Since the 2019 reform, Morocco has significantly simplified business creation, particularly for non-residents. Creating a SARL online via the Regional Investment Centers (CRI) portal can theoretically be done in 72 working hours with a symbolic capital of 1 DH. For MREs wishing to invest, create a service activity, or structure a real estate portfolio in Morocco, the Moroccan company offers a clear legal and tax framework, with dividends freely repatriable after taxation.
Choose the right legal structure
Three main structures are available to MREs: (1) SARL (Limited Liability Company): 1 to 50 partners, minimum capital of 1 DH since 2019, ideal for SMEs, managed by one or more managers. (2) SA (Public Limited Company): minimum 3 shareholders, minimum capital of 300,000 DH (3,000,000 DH for public offerings), mandatory for listed companies or those of a certain size. (3) Self-employment: natural person, no capital requirement, cap of 500,000 DH/year for services and 2,000,000 DH/year for trade, flat-rate income tax of 1% (trade) or 2% (services and liberal professions), no VAT below thresholds.
💡 Tip — For most MRE projects (rental, consulting, small commercial activity), the single-member SARL is the optimal solution: simplicity, limited liability, and corporate tax often more advantageous than income tax for average earnings.
⚠️ Warning — Some activities require prior sector-specific approvals (banks, insurance, pharmacies, private education) regardless of the chosen legal form.
Reserve the company name at OMPIC
The Moroccan Office for Industrial and Commercial Property (OMPIC) manages the company name register. Name reservation is done online at ompic.ma (Normadoc service): log in with credentials, check name availability, submit the application (35 DH fee), availability certificate issued online within 24-48 hours. The reservation is valid for 90 days. Choose a unique name, not similar to an existing trademark, without misleading terms (bank, insurance, national without approval).
💡 Tip — Also check on infogreffe.ma that the name has not already been registered as a trademark or in another commercial court.
Draft articles of association and deposit capital
SARL articles can be drafted via the CRI portal (free standard template) or by a notary (mandatory for in-kind contributions or capital over 100,000 DH). Required clauses: name, registered office, business purpose, capital, share distribution, duration (standard 99 years), management arrangements. Capital deposit: open a professional bank account at a Moroccan bank (Attijariwafa Bank, BMCE Bank, CIH Bank, Banque Populaire). For non-resident MREs, the account can be opened from abroad with a file sent by mail or via an agency in France (Attijariwafa Europe, BMCE International). The capital is deposited and blocked until the RC is obtained, then automatically released.
💡 Tip — For a SARL with 1 DH capital, the deposit is symbolic. In practice, plan for capital of 10,000 to 50,000 DH to have credibility with partners and suppliers.
Register at the CRI (Regional Investment Center)
The CRI is the one-stop shop for business creation in Morocco. The online procedure at portail.maroc.ma or directly at the regional CRI (Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, etc.) includes: electronic submission of signed articles, OMPIC certificate, proof of registered office (lease contract or domiciliation), copy of national ID or passport of partners and managers, capital deposit certificate. The CRI simultaneously forwards to tax services (DGI), CNSS, and the commercial court registry. Commercial Registry registration is obtained within 72 hours to 5 working days.
💡 Tip — If you do not have a physical location in Morocco, opt for a domiciliation company (between 300 and 800 DH/month in Casablanca or Rabat). This is legal and very common for non-resident entrepreneurs.
⚠️ Warning — Non-resident managers must provide a translated and legalized foreign residence certificate. A criminal record extract less than 3 months old from the country of residence may be required depending on the region.
Taxation, dividends and repatriation
The SARL is subject to corporate tax (IS): 20% on profits up to 1,000,000 DH, 26% from 1M to 100M DH, 34% above. The minimum contribution (CM) is due even at a loss: 0.5% of pre-tax revenue (minimum 3,000 DH). Dividends distributed to non-resident partners (MREs) are subject to a 15% withholding tax (RAS) in Morocco. Net dividends can be freely repatriated via a MDM account (Convertible Dirham) or a foreign account, without amount limitation, after payment of IS and RAS. The annual tax return is filed online (IS form on tgr.gov.ma or via a chartered accountant).
💡 Tip — Engage a chartered accountant registered with the Moroccan Order of Chartered Accountants (OEC) for bookkeeping and tax returns: fees (3,000 to 8,000 DH/year for a standard SARL) are deductible from taxable income.
⚠️ Warning — Failure to file an annual tax return results in penalties and automatic flat-rate taxation. Even if the company is dormant or inactive, the IS return remains mandatory.
❌ Common mistakes to avoid
- ✕Choosing an SA when a SARL would suffice: the SA requires a board of directors, a statutory auditor and a minimum capital of 300,000 DH, which is disproportionate for most MRE projects.
- ✕Not opening a separate professional bank account from the personal account: mixing personal and professional cash flows is a major accounting and tax risk.
- ✕Forgetting to file the annual IS return even in the absence of activity: the minimum contribution of 3,000 DH is due and late payment penalties accumulate rapidly.
- ✕Not using an OEC-accredited chartered accountant in the first years, believing to save on fees: subsequent tax adjustments systematically cost more.
- ✕Confusing the MDM (Convertible Dirham) account needed to repatriate dividends with an ordinary current account: without an MDM account, fund repatriation becomes administratively blocked.
🔗 Official links and resources
OMPIC - Moroccan Industrial Property Office
Company name reservation, Moroccan trademark and patent registry
CRI National Portal - Business Creation
One-stop shop for online business creation in Morocco, files and forms
Moroccan General Tax Directorate (DGI)
IS, VAT, business tax returns, online filing and payment
Moroccan Order of Chartered Accountants (OEC)
Directory of accredited chartered accountants in Morocco, by city and specialty
Need an expert for your project?
Find a Moroccan professional verified by LesMRE to guide you step by step.
Find a verified expert