As you transition to working in Morocco, you need employees willing to move with you. However, those looking to live and work in Morocco need to apply for work visas in their country of residence at the Moroccan consular post. After arriving in Morocco, they then must apply for a residence permit. If you don’t know how to obtain a Moroccan work visa in Morocco, here are a few general guidelines.
Types of work visas in Morocco
All international employees will need a Morocco work visa to legally work in the country.
There are several broad categories for visas in Morocco, but the most common for employment purposes is the long-term visa. This group of visas is valid for 1 year maximum and the duration of each stay must be no longer than 90 days.
The work visa is a subtype of Morocco long-term visas. International employees looking for a job in Morocco must obtain a work visa in addition to a work permit.
As of June 2023, the Moroccan labor authorities offer short-term work authorizations that allow non-nationals to work in Morocco for up to 90 days. However, this authorization cannot be extended once expired.
Requirements to obtain Morocco work visas
First, employers must have the following to apply for a work visa:
- Unless otherwise exempt, approval from the National Agency for the Promotion of Employment and Skills (ANAPEC) – Affidavit – that confirms no Moroccan national is suitable for this position.
- Work authorization, which is granted by the Ministry of Labour and Occupational Integration, in the form of a visa affixed to the potential international employment contract.
As the employer, you must take care of these steps on behalf of your employees. Then, give the documents to them so they can apply for a work visa and residence permit.
Morocco has a few basic requirements to obtain a work visa, as well as specific requirements that vary by visa types that allow short-term work activities in Morocco. Requirements also vary based on the reason your employee is traveling and the duration of their stay. The documents every applicant must have include:
- Application form
- Passport and photocopies of passport
- 2 passport-size pictures
- Paid visa fee
Employees will also need to show their criminal record from police authorities in their country of residence and a medical certificate confirming their physical health. The Ministry of Education will also certify copies of the employment contract, which must be included in the application. After entering the country through a long-term visa, your employees will need to apply for a Residence Card at the local police station within 3 months.
Application process
Employees need to apply for a Morocco working visa at a diplomatic mission in their country. Every country and representative office has slightly different application processes, but the general steps include:
- Making an appointment at the Morocco consulate or embassy.
- Completing the visa application form.
- Gathering the required documents.
- Submitting all documents at the embassy or consulate.
- Paying the visa fee.
- Waiting for the visa to get processed.
- Receiving the visa.
If the employee doesn’t have a local embassy or consulate, they must see if Morocco’s government will handle visa submissions with another diplomatic authority or agency. If the answer is still no, employees can apply directly to Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Once the visa is approved, the employee can pick it up at the airport.
Other important considerations
Residents from other countries are not allowed to work in any jobs based in Morocco that can be filled by a local national. Most international employees must have high-level skills not commonly found in Morocco, such as speaking another language or having specialized training. You may need to advertise positions and interview other candidates to prove you could not find a citizen of Morocco suited for the job.
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At this moment, G-P does not offer support in the processing of work visas or permits in this particular location. For any other inquiries, contact us today.