Recently, Morocco has witnessed an increase in foreigners buying real estate, due to several reasons. On the one hand, it is related to economic aspects, as Morocco is an attractive alternative due to the lower standard of living compared to some European countries. On the other hand, it is related to security aspects, as Morocco provides a safe environment that encourages investment and differs from some countries located in the center of the African continent. The third concern is due to the legal aspect, as Morocco provides a legal framework that allows foreigners to invest in the country and benefit from many rights.
Does the law allow foreigners to own some real estate in Morocco?
According to the Constitution of the Kingdom of Morocco amended in 2011, Chapter 35, the right to own real estate is guaranteed and subject to current legal regulation. It can be restricted according to the requirements of the country’s economic and social development. Ownership cannot be expropriated except in cases stipulated by law. However, the Moroccan legislator has regulated and restricted the right of foreigners to own real estate through special legal texts, which limit the scope of this right and place restrictions on the possibility of obtaining it.
What are the conditions and procedures related to transferring real estate ownership to foreigners in Morocco?
The conditions and procedures for transferring real estate ownership to foreigners in Morocco vary according to the purpose of this ownership, whether that is owning real estate in the urban area for housing or commercial, industrial, and craft businesses, or owning it in the rural area for agriculture.
A foreigner’s purchase of a property in Morocco depends on general rules based on the Moroccan Law of Obligations and Contracts, which stipulates the condition of mutual consent between the contracting parties and their agreement on the sale and price.
In addition, the provisions of the royal decree specifying the legislation applicable to reserved real estate entitle all persons, regardless of their nationality, to the right to enjoy and dispose of the real estate, as long as the use of this right does not conflict with the laws and regulations in force.
Does the nationality of a foreigner affect the legal procedures related to owning real estate in Morocco?
All foreigners, from the various countries that recognize the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco in accordance with international law, have the right to own real estate located within the urban area of Morocco, without any restrictions or discrimination due to their nationality. On the other hand, foreigners are not allowed to own real estate located within the rural area, regardless of their nationality.
With this, we have finished reviewing the legal framework related to foreigners’ ownership of real estate in Morocco. Under this framework, foreigners can own real estate in the urban area in accordance with international law and applicable Moroccan laws, while they face some restrictions in obtaining real estate in the rural area.
It is important to point out that the aforementioned legal framework is not final and may change in the future. Therefore, individuals wishing to purchase a property in Morocco should check the latest legal developments and recommendations of lawyers before making any decisions.
Ultimately, the Moroccan government must continue to improve the legal framework related to foreign ownership of real estate, in order to encourage more investments and advance economic development in the Kingdom.
All you need is information on international tourism 