Strategic Guide to Incorporate a Real Estate Company in Morocco

How to Set Up a Real Estate Company in Morocco

Morocco’s Property Market Is Ripe for Foreign Investment

With rising urban demand, expanding infrastructure, and global attention ahead of the 2030 World Cup, Morocco’s real estate sector is poised for long-term growth. For foreign investors, launching a real estate company in Morocco offers a direct path to participate in residential, commercial, or hospitality development across the country.

Whether you’re developing, managing, or holding assets, Morocco’s legal and regulatory environment makes it possible to invest securely—with the right structure and local insight.

NH Management helps international investors form and scale real estate ventures in Morocco, from company setup and licensing to land due diligence and tax optimization.

Why Set Up a Real Estate Company in Morocco?

Morocco allows 100% foreign ownership of real estate companies across a variety of activity types. Establishing a real estate company in Morocco gives you a legal base to purchase land, build properties, manage assets, or lease commercial space.

Common real estate structures include:

  • Property development (residential, commercial, mixed-use)

  • Property management and rental services

  • Hospitality real estate (hotels, resorts, guesthouses)

  • Brokerage and agency services

  • Landholding or SPV companies

Each model requires specific licensing and planning, depending on your location and scope. For a breakdown of jurisdictional differences, see our guide on Free Zone vs Mainland in Morocco.

Step-by-Step: How to Start Your Real Estate Business in Morocco

1. Company Formation

Most real estate ventures are formed as either:

  • SARL (Limited Liability Company): Ideal for asset holding, leasing, or smaller developments

  • SA (Joint Stock Company): Suitable for large-scale projects or companies with multiple shareholders

You’ll need to prepare Articles of Association, identify shareholders and managers, and register your office address. NH Management manages the full incorporation process with the Centre Régional d’Investissement (CRI).

For a broader understanding of Moroccan entity types, refer to our Guide to Setting Up a Business in Morocco.

2. Land and Title Due Diligence

Before acquiring or developing land, your real estate company in Morocco must conduct full due diligence. This includes title checks through the Conservation Foncière, reviewing urban plans, and confirming zoning with local municipalities.

We ensure your investment is legally sound and free of encumbrances before proceeding to acquisition or permitting. Securing the right approvals is a critical step in launching a compliant and successful real estate company in Morocco.

3. Licensing and Permits

Depending on your project, you may require:

  • Construction permits

  • Operational licenses for hotels or hospitality real estate

  • Environmental approval (especially for coastal or large-scale developments)

  • Brokerage licensing, if offering sales or leasing services

NH Management handles all application procedures, submissions, and follow-ups with relevant Moroccan authorities.

4. Taxation and Investment Incentives

Corporate tax in Morocco ranges from 10% to 32%, but real estate projects may qualify for special incentives if they:

  • Operate in free zones

  • Include affordable housing initiatives

  • Support tourism or sports infrastructure (relevant ahead of World Cup 2030)

Additional taxes include:

  • VAT (typically 20%) on sales and materials

  • Registration duties (usually 4% on property transactions)

  • Business tax (taxe professionnelle) based on the rental value of your office or holdings

We structure your real estate company in Morocco to take full advantage of available exemptions and minimize tax exposure.

Foreign Ownership Rules and Structuring

Foreign individuals and entities can:

  • Own residential and commercial real estate

  • Acquire freehold land in most urban zones

  • Lease agricultural land (ownership is restricted)

We assist in setting up Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) when needed for individual developments, financing, or joint ventures. NH Management ensures your structure aligns with Moroccan legal and financial requirements.

If you’re new to operating in the country, we recommend reviewing our English-Speaking Advisory in Morocco for insights on working effectively with local authorities and partners.

Position Yourself for Long-Term Growth

From Casablanca to Marrakesh, Morocco is rapidly emerging as a stable and lucrative real estate environment. Establishing a real estate company in Morocco provides the legal foundation to invest, build, or manage property at scale—backed by one of North Africa’s most investor-friendly legal frameworks.

NH Management: Your Partner in Moroccan Real Estate

We help foreign investors launch real estate companies in Morocco with clarity, speed, and full compliance. From initial registration to tax strategy and government permits, NH Management ensures your investment is built to scale.

Contact us today at info@nhmanagement.com or call +971 4 222 1327 to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I own and develop land in Morocco as a foreigner?

Yes. Foreign companies can legally acquire and build on land, provided planning permissions are secured.

Is a local partner required?

No. Morocco permits 100% foreign ownership, although local advisors or consultants are often helpful for project execution.

Can I start with property management only?

Absolutely. You can form a SARL that focuses solely on management, leasing, or brokerage activities without owning real estate directly.

How long does the setup process take?

Typically 2–4 weeks, depending on project complexity, license type, and location.

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