So, you’re thinking about moving to Morocco. Maybe you fell in love with the colors of Marrakech, the call to prayer echoing through Fes, or the laid-back coastal life in Essaouira.
Or maybe you’re just craving a lifestyle change, somewhere with a golden warm sun and a rich culture.
Either way, welcome to my beloved country.
But let me walk you through what it’s really like to move to Morocco, from the dreamy parts to the not-so-glamorous stuff no one tells you except me.
Table of Contents
Why move to Morocco?
Morocco is one of those rare places where modern life blends with ancient traditions. You’ll find fast Wi-Fi and remote work cafés just a few blocks away from souks selling handmade rugs and spices.
There are beaches, deserts, mountains, and lively cities, each with its own personality.
And the cost of living? Let’s just say your dollar (or euro) goes a lot further here than in most Western countries. But don’t get me wrong. Morocco isn’t that cheap. will go further on this.
Another advantage of moving to Morocco is that it’s super close to Europe. You can hop on a quick flight and be in Madrid, Paris, or Lisbon in just a few hours. So weekend getaways, quick trips, or visiting family is totally doable.
Visas and Residency
If you’re from the EU, US, UK, Canada, or a few other countries, you can stay in Morocco for 90 days visa-free.
But if you want to live here longer, you’ll need a residency permit, called a “carte de séjour“.
Getting it can be… let’s say, an adventure. I will have a detailed post on how to apply and get your residency in Morocco once you move there
Cost of Living
Morocco can be very affordable if you live a simple, local lifestyle. Costs start to rise when you elevate your standards.
For example, renting a modern apartment in the city center instead of the outskirts or smaller towns, buying imported groceries, or going out frequently.
If you’re earning a foreign income, you’ll likely live comfortably. If you’re working locally, wages are much lower.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the minimum wage is quite low, around $350 USD per month, and many people earn even less. That said, there’s also a well-off community with significantly higher incomes.
So, depending on your income and lifestyle choices, you can keep things budget-friendly or live quite luxuriously.
But here’s a general monthly breakdown of (in USD for easier reference).
| Expense (Monthly) | Local Style | Expat Style |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (2BR apartment) | $200–$350 | $500–$800+ |
| Groceries | $200–$300 | $300–$500 |
| Eating Out | $20–$50 (local) | $100–$300 (restaurant) |
| Utilities & Internet | $50–$80 | Same |
| Transportation | $20–$50 | Depends on city |
Finding Jobs in Morocco
Getting a job in Morocco can be a bit tough, depending on your field.
The job market isn’t as open to expats as in places like Europe, the U.S., or the Middle East, probably because of long paperwork processes or just a general push to prioritize hiring locals.
Salaries are also quite a bit lower than what you might be used to. For example, a $6,000/month job in the U.S. might pay closer to $2,000 here. That sounds like a big drop, but the cost of living is also much cheaper.
Language can be a barrier too, most workplaces run in French, so if you don’t speak it, finding a job can be really hard. English-speaking jobs are rare unless you’re teaching English (my husband does), and even then, the pay isn’t super high.
The best thing you can do when moving to Morocco is to keep working remotely for a company outside the country, if you have that option.
I know a lot of expats who’ve done exactly that. It’s the ideal setup, you get to earn a higher salary while living in a much more affordable place.
Finding a Place to Stay
Finding a place to live can be a bit tricky at first. Facebook groups like “Expats in Morocco” or local real estate communities are super helpful, and sites like Avito.ma or Mubawab.ma are also great, though most listings are in French.
A few things to keep in mind: landlords usually prefer a 12-month contract, and you’ll often need to pay a deposit of 2 months’ rent.
Furnished apartments are pretty common in big cities like Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech, which saves you the hassle of buying everything from scratch.
If you’re not up for doing all the apartment-searching thing yourself, you can always hire an agency or a Semsar (freelance agent) to find you a place.
Just keep in mind they usually take around two months’ rent as their fee. Also, avoid renting an apartment online; there are a lot of scammers out there, and plenty of people have been duped that way.
The best approach is to visit the apartment in person, meet the landlord, and sign the contract on the spot to get the keys.
My recommendation is that before you start looking for a place to settle in Morocco, book an Airbnb or hotel for a few weeks, or a short rental of a few months, when you first move.
This will give you a chance to get a feel for life here and figure out which neighborhoods you like before committing to a long-term rental.
Healthcare and Insurance
If you’re staying long-term, it’s definitely worth looking into private health insurance, especially if you want access to English- or French-speaking doctors in private clinics.
Cities like Casablanca and Rabat have some great private hospitals and clinics, and a general consultation usually costs between $15 to $60.
Specialized care is also fairly affordable compared to Western standards. That said, from my experience as a local, Morocco’s healthcare system isn’t perfect.
Public healthcare is pretty bad, and while private care is easier to access and less expensive than in places like the U.S., the quality and expertise can really vary.
It’s not always easy to trust the system, so it’s good to manage your expectations depending on where you’re coming from.
Culture and Social Norms
Daily life in Morocco is a mix of modern convenience and local charm.
Moroccans are generally warm and accommodating. Even if there’s a language barrier, most Moroccans will do their best to understand you, whether it’s with basic words, gestures, or even full-on sign language.
They’re not shy about connecting with strangers, which can make settling in a lot easier and more enjoyable.
Moroccan Arabic (Darija) is the most widely spoken language, but French is also common, especially in business, government, and formal settings. In many areas, you’ll also hear Amazigh (Berber) languages.
Morocco is a Muslim country, so public drinking or wearing revealing clothes, especially in rural areas, will attract attention and it’s frowned upon.
Moroccans are known for being warm, generous, and open. It’s not unusual to be invited for tea shortly after meeting someone, hospitality is a big part of the culture.
Daily Life in Morocco
If you work remotely and rely on the internet, you shouldn’t have any issues staying connected. Internet connection is solid in most cities, with fiber-optic widely available, especially in Casablanca and Rabat.
Also, getting a SIM card is cheap and super easy, you can pick one up at the airport or from any telecom shop like IAM, Inwi, or Orange.
For transportation, taxis are affordable (though sometimes you’ll need to negotiate), and cities like Casablanca and Rabat have reliable trams.
There are also decent buses and trains connecting major cities.
When it comes to shopping, you’ll find yourself bouncing between big supermarkets like Carrefour or Marjane and local souks for fresh produce, it’s a fun and affordable balance.
Challenges of Moving/Living in Morocco
For me, one of the first annoying things in Morocco is the bureaucracy, there’s a lot of paperwork, stamps, and waiting around. Even simple tasks can take time.
The language barrier is real, especially if you don’t speak French or Darija. I can’t imagine my husband (who speaks zero Darija) trying to handle all our paperwork on his own.
In government offices or smaller towns, English is rarely spoken, so knowing a bit of the local language really makes a difference.
If you’re planning to settle in Morocco, start learning Darija as soon as possible; the sooner you do, the easier life will get. Even just the basics can help you connect with people, and handle daily tasks.
And in touristy areas, expect a bit of hustle, pushy sellers, people trying to overcharge, or offer services you didn’t ask for. It’s normal, just smile and say “La, shukran” (No, thank you) and move on.
Buying Property in Morocco
Buying property in Morocco can be a great lifestyle choice or even a smart investment. And yep, foreigners can legally buy property here, and lots of people do. The only real exception is agricultural land.
That said, buying a place in Morocco isn’t always straightforward. If you’re not familiar with how things work here, it can feel like a bit of a maze.
Honestly, I’d say don’t buy anything right away. Give yourself time to get to know the market, the neighborhoods, and how the whole process works. And definitely use a registered real estate agency, it’ll save you a ton of confusion and headaches.
Also… you might be shocked at how expensive property can be. In some cities like Rabat and Marrakech, it’s actually more expensive than parts of Europe, which catches a lot of people off guard.
Save this on Pinterest
