Planning a workation in Marrakech? Or a business trip to Rabat or Casablanca? Learn the essential information you and your employees need to work safely and compliantly while traveling in Morocco, including working conditions, safety and health regulations, tax treaties, social security, and more.
Capital city
Rabat
Telephone code
+212
Official language
Arabic, Amazigh (Berber)
Currency
Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Time zone
UTC+1
Social security compliance
When working remotely abroad, your employees may become subject to the social security scheme of the destination country, which means you, as an employer, would need to pay social security premiums accordingly. Morocco has social security agreements with several countries, available here, to prevent the payment of double social security premiums or non-insurance.
To ensure your employees remain compliant with these treaties, they must possess a valid Certificate of Coverage (CoC) obtained from the relevant local authorities. For WorkFlex users, the CoC is issued automatically after a trip request is submitted. Discover our solution for efficient social security risk mitigation here.
Tax compliance
Morocco has signed bilateral tax treaties with numerous countries that specify the steps to take to avoid double taxation. These treaties generally follow international standards and provide guidelines for various types of income, including employment income.
Despite the existence of tax treaties, the issue of Permanent Establishment remains a significant compliance concern for employers with employees temporarily working in Morocco. If a traveling employee is deemed to constitute a Permanent Establishment in Morocco, the employer may be required to:
- Register the company locally
- Allocate profits to the local business (branch)
- File corporate taxes
- Comply with various local regulations
To avoid this scenario, follow the guidelines mentioned in the "Working" section.
Overriding local employment provisions
Employees traveling to Morocco are expected to comply with some basic local employment provisions that may be qualified as overriding, such as minimum salary standards. Please refer to the local authorities to find out the recent information about minimum salary in Morocco.
Visa
To work legally while in another country, employees generally need a valid work title. It's important to keep in mind that the consequences of entering without the proper documentation can be significant for both the employee and the employer.
For those planning work-from-anywhere trips to Mexico, here's a quick overview:
- E-Visa: Available for eligible nationalities for short stays
- Visa-Free Entrance: Several nationalities can enter Morocco without a visa for short stays
- Standard Visa: Required for nationalities not eligible for e-visa or visa-free entry
- Visa on Arrival: Not available - all required visas must be obtained before travel
- Digital Nomad Visa: Morocco does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa program.
Need trip-specific visa information? Check out WorkFlex Visa Navigator.
For those planning a business trips to Morocco, here’s what you need to know:
- E-Visa: Available for business visitors from eligible countries
- Visa-Free Entry: Several nationalities can conduct business visits without a visa
- Business Visa: Required for nationalities not eligible for e-visa or visa-free entry
- Visa on Arrival: Not available for business travelers
Need trip-specific visa information? Check out WorkFlex Visa Navigator.
Working hours
Most employees in Morocco work from Monday to Friday, with a standard workweek consisting of 44 hours. The workday is typically running from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a lunch break of 1-2 hours in between. During Ramadan, working hours are typically reduced.
To remain compliant during your trip abroad, here are some suggestions to follow:
- Avoid working overtime: Regulations regarding overtime can differ significantly and may be much stricter compared to those in your home country.
- Refrain from working outside regular hours: The rules surrounding working outside regular hours may vary and could be stricter than in your home country.
- Do not work on weekends: If the weekend days differ from those in your home country, please avoid working on both your regular weekend days and the local weekend days.
Public holidays
National holidays:
- January 1: New Year's Day
- January 11: Manifesto of Independence
- May 1: Labor Day
- July 30: Throne Day
- August 14: Oued Ed-Dahab Day
- August 20: Revolution Day
- August 21: Youth Day
- November 6: Green March Day
- November 18: Independence Day
Islamic holidays (dates vary):
- Eid al-Fitr
- Eid al-Adha
- Islamic New Year
- Prophet's Birthday
Depending on the region you're visiting, there may be additional region-specific public holidays. For more information about these holidays, please check here.
To comply with labor laws, please refrain from working on national or regional holidays during your trip. These days hold significant importance for locals and provide a great opportunity for you to blend in and celebrate with the community.
Working activities
When considering travel for work purposes—whether for a workation or a business trip—it is crucial to understand the implications of Permanent Establishment (PE) and associated tax risks. PE is a significant compliance concern for companies and can become costly due to the administrative burden if the compliance requirements for employees working abroad are not properly managed. To help mitigate these risks, here are a few guidelines to follow.
If you are traveling for a workation, please:
- Refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during your trip.
- Avoid visiting clients or any office, including your employer's local office in the destination country.
Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risks related to Permanent Establishment for your employer.
If you are a business traveler, it may be difficult to avoid the activities mentioned above. In this case, please ensure you inform your employer's compliance department about this matter. If you and your organization are WorkFlex users, this topic is addressed through the WorkFlex platform.
Data protection
Data protection is fundamentally about keeping our information safe from unauthorized access, breaches, theft, or damage. This responsibility is important for everyone, regardless of where they are working.
When employees work temporarily from abroad, data protection involves ensuring continued coverage and compliance with the data protection regulations of both, the home country and the destination country. Morocco has implemented Law No 09-08. Its level of regulation and enforcement is characterized robust. That means data protection laws are well-established with strong safeguards and regulatory mechanisms. While comprehensive, enforcement may be less stringent in certain areas compared to "heavy" regimes. Learn more about it here.
For WorkFlex users, a comprehensive list of data protection activities is available in the profile, but here are some general data protection guidelines to keep your data safe:
- Adhere to Your Company's Internal Data Policies: Familiarize yourself with and follow your organization’s specific data protection protocols.
- Use Secure Network Connections: Always connect through secure networks, especially when accessing sensitive information.
- Be Aware of Phishing: Stay vigilant against phishing attempts by verifying the authenticity of emails and messages before clicking on any links.
- Utilize Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication: Create complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
- Keep Your Devices in a Secure Location: Always store your devices in safe places to prevent unauthorized access.
- Lock Your Screen Whenever Applicable: Ensure your screen is locked when you're away from your device to protect your information.
Local emergency phone
190 (Police), 150 (Ambulance)
Vaccination
Guidelines
Drinking potable water
Not advisable
Travel health insurance
When traveling to Morocco for work—whether for a short business trip or an extended workation—it's essential to have comprehensive health insurance coverage to ensure access to medical care.
For business trips, the employer typically arranges the employee's travel health insurance. However, for workations, these responsibilities can be less clear. WorkFlex takes care of travel health insurance for trips worldwide to ensure there are no costly consequences for either the employee or the employer if accidents occur while working abroad.
For travelers using WorkFlex
If you’re traveling with WorkFlex, comprehensive health insurance is automatically included if your employer has activated this feature. For more details, please refer to your trip request on the WorkFlex platform.
For other travelers
Ensure you have travel health insurance with worldwide coverage, whether for a workation or business trip, so that you can receive adequate medical treatment in case of an emergency.
Urgent safety information
For travelers using WorkFlex:
Please refer to your trip's risk assessment under the "Health and Security" dimension to review any urgent security information relevant to your travel.
For other travelers:
Please visit official authority websites to check for any current threats or urgent security advisories:
Terrorism
Follow the global security advisory and general precautionary measures.
Domestic situation
The political situation in Morocco is generally stable and calm. However, isolated, spontaneous, and unexpected demonstrations can occur, often related to economic and social grievances. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations may also take place, but they are typically peaceful.
- Stay informed through local media and closely monitor the political situation.
- Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, particularly near mosques following Friday prayers.
- Exercise caution when expressing political opinions publicly.
Border Region with Algeria
Travel to the immediate border region with Algeria is strongly discouraged.
- The land border with Algeria has been closed since 1994 and is strictly controlled. Moroccan security forces closely monitor the area, and arrests may occur.
The safety of foreign nationals in this region cannot be guaranteed. - Avoid leaving main roads toward Algeria and do not attempt to cross the land border.
- Desert tours to the southern dune landscapes (e.g., Erg Chebbi near Merzouga or Erg Chegaga near Zagora) can be undertaken with knowledgeable and registered tour operators, preferably in a group.
Check the current security situation with your tour operator or local authorities before embarking.
Western Sahara
Travel to the Western Sahara region is strongly discouraged.
- Consular assistance is unavailable in this area, and the embassy cannot issue documentation for border crossings. Obtain any necessary permits from Moroccan authorities before traveling.
- Off paved roads, especially near the borders with Mauritania, there is a risk of landmines and unexploded ordnance.
- The border wall separating Moroccan-controlled areas and Frente Polisario-controlled areas is a restricted zone.
- Do not leave the main Laayoune–Dakhla–Mauritanian border route under any circumstances.
Rif Mountains
Cannabis cultivation is widespread in the Rif Mountains (northeastern Morocco), and instances of harassment by drug dealers have been reported.
- Avoid traveling alone in the Rif Mountains.
- Do not engage in drug purchases. Drug possession in Morocco is a criminal offense and carries severe penalties.
Crime
Robbery and theft are common, particularly near tourist attractions and historic city centers. Violence or weapons may sometimes be used, especially by attackers under the influence of drugs.
- If attacked, do not resist and try to remain calm.
- Safeguard cash, identification, driver’s license, and important documents. Store electronic copies or photos to facilitate replacement if needed.
- Carry only the cash you need for the day, leaving unnecessary valuables and your passport in a safe location. Keep only a color copy of your passport with you.
- Be cautious when asking for directions or using ATMs, particularly if strangers offer assistance under the guise of being a local guide.
- Avoid responding to unfamiliar emails, phone calls, prize notifications, offers, or requests for help from supposed acquaintances. Do not share personal information and verify authenticity in person or contact the police.
Safety tips
- Avoid traveling alone, especially off-road.
- Undertake trekking tours in mountainous regions or desert areas (e.g., Zagora, Merzouga) only in groups and with registered local guides.
- Check the current security situation with Moroccan police authorities on the day of your trip.
- Prefer cashless payments when possible and keep electronic backups of essential documents.
- Exercise caution and avoid visiting restricted or high-risk areas without proper guidance.
Coastal Regions (Casablanca, Rabat):
- Mild year-round temperatures
- Summer: 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)
- Winter: 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F)
- High humidity
Interior (Marrakech, Fez):
- Hot summers (35°C to 45°C/95°F to 113°F)
- Mild winters (5°C to 20°C/41°F to 68°F)
- Large day-night temperature variations
- Very low humidity
Atlas Mountains:
- Snow in winter
- Cool summers
- Rapid weather changes
- Altitude considerations
Airports
Mohammed V International Airport (CMN)
- Location: Casablanca
- When to use: Main international hub, excellent connections worldwide
Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
- Location: Marrakech
- When to use: Tourist destination, international flights
Rabat–Salé Airport (RBA)
- Location: Rabat
- When to use: Capital city access, government travel
Train stations
Casablanca Voyageurs Station
Main connections:
- High-speed Al-Boraq service to Tangier
- Regular trains to Rabat and Marrakech
- Airport express link
- Local commuter services
Rabat Ville Station
Main connections:
- Government center hub
- Al-Boraq high-speed service
- Regular services to major cities
- Regional connections
Tangier Ville Station
Main connections:
- Al-Boraq terminus
- Gateway to Europe via ferry
- Regional services
- City transport hub
Ride-hailing services
- Careem
- Heetch
- Local taxi apps
- Yassir
Public transportation
Long-Distance Services
CTM: National bus company
- Premium intercity service
- Air-conditioned coaches
- Online booking available
- Major city connections
Urban Networks
Casablanca
- Modern tram system
- City bus network
- Petit taxis (local)
- Grand taxis (intercity)
Rabat
- Tram system
- Bus services
- Taxi services
- Shared transport options
Local Transportation
- Petit taxis (within cities)
- Grand taxis (between cities)
- Local bus networks
- Modern trams in major cities