Investing in Morocco as a Foreigner : complete guide 2025

Morocco has long attracted foreign investors and Moroccans residing abroad (MRE) who wish to secure part of their wealth in a stable, accessible, and fast-growing country. In 2025, real estate remains one of the safest and most profitable investments, whether for a second home, a family house, or a rental asset.

Agadir holds a special place in this dynamic. With year-round sunshine, a seaside setting, and ambitious development projects, the city appeals to European retirees, young active Moroccans from the diaspora, and digital nomads alike. The local market combines accessibility, appreciation potential, and an exceptional quality of life.

This guide is for anyone considering investing in Morocco from abroad. We will detail the legal framework, taxation, administrative formalities, and the most relevant investment strategies. You will also discover why Agadir stands out from other major Moroccan cities and how to be effectively supported in your real estate project.

Why invest in Morocco when living abroad?

Investing in real estate in Morocco first means betting on a country with strong economic growth and rare political stability in the region. Moroccan authorities actively support the development of the real estate sector through modern urban projects, the creation of tourist zones, and enhancement of the coastline.

Another major advantage is the value for money. Compared to Spain, Portugal, or France, prices per square meter in Morocco remain competitive, offering the possibility of acquiring a spacious villa or apartment on a far lower budget. This difference attracts not only MRE wishing to keep a pied-à-terre in their home country but also foreigners drawn by the climate, culture, and investment opportunities.

Morocco also enjoys strong tourist appeal: imperial cities, Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, seaside resorts such as Agadir or Saïdia. This dynamic guarantees steady demand for seasonal rentals, especially in coastal areas, which bolsters real estate investment returns.

Finally, accessibility plays a key role. With direct flights from Paris, Brussels, London, and Frankfurt, investors can reach Agadir or Marrakech in under four hours. This proximity facilitates remote property management and encourages regular stays.
In short, investing in Morocco from abroad means accessing a still-affordable market, benefiting from advantageous taxation, and enjoying an exceptional quality of life.

Legal framework for foreigners and MRE

Foreigners’ property rights

Morocco is among the countries where foreigners can freely purchase real estate. Whether you are an investor, expatriate, or Moroccan residing abroad (MRE), you are entitled to acquire apartments, houses, villas, and buildable land without special distinction

The only restriction concerns agricultural land, the purchase of which is reserved for nationals. However, solutions exist: if you wish to invest in agricultural land, it is possible to obtain a conversion authorization from the competent authorities to transform it into buildable land, particularly for a real estate or tourist project.

This open framework makes Morocco a particularly attractive market, as it does not present the legal hurdles found in some other countries in the region.

Administrative process

Purchasing real estate in Morocco follows a specific procedure that secures the transaction. The main steps are:

  1. The preliminary sales agreement (compromis de vente), which formalizes the agreement between buyer and seller. This document sets the price, deadlines, and payment terms.
  2. Verification of the land title: it is essential to ensure that the property is registered with the Land Registry (Conservation foncière). This avoids disputes related to ownership.
  3. Notary involvement: the notary plays a central role by verifying document compliance, securing the transfer of ownership, and guaranteeing payment.
  4. Registration with the Land Registry, which records the buyer as the new owner and finalizes the transaction.

These procedures, while standardized, require professional support to avoid any errors.

Role of the notary and legal security

In Morocco, the notary is not a mere intermediary: they guarantee the legal security of the transaction. Their role is to authenticate deeds, verify the validity of the land title, ensure the property is not encumbered by mortgages or debts, and check that all taxes due are settled before transfer.

The notary is also responsible for filing the deed of sale with the Land Registry, which makes the transaction final and enforceable against third parties. For foreign investors, this is an essential safeguard against disputes and unpleasant surprises.

Working with a trusted notary, recommended by a reliable local agency, is therefore essential to secure your investment.

Taxation and financing for foreigners

Taxes and duties to anticipate

When purchasing property in Morocco, several fees and taxes must be anticipated. Registration duties represent about 4% of the purchase price, to which notary fees and Land Registry charges are added. For foreigners as for Moroccans, these costs are identical.

Regarding ownership, the owner must pay the annual municipal services tax and the housing tax, the amount of which depends on the property’s rental value. For second homes, these taxes are generally reasonable compared to those in Europe.

A notable advantage concerns taxation of rental income. Rented apartments or villas often benefit from allowances and, in some cases, temporary exemptions—particularly for new developments. This makes rental investment especially attractive for MRE and foreign investors.

Rental income

If you rent out your property, two regimes apply depending on the duration:

  • Seasonal rental: the income generated is subject to income tax, but taxation remains competitive compared to Europe. Strong tourist demand in Agadir, Marrakech, or Tangier often more than offsets taxation through high returns. For more information, see our guide Investing in Seasonal Rentals in Agadir.
  • Long-term rental: it benefits from more favorable taxation, with progressive rates based on income received. Moreover, this type of rental ensures stable income and continuous occupancy. To simplify this strategy, our long-term rental service in Agadir assists owners with administrative and legal management.

Access to financing

Contrary to popular belief, foreigners and MRE can absolutely take out a mortgage in Morocco: see our article on this topic (Banks that Finance Foreigners). Several local banks offer specific products for non-resident investors, with terms up to 20 years.

Moroccans residing in Europe can also benefit from dedicated products offered by Moroccan banks operating abroad (Attijariwafa Bank, BMCE, Banque Populaire). These institutions facilitate fund transfers and allow financing to be arranged from the country of residence.

For non-Moroccan foreigners, some banks require a higher down payment (often around 30%), but offer competitive rates that make the transaction attractive.

In summary, taxation remains attractive, and financing options are real for both MRE and foreign investors. With the right support, it is entirely possible to build a profitable and secure strategy.

Legal framework for foreigners and MRE

Foreigners’ property rights

Morocco is among the countries where foreigners can freely purchase real estate. Whether you are an investor, expatriate, or Moroccan residing abroad (MRE), you are entitled to acquire apartments, houses, villas, and buildable land without special distinction.

The only restriction concerns agricultural land, the purchase of which is reserved for nationals. However, solutions exist: if you wish to invest in agricultural land, it is possible to obtain a conversion authorization from the competent authorities to transform it into buildable land, particularly for a real estate or tourist project.

This open framework makes Morocco a particularly attractive market, as it does not present the legal hurdles found in some other countries in the region.

Administrative process

Purchasing real estate in Morocco follows a specific procedure that secures the transaction. The main steps are:

  • The preliminary sales agreement (mouhafada), which formalizes the agreement between buyer and seller. This document sets the price, deadlines, and payment terms.
  • Verification of the land title: it is essential to ensure that the property is registered with the Land Registry (Conservation foncière). This avoids disputes related to ownership.
  • Notary involvement: the notary plays a central role by verifying document compliance, securing the transfer of ownership, and guaranteeing payment.
  • Registration with the Land Registry, which records the buyer as the new owner and finalizes the transaction.

These procedures, while standardized, require professional support to avoid any errors.

Role of the notary and legal security

In Morocco, the notary is not a mere intermediary: they guarantee the legal security of the transaction. Their role is to authenticate deeds, verify the validity of the land title, ensure the property is not encumbered by mortgages or debts, and check that all taxes due are settled before transfer.

The notary is also responsible for filing the deed of sale with the Land Registry, which makes the transaction final and enforceable against third parties. For foreign investors, this is an essential safeguard against disputes and unpleasant surprises.

Working with a trusted notary, recommended by a reliable local agency, is therefore essential to secure your investment.

The best cities and neighborhoods to invest in as a foreigner

Morocco offers a wide variety of real estate destinations, each with its strengths and specific features. For foreign investors and MRE, certain cities stand out as particularly attractive.

Marrakech: the choice of cultural prestige

Marrakech remains Morocco’s best-known city internationally. Its appeal rests on cultural heritage, high-end tourism, and steady demand for riads and villas. Prices are higher than in Agadir, but character properties retain strong long-term value.

Casablanca: the economic hub

As the country’s financial center, Casablanca attracts professionals and companies. Apartments and houses are sought after by a high-end local and expatriate clientele. It is a dynamic market, but also one of the most expensive in Morocco, with more moderate rental yields than in seaside cities.

Tangier: the gateway to Europe

With its strategic port and massive investments, Tangier is experiencing rapid growth. Foreigners find interesting opportunities there, especially in modern sea-view apartments. Proximity to Spain enhances its appeal for Europeans.

Agadir: the reliable seaside choice

While Marrakech and Casablanca appeal for their dynamism, Agadir remains the ideal destination for foreigners seeking both quality of life and profitability. The city combines an exceptional climate, a modern seaside setting, and still-affordable prices. Seaside areas such as Founty, Sonaba, or Taghazout Bay are particularly in demand for seasonal investment, while Hay Mohammadi and Dakhla meet strong long-term demand.

To explore each area in detail, consult our Guide to Agadir’s Neighborhoods  as well as our Taghazout Bay Guide (/acheter-au-maroc/taghazout-bay-guide), which presents this emblematic project on the northern coast.

In summary, if you are looking for a balance between entry price, appreciation potential, and a pleasant living environment, Agadir far outperforms its competitors and is a strategic entry point for foreign investors.

Why work with Agadir Properties?

Local expertise and personalized support

Investing in Morocco from abroad can seem complex: legal differences, multiple stakeholders, risks related to land titles. At Agadir Properties, we make this process easier thanks to our local expertise and daily on-the-ground presence. We work closely with notaries, lawyers, and banks to secure every step of the acquisition.

Our real estate agency in Agadir specializes in supporting MRE and foreign investors. We select properties best suited to your profile and anticipate potential administrative hurdles for a smooth, secure project.

Services covering the entire real estate cycle

We do not limit ourselves to property searches. With our real estate purchase service in Agadir (/services/achat-immobilier-agadir), we guide you from defining your criteria, to organizing viewings, leading negotiations, and ensuring notarial security.

Once the purchase is complete, you can rely on our complementary services:

  • Property management in Agadir : delegate seasonal or long-term letting.
  • Long-term rentals : tailored support to secure stable income.
  • Property valuation: to maximize a current asset before resale.
  • Our exceptional properties : a selection of premium villas, apartments, and land.

A trusted partner for foreign investors

What makes the difference is our holistic approach. We understand the needs of foreign investors: security, transparency, and long-term support. Whether you are an MRE wishing to keep a pied-à-terre in Morocco or an international investor seeking attractive returns, we implement a strategy tailored to your objectives.

By choosing Agadir Properties, you benefit from a single point of contact who understands both the local market and the specific expectations of foreign investors. This saves you time, avoids costly mistakes, and allows you to complete your real estate project in Morocco with peace of mind.

Conclusion

Investing in Moroccan real estate as a foreigner or MRE is a unique opportunity in 2025. The country combines stability, still-competitive prices, and tourist appeal, ensuring both quality of life and profitability. With cities such as Marrakech or Casablanca appealing for their dynamism, and Tangier for its proximity to Europe, Agadir stands out as the reliable seaside choice: mild climate, affordable prices, strong rental demand, and long-term appreciation potential.

Whether you are considering buying a seafront apartment, a family home, or land for a construction project, Morocco offers a clear legal framework and advantageous taxation.

At Agadir Properties, we support every stage of your project: property search, legal checks, financing, property management, and valuation. With our local agencies in Agadir, Tamraght, Taghazout, and Imi Ouaddar, we put our expertise at the service of foreign investors to secure and optimize their investment.

Discover Our Properties and our selection of Exceptional Properties today, or contact us directly to turn your real estate project in Morocco into lasting success.