Morocco Work Visa

National labour and residency laws govern a structured immigration process necessary for working legally in Morocco. Unlike tourists or business visitors, foreign employees must obtain work authorisation, a work/employment visa (when required), and a residence permit later. The information below provides a clear, accessible overview of how Morocco’s work visa system operates.

Who Needs a Morocco Work Visa?

Anyone who intends to work in Morocco, visa-free or not, must follow the work authorisation process. 

Types of Morocco Work Authorisation and Work Visas

Morocco offers two main options, depending on how long a foreign national will work in the country:

• Short-Stay Work Authorisation (Up to 90 Days): Used for temporary assignments such as technical missions, consultancy, short projects, training, or urgent on-site work. This option does not lead to a residence permit and cannot usually be extended. For longer employment, applicants must follow the long-term process.

• Long-Term Work Authorisation and Work Visa (More Than 90 Days): The standard process for foreign nationals working in Morocco for over 90 days, allowing renewable permission to live and work in the country.

Morocco Work Visa: Application Steps

In Morocco, a “work visa” is not a single document. Instead, it is a three-step legal pathway that allows a foreign national to work and reside in the country:

Step 1: Obtain Work Authorisation: Submitted by the Employer to the Ministry of Labour

• Prepare the Employment Contract: 

The employer prepares the official Foreign Worker Employment Contract (CTE).

• Labour-Market Verification (If Required):

The employer requests an ANAPEC non-availability certificate, confirming that no qualified Moroccan candidate is available for the job.

• Submit to the Ministry of Labour:

The employer submits the full file to the regional office of the Ministry of Labour.

• Receive Work Authorisation: 

The Ministry reviews the file and stamps the CTE, confirming the official work authorisation.

Step 2: Apply for the Morocco Work Visa (Applicant Action)

1. Prepare Visa Documents: Required documents typically include:
   • The passport must be valid for the entire duration of the stay in Morocco.
   • Visa application form
   • Passport photos
   • Stamped, work-authorised CTE.
   • Police clearance
   • Medical certificate (if requested)
   • Proof of residence
   • Accommodation or employer letter
2. Submit to the Embassy/Consulate
   The applicant files the visa application at the Moroccan diplomatic mission responsible for their location.
3. Receive the Work Visa
   Once approved, the applicant receives a work visa that permits entry into Morocco for employment.

Step 3: Apply for the Residence Permit: This must be submitted by the applicant holding a long-term work visa to the local police or security authority in Morocco.

1. Prepare the Residency File: Required documents generally include:
   • Passport
   • Stamped CTE
   • Employer attestation
   • Proof of address in Morocco
   • Photos
   • Required forms
2. Submit in Morocco
   The applicant submits the file to the Prefecture of Police or the relevant local authority.
3. Receive a Residence Permit
   Once approved, the applicant receives a residence permit, usually valid for 1 year, renewable with ongoing employment.

Query

Can the embassy request an interview during the work visa process?

Yes. Depending on internal procedures, the diplomatic mission may request an interview before issuing the visa.

Can the work visa be refused even if the stamped CTE is approved?

Yes, Embassy assessment is independent, and additional checks may influence the decision.

How many entries are allowed on the Morocco work visa?

Entry allowance is set by the issuing embassy, and the final number of entries appears on the issued Visa.

Important Restrictions

• Employment is not permitted while holding a Morocco eVisa.
• The Morocco eVisa cannot be converted into a work visa or a residence permit.
• An approved Foreign Worker Employment Contract (CTE) is required before any employment-related visa application.
• Working without proper authorisation may result in fines, deportations, or employer penalties.

Note: Morocco’s immigration and visa regulations are subject to change. Applicants and employers should always verify the latest requirements with the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, or the nearest Moroccan embassy or consulate before applying.