A Guide to Moving from UAE to Morocco: Visas, Costs & Customs
Published on July 18, 2024
Introduction: Your Gateway to North Africa
Moving from the United Arab Emirates to the Kingdom of Morocco is a journey into a land of rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. From the imperial cities of Rabat and Marrakech to the bustling economic hub of Casablanca, Morocco offers a unique and enchanting lifestyle. A successful relocation, however, requires a clear understanding of the residency process, shipping logistics, and Moroccan customs regulations.
This guide is designed for UAE residents planning a move to Morocco. We'll cover the essential steps, from securing your residency permit and estimating shipping costs to navigating customs and settling into your new North African home.
Part 1: Visas and Residency in Morocco
Securing your legal right to live in Morocco is your first priority. As a non-EU/US citizen, you will need to enter Morocco and then apply for residency.
The Residency Permit (Carte de Séjour)
You can typically enter Morocco as a tourist for up to 90 days. During this period, you must apply for your residence permit. The process is handled by the local Bureau des Étrangers (Foreigners' Office) at the police headquarters in your city of residence.
Common Grounds for Residency:
- Work: You have a contract with a Moroccan company. Your employer must first obtain a work permit for you.
- Business/Investment: You are starting a business in Morocco.
- Student: You are enrolled in a Moroccan educational institution.
- Family: You are joining a spouse who is a Moroccan citizen.
- Retirement/Sufficient Funds: You can prove you have sufficient, stable financial resources to support yourself without working in Morocco.
The Process:
- Enter Morocco: Arrive on a standard tourist entry.
- Gather Documents: This is a document-heavy process. You will generally need: your passport, passport photos, proof of address in Morocco (rental contract), proof of financial resources, a Moroccan bank account statement, a background check from your home country, and a medical certificate.
- Apply Locally: Submit your application at the Bureau des Étrangers in your city. The process can take several months, and you will receive a temporary receipt (
récépissé) while your application is being processed.
Part 2: Shipping Your Belongings to Morocco
Sea freight is the most economical method for shipping household goods from the UAE.
- Main Port: Most shipments arrive at the Port of Casablanca, Morocco's largest and busiest port.
- Transit Time: The door-to-door transit time from the UAE to Morocco is typically 5 to 8 weeks.
- Shipping Options:
- LCL (Less than Container Load): For smaller moves, you share container space.
- FCL (Full Container Load): An exclusive 20ft or 40ft container for larger moves.
Estimated Shipping Costs (UAE to Casablanca)
Shared Container (LCL) - 5 cbm
- Estimated Cost: 8,500 - 13,000 AED
- Best For: Studio or 1-bedroom apartment contents.
20ft Full Container (FCL)
- Estimated Cost: 17,000 - 25,000 AED
- Best For: A full 2-3 bedroom home.
To get a quick estimate of your volume, use our free Moving Volume Calculator.
Part 3: Navigating Moroccan Customs
Moroccan customs procedures are strict and require precise documentation. For official information, consult the Moroccan Customs Administration (Administration des Douanes et Impôts Indirects).
Duty-Free Import of Household Goods
Morocco allows for the duty-free import of used household goods and personal effects under a "change of residence" declaration, but conditions apply.
Key Conditions:
- For Moroccan Nationals Returning: Must provide a "certificat de changement de résidence" from the Moroccan consulate in the UAE, proving they have lived abroad.
- For Foreign Nationals: You must have your valid Moroccan residence permit (
Carte de Séjour) to clear the shipment. You cannot clear a shipment on a tourist visa. - The goods must have been owned and used for at least 6 months.
- The goods must be for personal use and not for resale.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
- Prohibited: Drones, narcotics, firearms, and materials deemed contrary to Moroccan laws or Islamic morals.
- Restricted: All books and media are subject to inspection. Certain electronics may require special permits. Do not ship large quantities of any single item.
Essential Documents for Customs:
- Copy of Passport and valid Residence Permit (
Carte de Séjour). - "Certificat de Changement de Résidence" (for returning nationals).
- A detailed and valued inventory list (packing list), translated into French.
- Bill of Lading (provided by your mover).
- An authorization letter for your moving company's agent to handle clearance.
FAQs: Moving from the UAE to Morocco
1. When should I ship my belongings?
You should only arrange for your shipment to arrive in Morocco after you have received your Carte de Séjour (or at least the temporary récépissé). Shipments cannot be cleared without it and will incur heavy storage fees at the port if delayed.
2. Is it better to ship furniture or buy new in Morocco? The quality and style of furniture in Morocco are excellent, with both modern and traditional artisan options available. However, high-quality modern furniture can be expensive. If you have good furniture in the UAE, it is often worthwhile to ship it.
3. What is the language situation in Morocco? The official languages are Arabic and Tamazight (Berber). French is the unofficial second language and is widely spoken in business, government, and major cities. English is becoming more common in tourist areas and among the youth, but learning some French or Darija (Moroccan Arabic) is essential for daily life.
4. Can I bring my pet from the UAE to Morocco? Yes. Your pet will need to be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination certificate and an official health certificate issued by a government vet in the UAE shortly before travel.
Conclusion: A Well-Planned Moroccan Adventure
Moving to Morocco offers a rich and rewarding cultural experience. The key to a successful relocation is patience and meticulous preparation, especially with the residency and customs paperwork. Partnering with an international mover that has a strong and experienced local agent in Casablanca is crucial for navigating the bureaucracy and ensuring a smooth clearance process for your belongings.
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