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Moroccans Living in France: Complete 2026 Guide

Updated on May 16, 20269 min read

The Moroccan diaspora in France numbers around 1.5 million people — the largest in the world. Whether you are a salaried employee, self-employed, student, or retiree, your status as a Moroccan Resident Abroad opens specific tax provisions, dedicated banking products (convertible dirham accounts), and partial social coverage in Morocco. This 2026 guide covers money transfers (comparison Wise / Wafacash / Western Union), the France-Morocco tax treaty of 1970 (revised), MRE mortgages with Moroccan banks, and your CNSS / French social security pension rights.

1. 1. MRE Status in France: Rights and Conditions

Moroccan authorities consider you a Moroccan Resident Abroad if you spend more than 183 days per year outside Morocco. The status grants access to convertible currency accounts, convertible dirham accounts, and the consular registration card (requested at the Moroccan consulate in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Lille, Strasbourg, Pontoise, Orly, or Villemomble).

Consular Card

Free document, valid 5 years, required for most procedures in Morocco (MRE property purchase, MRE bank account opening, CNSS family allowance request). Apply online via the consular portal.

Bank Accounts

In Morocco: convertible dirham account (funded only with foreign currency, freely transferable). In France: standard account; some networks (Banque Populaire, BMCE BOA, Attijariwafa Europe) offer MRE-specific packages.

2. 2. France → Morocco Money Transfers

Over EUR 9 billion is transferred annually by MREs from France to Morocco. Comparison of main services (average fees for EUR 1,000 transferred in May 2026):

Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Fees ~ EUR 4-7, real interbank rate, 1-2 business day delivery. Cheapest for amounts > EUR 500. Delivery to Moroccan bank account only.

Wafacash / Cash Plus

Fees EUR 8-15, instant in-branch delivery. Ideal for beneficiaries without bank accounts (rural areas).

Western Union / MoneyGram

Fees EUR 20-40, instant delivery. Most expensive but fastest for emergencies.

SEPA Bank Transfer

Fees EUR 0-15 depending on French bank, exchange rate set by Moroccan bank (less favorable than Wise). Delay 2-5 days.

3. 3. France-Morocco Tax Treaty: Avoiding Double Taxation

The 1970 treaty (revised 2009) allocates taxation rights between both countries. Key principles:

Salaries

Taxed in the country where work is performed. French salary = taxed in France only.

Real Estate Income (Morocco rentals)

Taxed in Morocco (property location). Reported in France via form 2047, with tax credit to avoid double taxation.

Real Estate Capital Gains

Taxed in the country of the property. 30 % MRE allowance on the sale of primary residence.

Retirement Pensions

Taxed in the retiree's country of residence.

4. 4. MRE Mortgage in Morocco

All major Moroccan banks offer MRE-specific mortgages: Attijariwafa Bank (Bladi MRE), Banque Populaire (Bladi Invest), BMCE BOA, CIH Bank, Crédit Agricole du Maroc. 2026 conditions: 20-30 % down payment, up to 25 years, 4.50-5.75 % APR, French income documentation required (last 3 pay slips, tax notice, employment contract).

5. 5. Pension: CNSS Morocco + French Social Security

The France-Morocco social security agreement (1965, revised 2007) allows the totalization of contribution periods in both countries. If you contributed 10 years in France and 5 years in Morocco (CNSS), you receive: (a) a French pension prorated to 10 years, (b) a Moroccan pension prorated to 5 years. Apply in your country of residence at retirement.

6. FAQ

Q.Can I freely transfer money from France to Morocco?
Yes, with no amount limit through legal channels (bank, Wise, Wafacash). The Moroccan Office des Changes does not cap incoming transfers in convertible currency.
Q.How much does a EUR 1,000 Wise transfer to Morocco cost?
Around EUR 4-7 in fees in May 2026, with the interbank exchange rate (the most favorable). Delivery in 1-2 days to a Moroccan bank account.
Q.Am I taxed in Morocco on my French salary?
No. The France-Morocco tax treaty assigns salary taxation to the country where work is performed. Your French salary is taxed in France only.
Q.Can I get a mortgage in Morocco with a French employment contract?
Yes. All major Moroccan banks (Attijariwafa, Banque Populaire, BMCE BOA, CIH) have MRE offers accepting French CDI contracts. Down payment 20-30 %, rate 4.50-5.75 %.
Q.Will I receive two pensions (France + Morocco) if I contributed in both countries?
Yes, thanks to the France-Morocco social security agreement. Each country pays a pension prorated to its contribution years. Apply in your country of residence at retirement.

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