Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Morocco. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

Business visitors traveling to Morocco may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Attend business meetings
• Attend conferences and trade shows
• Participate in classroom training
• Develop business contacts

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Morocco?

Many EU, Arab, African, and other select nationals, including US nationals and Canadians, do not need a visa to conduct business activities in Morocco for under 90 days. Business visitors who require a visa to enter Morocco must obtain a Business Visa prior to travel from a Moroccan Consulate or Embassy.

Working in Morocco

What sorts of activities require a work permit?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Moroccan law. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in Morocco, even if conducted for a short duration.

• Hands-on technical work
• Repairs and maintenance
• Project planning and implementation
• Auditing

In some cases, you may be eligible to perform some hands-on or technical activities under a  “temporary mission assignment” from the sending or receiving company for less than 60 to 90 days; however, a legal assessment is recommended prior to travel.

If I am traveling to Morocco for work, what type of work permit do I need?

Whether you require a work permit depends on your qualifications, whether your employer has an entity in Morocco, and the nature of your work. The most common type of Moroccan work authorizations are the:

• Work/Residence Permit (direct hire work permit)
• Work Permit for Expatriate Assignees (local hire work permit)
• Work Permit for Seconded Assignees (intra-company transfer work permit)

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

Nationals of Algeria, Senegal and Tunisia do not require a work authorization for Morocco.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization entail careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.