How to Obtain a Carte de Séjour for Expats Working in Morocco

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If you’re an expatriate planning to work in Morocco, obtaining a Carte de Séjour (residence permit) is essential for legal, long-term residence.

Key points:

• A Carte de Séjour officially authorises foreigners to live and work in Morocco beyond the short-stay visa period.

• To apply, expats must already hold a valid work permit,  locally called a Contrat de Travail D’Étranger,  issued through a Moroccan employer.

• The process is managed by the Bureau des Étrangers (Foreigners’ Office) and may involve multiple visits, translations, and notarised documents.

• The card simplifies daily life, from opening a bank account to renting property or enrolling children in school.

• Patience and thorough documentation are crucial, as Moroccan bureaucracy can be slow and detail-oriented.
  

Even though the process may appear complicated, this guide breaks it down step-by-step so you can confidently obtain your Carte de Séjour and build your new life in Morocco.

1. What is a Carte de Séjour?

A Carte de Séjour is Morocco’s official residence permit for foreigners staying more than 90 days. It confirms the holder’s legal right to reside in the country.

For expats working in Morocco, the card category typically reads “travail” (work/employment). It confirms your legal authorisation to both reside and work under Moroccan law.

2. Key Steps & Requirements for Expats Who Are Working

a) Work Authorisation or Contrat de Travail D’Étranger

Before applying for your Carte de Séjour, you must first obtain a Contrat de Travail D’Étranger, which your employer requests on your behalf. Ensure that you:

• Have a valid employment contract with a Moroccan company or registered business.

• Confirm that your employer applies for a work authorisation (permis de travail) through ANAPEC or the Ministry of Labour.

• Obtain the correct long-stay visa (if required) to enter Morocco for work purposes.

b) Applying for the Carte de Séjour

Once in Morocco, submit your application within 90 days of arrival.
As Morocco remains largely paper-based, notarised copies (dated within 90 days) are required.

Commonly required documents:

• Valid passport and entry visa/stamp

• Completed application forms (available at your nearest Bureau des Étrangers or Gendarmerie) — includes a white form and a yellow paper card

• Passport-size photos (grey background)

• Contrat de Travail D’Étranger

• Certificat de Travail, issued by your employer

• Certificat de Salaire, issued by your employer

• Proof of address (rental agreement or property deed)

• Utility bill (electricity or water) showing your current address

• Medical certificate, issued by a Moroccan doctor

• Criminal background check from your home country

• Certified translations of foreign documents not in French or Arabic

• Application fee (typically 100 MAD, cash only; confirm locally before visiting)

Pro Tips:

• All document copies and translations must be notarised within 90 days.

• Be prepared to submit originals for your background check, medical certificate, Certificat de Travail and Certificat de Salaire.

• If your nearest Bureau des Étrangers operates from a Gendarmerie, bring two copies of all paperwork.

c) Temporary Receipt (Récépissé)

Once your documents are accepted, you’ll first receive a payment receipt. Later, you’ll be issued a temporary receipt (récépissé) that allows you to legally stay in Morocco while your card is processed.

• The récépissé is valid for 90 days and can be renewed if the process takes longer.

• It cannot be used to open a bank account but serves as proof of residence.

• Avoid leaving Morocco until your card is ready, as travel may delay the process.

d) Validity and Renewal

• The initial Carte de Séjour is valid for one year and renewable annually.

Renewal duration may vary depending on your nationality, as Morocco holds different bilateral agreements with various countries.

3. Implications for Working Expats

• The Carte de Séjour is mandatory for anyone working and residing in Morocco for more than 90 days.

• It grants access to essential services such as banking, housing, healthcare, and vehicle registration.

• Always keep personal information up-to-date — including changes in employer, address, or marital status.

• Begin your application early to avoid administrative delays.

4. Common Challenges

• Bureaucracy: Expect multiple visits, paperwork reviews, and notarisation requirements.

• Document Legalisation: Foreign documents often need to be translated into French or Arabic and legalised.

• Work Category: Remote work for non-Moroccan employers usually does not qualify for the “travail” category; a local work permit is required.

• Employer Changes: A new job typically requires a new authorisation and a revised Carte de Séjour.

5. Local Key Terms

Understanding key local terms helps you navigate Moroccan administration:

• Carte de Séjour — The official residence permit allowing foreigners to live and work in Morocco beyond 90 days.

• Contrat de Travail D’Étranger — The foreign employment contract (work permit) linking an employee to a Moroccan-registered company.

• ANAPEC — The Moroccan employment agency, under the Ministry of Labour, that processes work permits.

Bureau des Étrangers — The Foreigners’ Office where you apply for the Carte de Séjour, usually located at a police station or Gendarmerie.

6. Our last thoughts

The Carte de Séjour is the foundation of your legal and professional stability in Morocco. It ensures compliance with Moroccan law and enables a smoother integration into society.

While the process can be time-consuming, good preparation and patience are key. Once issued, the Carte de Séjour grants you access to essential services, rights, and peace of mind as a recognised resident.

If you need assistance obtaining your Carte de Séjour, Sorato.io is ready to help. Send us a message and we’ll get back to you promptly.