If you’re a Saudi Arabian investor looking to register a company in Morocco, the good news is: Morocco allows 100% foreign ownership . With strong bilateral relations between Morocco and Gulf countries, Saudi nationals benefit from a business-friendly environment, free capital repatriation, and attractive tax incentives.

Below is a full guide tailored to Saudi investors interested in entering the Moroccan market.


Why Morocco Is Ideal for Saudi Investors

  • Strategic Location: Gateway to Europe, West Africa, and the Middle East.
  • Favorable Bilateral Relations: Morocco and Saudi Arabia have robust economic ties and investment agreements.
  • Tax Incentives: Reduced corporate tax rates, exemptions in free zones, and no restrictions on profit repatriation.
  • Sectoral Diversity: Opportunities in real estate, tourism, renewable energy, agriculture, and logistics.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering Your Company in Morocco

Saudi investors typically choose from:

  • SARL (LLC) – Most popular for SMEs.
  • SA (Joint Stock Company) – Ideal for large enterprises.
  • Branch Office – Extension of an existing Saudi company.
  • Representative Office – For market research, not revenue-generating.

2. Reserve Your Company Name (Certificat Négatif)

This is the first legal step. The name must be unique and approved by the Office Marocain de la Propriété Industrielle et Commerciale (OMPIC).
📍 Do it online at ompic.org.ma

3. Draft Articles of Association

Must be notarized and signed. For SARL, include:

  • Company name and address
  • Capital contributions
  • Manager(s) appointment
  • Profit distribution rules

4. Deposit Share Capital in a Moroccan Bank

  • Minimum share capital for SARL: 10,000 MAD
  • Open a temporary bank account to deposit capital and obtain an attestation de dépôt.

5. Register at the Regional Investment Center (CRI)

The CRI acts as a One-Stop Shop, handling:

  • Tax registration (Identifiant Fiscal)
  • Trade register number (RC)
  • Affiliation with CNSS (social security)
  • Patent tax (Taxe Professionnelle)

6. Obtain Business Licenses and Sectoral Permits

Depending on the activity (e.g., tourism, real estate, e-commerce), additional authorizations may be needed.

7. Join CNSS (Social Security Office)

To hire employees legally, registration with CNSS is mandatory.


Tax Benefits for Foreign Companies

Tax TypeRate/Benefit
Corporate Tax (CT)10–30% based on turnover
VATStandard 20%, but exemptions exist in free zones
Social Security (Employer)20.71–25.71%
Tax HolidaysUp to 5 years exemption in specific zones or sectors

Top Investment Sectors for Saudis

1. Real Estate & Tourism

  • Invest in hotel resorts, luxury housing, or tourist zones like Marrakech and Agadir.

2. Renewable Energy

  • Morocco is targeting 52% renewable energy by 2030. Huge solar and wind opportunities exist.

3. Agriculture & Agro-Tech

  • Saudi investors can benefit from Morocco’s fertile land and incentives in agribusiness.

4. Logistics & Trade

  • Leverage Morocco’s free zones and ports like Tanger Med for import/export and distribution hubs.

5. E-Commerce & Tech Startups

  • Morocco is experiencing a digital boom, especially in fintech and online services.

  • Law 5-96 governs commercial companies including SARLs and SAs.
  • Law 24-10 ensures market competition and fair business practices.
  • Foreigners can fully own businesses in most sectors, but agriculture and fishing are restricted.

Government Support & Free Zones

  • Regional Investment Centers (CRI): Offer legal assistance and fast-track services.
  • Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE): Strategic support for foreign capital.
  • Free Zones (like Tanger Free Zone): Offer 0% corporate tax for 5 years, no customs duties, and full repatriation of profits.

Final Tips for Saudi Investors

  • Use a local business lawyer to ensure compliance with Moroccan commercial law.
  • Arabic-speaking advisors are widely available to assist Saudi nationals.
  • Consider a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) if you want to avoid managing payroll and HR yourself.

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