Opening a business in Morocco as a Spanish citizen is a straightforward process — you don’t need Moroccan nationality, and there are no major restrictions on foreign ownership. With Morocco’s strategic location, proximity to Europe, and investor-friendly policies, it has become an ideal gateway for Spanish entrepreneurs seeking North African market access.

Why Spanish Citizens Are Investing in Morocco

Morocco offers Spanish entrepreneurs:

Geographical proximity and fast logistics
Preferential trade agreements (including with the EU and Spain)
Affordable labor and operational costs
Tax exemptions and financial incentives
Strategic sectors like renewable energy, tourism, e-commerce, agribusiness, and automotive

Step-by-Step: Open a Company in Morocco as a Spanish Citizen

1. Choose Your Business Structure

Most Spanish citizens choose one of the following:

SARL (LLC) – Easiest and most common, with limited liability
SA (Joint Stock Company) – Best for larger operations or investors
Branch Office – For expanding an existing Spanish business
Auto-entrepreneur – For freelancers and small-scale startups

💡 For most small to mid-size Spanish businesses, an SARL is the optimal structure due to low capital requirements and flexibility.

2. Obtain a “Certificat Négatif” (Company Name Certificate)

This certificate confirms that your chosen business name is available. You can obtain it online via OMPIC.

3. Draft the Statutes and Incorporation Documents

Documents include:

Company statutes (signed and legalized)
Identification of Spanish shareholders
Address of the registered office in Morocco
Declaration of investment (for foreign capital)

The minimum capital for an SARL is MAD 10,000 (~€900). A Moroccan business bank account is mandatory.

5. Register the Company

You must:

Register with the Registre de Commerce (Commercial Register)
Obtain your ICE (Tax ID number)
Subscribe to the CNSS (Social Security)
File with the Tribunal de Commerce
Submit to the Direction Générale des Impôts

6. Get Licenses and Permits

Depending on your industry, you may need:

Import/export license
Food and health safety certificates
Environmental clearance
Sector-specific approvals

7. Hire Employees (Optional)

You’ll need to:

Register with the CNSS for social security
Subscribe to health insurance and professional training tax
Use payroll software or outsource via a Moroccan PEO or EOR for simplified hiring

📊 Key Tax Rates in Morocco

Tax	Rate
Corporate Tax (standard)	30%
Corporate Tax (< MAD 3M turnover)	15%
Employee Income Tax	Progressive (0%–38%)
Employer Social Charges	20.71% to 25.71%
Employee Contributions	~8.05%
VAT	20% (standard)

🧾 Spanish companies can benefit from Morocco’s double taxation treaty with Spain, ensuring profits aren’t taxed twice.

Top Sectors for Spanish Entrepreneurs in Morocco

Tourism & Hospitality – Especially in Marrakech, Agadir, Chefchaouen
Renewable Energy – Solar and wind projects are booming
Textiles & Manufacturing – Especially near Tangier and Casablanca
Agro-food & Agriculture – Morocco exports citrus, olives, seafood
E-Commerce – Morocco’s mobile commerce sector is rapidly growing

Advantages for Spanish Citizens

Shared Mediterranean culture and business values
Spanish widely spoken in northern Morocco
Direct flights from Madrid, Barcelona, and Málaga
EU-Morocco agreements simplify trade
Spain is Morocco’s #1 trading partner

Legal Considerations and Market Entry Tips

Use local legal advisors for statute drafting and compliance
Be aware of foreign investment rules in agriculture and fishing
Consider starting with a PEO or EOR if you don’t want a full legal entity
Moroccan bureaucracy involves multiple copies, stamps, and verifications — patience is key

Need Help Setting Up?

Contact a Moroccan law or accounting firm specializing in foreign business setups. They can:

Handle registration
Manage permits
Set up accounting and payroll
Assist with bilingual contracts

📧 Contact Us for a Free Consultation Face-to-Face

Let’s help you open your company in Morocco smoothly and legally.
Contact us now

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can Spanish citizens own 100% of a Moroccan company?

Yes. Morocco allows full foreign ownership in most sectors except for some restricted industries like agriculture and fishing.

Do I need a Moroccan partner?

No. You can fully own the business yourself as a Spanish national.

Can I repatriate my profits back to Spain?

Yes. Profits can be freely transferred after meeting tax obligations, thanks to Morocco–Spain treaties.

Do I need a residency permit?

Not initially. But if you plan to live in Morocco, you must apply for a residency card (carte de séjour) with your business documentation.

How long does it take to register a company?

Typically 3 to 7 weeks, depending on document completeness and location.

Get a Free Face-to-Face Consultation

Book your session today and start your business with expert guidance.