Moroccan visa resources
The Carte de Séjour: Registering to Live in Morocco
Anyone staying beyond the short-stay period must register with the police and obtain a residence permit under Law 02-03.
Important
Morocco's residence system is governed by Law No. 02-03 on the entry and stay of foreign nationals. Foreigners who intend to remain beyond the permitted short-stay period must report to the local police authority after arrival and apply for a residence permit — the registration card (carte d'immatriculation / carte de séjour), which can be issued for between one and ten years.
After a period of continuous and regular residence, holders can move to the longer-term ten-year residence card (carte de résidence), which is renewable. The residence permit is what gives practical access to services such as banking, housing, healthcare and vehicle registration, and it must be renewed before it expires.
Key points
- Report to the local police authority soon after arrival
- The registration card is the first-issue residence permit
- A ten-year residence card is available after continuous, regular residence
- Renew before expiry to maintain lawful status
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.