Moving to Morocco

Both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea create an extensive coastline along Morocco's northern border, while the interior is mountainous. Morocco's landscape is incredibly diverse, and it is populated by plateaus, luscious valleys and fertile plains, with the Sahara Desert taking up the far south and causing the heat the country is known for. 

Expats moving to Morocco will be greeted by a colourful land characterised by scenic beauty, bustling marketplaces and delicious food. Most expats move to Rabat, Casablanca or the red city of Marrakesh. Though the expat population in Morocco is relatively small, it's growing steadily.

Living in Morocco as an expat

Expats looking to work in Morocco may struggle to find a job. Tourism is traditionally a large industry and may therefore be an option for expats looking for employment. Otherwise, opportunities exist in the technology and business sectors, especially for multilingual expats. Many expats may also find employment in teaching English.

Arabic and Berber are the official languages in Morocco, but expats will find that French is more commonly used in business. Brushing up on their language skills will certainly help expats make headway in communicating with the locals and reading road signs.

While expats may have reservations about relocating to an Islamic country, they'll find that Morocco is far more liberal than most expat destinations in the Middle East. It lies at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and elements of these different cultures are visible in everyday life.

Moroccans tend to be open-minded and are interested in learning about new people and other ways of living. Privacy in the home is something which is treasured, so there is little concern about what expats do behind closed doors.

Expats have plenty of options when it comes to outdoor pursuits – hiking and biking in the Atlas Mountains and swimming in the Mediterranean are just a few of the exciting activities Morocco has to offer. Food is also central to Moroccan culture, and the country is a foodie's dream.

Cost of living in Morocco

The cost of living in Morocco is relatively low, especially in comparison to Western Europe and North America. Casablanca ranks 158th out of 227 global cities surveyed in the 2023 Mercer Cost of Living Survey, while Rabat is ranked 174th.

Property prices are incredibly reasonable, which is why most expats living in Morocco choose to buy a home rather than rent. As domestic help in Morocco is readily available and affordable, expats will find that they have more time for leisure activities.

Safety in Morocco

Expats generally find Morocco to be a safe place. That said, constantly being followed by hustlers offering directions or trying to sell various goods can be a problem, especially for Western expats and women. This is, however, more of an annoyance than it is dangerous.

Expat families and children in Morocco

While public schooling in Morocco is not up to the standards many expats may be used to, several international schools in the larger cities teach at an excellent standard and offer superb facilities. International school fees are expensive when based on local standards but are typically cheaper than those in Europe. Despite this, expat parents will have to take the cost into consideration when choosing a school that will suit their budget. 

Climate in Morocco

Morocco has a tropical climate, with soaring summer temperatures, while winters can drop to 41ºF (5ºC). The interior is generally hot and dry, while the coast has weather typical of other Mediterranean countries. 

Ultimately, expats moving to Morocco should do so with a sense of adventure. For those who can overcome the language barriers and elements of culture shock, expat life in Morocco is a rewarding and enriching experience. 

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Fast Facts

Population: More than 37.8 million 

Capital city: Rabat

Other major cities: Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech 

Neighbouring countries: Algeria and Spain

Geography: Morocco's coast is adjacent to a stretch of fertile plains that runs along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The northern and interior areas are mountainous, while the southeast is arid. 

Political system: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Major religions: Sunni Islam

Main languages: Arabic, Berber dialects, French

Money: The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the official currency, and it is divided into 100 santimat. 

Tipping: Although there isn't standard tipping etiquette, it's usual to tip 10 percent of the bill for services rendered.

Time: GMT (GMT+1 from the last Sunday in March till the last Sunday in October)

Electricity: 220 volts, 50 Hz. Round, two-pin plugs are used.

Internet domain: .ma

International dialling code: +212

Emergency contacts: 190 (police) or 150 (ambulance and fire department) 

Transport and driving: Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Although the Moroccan government has focused on improving its roadways, some roads in Morocco are still in need of repair. There are also buses, taxis and trains available to ensure expats can get around in the country.