Upon arrival in Morocco, completing certain administrative steps is essential for legal residency, validating French documents, and organizing daily life smoothly. It’s advisable to begin these processes within your first weeks, especially for permanent returns.
Obtaining or Renewing Your National ID Card (CNI)
If your Moroccan national ID is expired, lost, or nonexistent (for binationals born abroad), visit your local administrative office or prefecture with:
Recent Moroccan birth certificate
Family record book copy (if available)
Two ID photos
Proof of residence (utility bill or rental contract)
Old CNI or police report (if lost)
💡 A valid CNI is required for nearly all other administrative procedures in Morocco.
Residency Cards for Foreign Family Members
If your spouse/children hold only French nationality, they must apply for a residency card (carte d’immatriculation) for stays exceeding 90 days. Submit at the local police station/prefecture:
Passport (legalized copies)
Application forms (2 copies)
6 recent passport photos (2.5Ă—2.5 cm)
Certified proof of residence (lease/notarized host letter)
Medical certificate
Criminal record (French for first-time applicants)
Proof of income (payslips, bank statements)
Work contract (for employees) or enrollment proof (students)
Fiscal stamps (~100 MAD/year)
đź“ŚÂ *Processing takes ~35 days. Initial cards are valid 1 year (renewable for 5 years), with long-term (10-year) residency possible after ~4 years.*
Driver’s License: Conversion or Temporary Use
Convert a French license to Moroccan within 1 year of arrival at the Centre d’immatriculation. Required documents:
Passport copy
CNI
Medical certificate
Arabic-translated license
Application form
⚠️ European licenses may be used temporarily for short stays (duration varies).
Healthcare Coverage Options
Retirees: Access via bilateral France-Morocco agreements, private insurance, or AMO (Assurance Maladie Obligatoire).
Employees: Enroll in CNSS (public) or private schemes.
Self-employed: Optional CNSS or private coverage.
Additional Key Steps
Register with your local municipality (commune).
Update children’s school records (if applicable).
Open a Moroccan bank account.
Register with a local health center.
🧰 Chapter 3 Checklist
- Updated/obtained CNI or residency card
- Converted/validated driver’s license
- Enrolled in healthcare coverage
- Completed local administrative registrations
All ChaptersÂ
Chapter 1 – Considerations Before Returning (FREE)
Reasons for returning, key questions to ask yourself
Chapter 2 – Administrative Procedures in Europe (FREE)
Terminating contracts, taxation and taxes, social security
Chapter 3 – Administrative Procedures in Morocco
Moroccan national ID card, driver’s license, consulate registration, asset registration (car, furniture, etc.)
Chapter 4 – Transport and Moving Logistics
Shipping containers, luggage, vehicle transport, customs, etc.
Chapter 5 – Finding Housing in Morocco
Renting vs. buying, popular areas (based on profile), risks to avoid
Chapter 6 – Social and Professional Reintegration
Reconnecting with your roots, working or starting a business, schools, friends, language
Chapter 7 – Budget and Cost of Living
Europe vs. Morocco comparison, expected expenses, money-saving tips
Chapter 8 – Retirees: A Smooth Return
Pension transfer, health coverage, affordable cities
Chapter 9 – Conclusion and Useful Resources
Checklist summary, helpful links and contacts, words of motivation
