To register a company in Morocco as an Italian investor, you must follow a defined process that includes obtaining a Negative Certificate, depositing the share capital, notarizing documents, registering with Moroccan authorities, and complying with tax and social security regulations.
Why Morocco Appeals to Italian Investors
Morocco is a rapidly developing country with:
Strategic location near Europe, West Africa, and the Middle East
Strong trade agreements, including with the EU, USA, and over 50 African countries
Business-friendly reforms like the New Investment Charter
Tax exemptions and repatriation of profits
Access to a skilled workforce and low labor costs (average wage: $1.39/hour)
Step-by-Step Guide to Register a Company in Moroccoas an Italian Investor
1. Choose Your Company Structure
Most Italian investors prefer:
SARL (LLC): Requires 1+ shareholders and minimal capital
SA (Joint-Stock Company): Ideal for large projects, more regulated
Branch Office: If extending an existing Italian company
Law 5-96 governs joint-stock companies, ensuring good corporate governanceInvestment in Morocco -…
2. Reserve a Company Name
Request a “Certificat Négatif” via the Regional Investment Center or online
Confirms your business name isn’t already in use
3. Deposit Share Capital
Required capital varies by company type:
SARL: No minimum capital
SA: 300,000 MAD minimum (approx. €27,000)
Open a temporary bank account in Morocco to deposit the capital
4. Draft and Notarize the Statutes
Prepare:
Articles of incorporation
Identity documents of shareholders
Declaration of investment for foreign partners
Have these notarized and apostilled if issued in Italy.
5. Register with Moroccan Authorities
Submit documents to:
Tribunal de Commerce (Commercial Court)
RC (Registre de Commerce) – business registry
CNSS (Social Security) – for employee registration
Tax Office (TP and IF) – for professional tax and corporate income tax
6. Get Sector-Specific Licenses
Some sectors (e.g., import/export, transportation, food) may require:
Customs registration
Professional permits
Environmental clearance (if industrial)
7. Open a Permanent Bank Account
Once registered:
Convert your temporary account into a full corporate account
This allows capital repatriation and access to double tax treaty benefits
Tax & Social Security Overview for Foreign Companies
Tax Type
Rate
Corporate Tax (general)
30%
Reduced Rate (<3M MAD)
15%
Social Solidarity Tax
2.5%–5%
VAT
20%
Employer Contributions
20.71–25.71%
Employee Contributions
8.05%
Top Sectors for Italian Investors in Morocco
Automotive and Aerospace Manufacturing
Renewable Energy Projects (Solar/Wind)
Agro-industry & Food Processing
Textile and Apparel
E-commerce and Logistics
Tourism & Hospitality
Morocco aims to create 500,000 jobs in 3 years through the New Investment Charterdoing company in morcco
Why Partner with a Local Advisor or Law Firm
Navigating bureaucracy in Morocco can be challenging due to:
Complex paperwork requirements
Need for multiple official stamps
Regional variations in procedure
A local consultant can assist with:
Translation and legalization
Setting up appointments
Fast-tracking approvals
Advising on repatriation and tax structures
BH Adviser assist Italian clients from A to Z — from bank setup to licensing.
FAQs
Can I repatriate profits as an Italian investor?
Yes. Morocco allows free capital movement and profit repatriation, especially with Italy under bilateral investment agreements.
How long does it take to register a company in Morocco?
Roughly 3–7 days if all documents are ready, and no special licenses are required.
Do I need to reside in Morocco to open a company?
No. You can operate remotely via a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) or set up a subsidiary without relocating.
Is it better to open a branch or a new company?
For lower initial effort, a branch is easier. But for full independence and local branding, a SARL or SA is ideal.
Conclusion: Morocco Is Ready for Italian Business
Registering a company in Morocco as an Italian investor is not only possible—it’s profitable. With trade agreements, low taxes, and government support, Morocco offers a gateway to Africa, Europe, and beyond. Partner with a reliable advisor, and unlock a high-growth market from day one.
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