Moving To Morocco

Morocco is a country located in North Africa, known for its rich culture, history, and cuisine. From the bustling streets of Marrakech to the stunning beaches of the Atlantic coast, Morocco offers a diverse and exciting experience for visitors and expats alike. You can explore ancient medinas, sample traditional tagines, and learn about the country’s Islamic and Berber heritage.

Moving to Morocco from the USA can be an exciting transition! You need to consider quite a few things for this international relocation that includes, visa requirements, cost of living, language barriers, cultural differences, and job opportunities. Researching these factors will help you make an informed decision. Additionally, consulting with a relocation expert like International Sea & Air Shipping can provide you with valuable insights.

When you are moving to Morocco consider making a detailed plan for the move and settling down in the country for a smooth transition.

Moving to Morocco from USA

The International Sea & Air Shipping Advantages

An international move to Morocco from the USA will come with its own set of challenges! You need to consider the visa and permanent residency processes for a legal entry and stay in the country. You will also need to make a detailed arrangement for the transfer of your household goods, car and pet if you own them.

Hiring an international mover is always beneficial when you are relocating to another country. At International Sea & Air Shipping we have years of experience in handling international relocations globally. Our professional team of international moving experts can make the entire process of moving to Morocco from the USA hassle-free.

We provide A-to-Z specialized moving services for all types of relocations. Our team will take care of the packing of your household goods, choosing the right container and freight services and they will also advise you on the time it will take to transfer your belongings. The added advantage of hiring our professionals at International Sea & Air Shipping is that you get high quality services at an affordable rate.

About Morocco

Situated in the Maghreb region of North Africa, Morocco is known for large swathes of desert, mountainous regions and coastlines on both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean oceans.

In addition to a mixed landscape, Morocco is also a unique and diverse culture created by a combination of Arab, Berber (a race indigenous to the Nile Valley), Sub-Saharan African and European influences.

While the predominant religion for the population of 33,250,000 people is Islam, the official languages of Morocco are Berber and Arabic. Moroccan Aravic (Darija) and French are also widely spoken throughout the country.

As for living in the area, Morocco was ranked the number one African Country by the quality-of-life index, thanks in part to an economy boost helped along by high tourism growth.

Customs Regulations for Morocco

  • Passport (copy that includes a photo page and entry stamp into Morocco)
  • Bill of lading/airway bill
  • Valued inventory list (notarized in French, dated and signed by client)
  • Change of residence certificate (original, in French, issued by authorities at point of origin and signed and stamped on official letterhead)
  • Residence visa (from nearest central police station in Morocco)
  • Work permit or letter from your employer
  • Work contract (issued by Labor Ministry in Rabat)
  • Authorization letter (signed by customer to authorize Destination Agent to clear the shipment)
  • Packing list (in French)
  • Duty-free certificate (for free entry provided by Customs head office)
  • Customer’s presence is not required for Customs clearance
  • Electronics and appliances should be loaded near container door
  • Electronics and appliances less than six months old require invoices
  • Shipments may be subject to inspection
  • If additional shipments are being imported (past the initial shipment), Customs authorities must be informed of their arrival
    • If two shipments are being imported, the second should arrive no more than six months after the first
  • All documents must arrive at least 15 days before the shipment’s arrival to the Destination Agent

In Morocco, some articles may not be imported in a customer’s baggage whatsoever. These items include, but may not be limited to:

  • Narcotics and illegal drugs
  • Pornography and politically sensitive materials
  • Walkie-talkies, phones, answering machines and fax machines
  • Alcohol (with the exception of wine)
  • Tobacco
  • Moroccan currency
  • Explosives

Some articles may have restricted quantities or require special authorization/ payments of duties and taxes to clear customs in Morocco. These items include, but are not limited to:

  • Firearms and ammunition
    • Smooth-barreled hunting rifles are allowed, but they require an import permit and must be stored near the container door
  • Food and beverage
  • Antiques
  • Medication (permit from the Ministry of Health required)
  • Portable and mobile phones (permit from the Ministry of P.T.T. required)
  • Alcohol
    • Only wine is permitted, but no more than 12 bottles are allowed
    • Must state “Fond de cave ou ustensiles de cuisine” on packing list
  • Books, records, cassettes and disks (must have separate inventory list stating the title and author)
    • This information will be viewed by the Ministry of Information and issued with a Censorship Visa

In Morocco, the following rules apply to importing motor vehicles:.

  • Vehicles may be imported for a temporary three month period without duty
    • After this period, the vehicle must be exported or the customer must pay required duties
  • Vehicles over five years old are prohibited from importation
  • Vehicles must be for personal use only, they are not for sale, rental, or transfer
  • Vehicles must be exported upon leaving the country

For importation, you will need the following documents:

  • Title (original) and registration
  • Passport
  • Import permit
  • Bill of lading (original)
    • Must state chassis and engine serial numbers, weight, make and model
  • Commercial invoice

When importing a pet to Morocco, they will need to be accompanied with the following documentation:

  • Certificate of vaccination
  • Health certificate
    • Dated no more than 14 days before departure from origin country
    • Must be issued by a licensed veterinarian
  • Documents must be certified by Department of Agriculture and sent to the Moroccan Consulate

The following may be imported into Morocco duty-free:

  • Household goods and personal effects are duty-free if they are more than six months old
    • New items less than six months old are dutiable and require commercial invoices
  • Clothes for personal use
  • Tobacco (200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 25 cigars or 250 grams of assortments)
  • Alcoholic drinks (1 liter bottle)
  • Jewelry, perfume (150 ml) and cologne (250 ml)
  • Souvenirs and presents whose value does not exceed 2000 DH
  • Cameras, video cameras, binoculars or CD players
  • Tape recorders, radios, TVs, typewriters, calculators, laptops and cell phones
  • Musical instruments
  • Bicycles (standard, tandem or ones with auxiliary motors)
  • Non-residents must re-export these items after their stay has ended

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170

Moving to Morocco; What do you need to do?

There are many great reasons to move to Morocco from the USA. The low cost of living, the vibrant cultural heritage, the good quality of life and stunning beauty of the country all are great reasons to consider Morocco as your next home.

However, there are certain things you need to consider before making the move. Here in the following few paragraphs, we will try to share important information pertaining to your move to Morocco from the USA.

Visa for moving to Morocco from the USA

If you are an American citizen or belong to any country in the European Union, you will not require an entry visa to enter Morocco. You can enter and stay in Morocco for three months.

However, in case you are relocating to Morocco from the USA for work or business purposes and considering staying in this North African country for a longer term then you need to have a proper visa to justify your move to this country.

Morocco offers business visa for people considering moving to Morocco from the USA for work purposes and stay in the country for more than 90 days. However, while applying for visa they will have to produce a letter or contract from the employer.

Once you move to Morocco you will need to apply for a residency permit which is called, carte de séjour. This is required when you plan to stay in this country for more than 90 days. For a residency permit one has to apply to the immigration authorities available at the central police station in each district.

Top reasons to move to Morocco from the USA

Affordable cost of living: This is a great relief to know that when you relocate to Morocco from the USA you will find the cost of living to be affordable. The cost of living in this North African country is generally lower compared to that of the USA, with rent, food, and transportation costs being relatively lower. A single person can live comfortably in Morocco on a budget of around $1,500-$2,000 per month, while a family of four can live comfortably on a budget of around $3,000-$4,000 per month.

Delicious cuisine: Indulge in lip-smacking dishes when you move to Morocco from the USA. Moroccan cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and diverse influences, including Arab, Berber, and French. Popular dishes include tagine (slow-cooked stews), couscous, and pastilla (meat pie). The use of spices such as cumin, coriander, and saffron adds depth and warmth to the cuisine. Don’t forget to try some freshly squeezed orange juice or a sweet mint tea!

Cultural immersion: Experience a unique blend of African, Arab, and Mediterranean cultures. Morocco also boasts of rich history and magnificent architecture. You can explore ancient medinas, mosques, and palaces.

Adventure opportunities: Morocco offers diverse adventure opportunities, from trekking in the Atlas Mountains to surfing in the Atlantic coast. Visitors can explore ancient medinas, kasbahs, and desert landscapes, or take a camel ride through the Sahara Desert. Adventure seekers can also enjoy rafting, kayaking, or bungee jumping in the country’s many rivers and gorges.

Excellent climate: Enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters.

Best places to live and settle down in Morocco

When you are planning to move to Morocco from the USA you will need to spend time and plan properly to find housing. Morocco offers a diverse range of exciting places to live, each with its own unique culture and charm.

There are a few great choices in terms of places. You can explore the following –

Marrakech: This is a popular choice for its vibrant souks, rich history, and vibrant nightlife.

Fez: This city is another great option, known for its well-preserved mediaeval architecture and spiritual atmosphere.

Casablanca & Rabat: These are coastal cities and offer a more modern lifestyle with access to beautiful beaches and a range of amenities.

However, you need to finalize the city or a place to live that is closer to your work or serves your purpose of moving to Morocco from the USA.

Overall, Morocco boasts of a culture that is welcoming and offers a good quality of life for the expats.