable operations, as well as a work permit depending on the activity and what the Ministry of Labour requires. There will also be required: rental receipts and utility bills in the name of the tenant who must be the same as the applicant for the residence. This is for informational purposes only, as more or less documents can be required as per the judgement of the local authorities requesting the paperwork.

You can get a visa using a registered company in Morocco. More information on visas and their requirements can be here: https://www.diplomatie.ma/en/launch-electronic-visa-%E2%80%9Cevisa%E2%80%9D

Although we can initiate the pre-opening of a corporate bank account for a third party, by submitting the documents required for such a purpose, the definitive opening can only be performed by the designated owner of the company, where their in-person presence is required by all Moroccan banks to accomplish the procedure.

Approved intermediary banks are authorized to grant non-resident foreign natural persons and Moroccans residing abroad loans in dirhams intended to finance the acquisition or construction of residences in Morocco.

These loans can be granted within the limit of 70% of the price of the property to be acquired or built. The remainder must be contributed in foreign currency by the beneficiary.

A foreign investment in Morocco can take the following forms:

• Creation of companies;
• Equity participation and subscription to a company’s share capital;
• Creation of a branch or a representative or liaison office;
• Acquisition of financial instruments;
• Contribution to partners’ current account in cash or in trade receivables;
• Granting of related loans;
• Acquisition of immovable property or rights of enjoyment attached to this property;
• Carrying out construction and/or development work on real estate;
• Term deposits with a bank.

Yes, this is possible. However, it can be done only once during the lifetime of the company.