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
1. Choose the Right Legal Structure
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 Type
Rate/Benefit
Corporate Tax (CT)
10–30% based on turnover
VAT
Standard 20%, but exemptions exist in free zones
Social Security (Employer)
20.71–25.71%
Tax Holidays
Up 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.
Legal Framework for Foreign Investors
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.