Permanent Return to Morocco: The Complete Preparation Guide

The MRE permanently returning to Morocco benefits from customs exemption for personal effects and furniture. The exemption is 30,000 MAD for non-commercial goods. Two successive shipments are authorized within 6 months from the first customs clearance. Vehicles benefit from a specific regime depending on their age and engine size. MRE status is evidenced by the residence permit or certificate of residence abroad.

MREs can transfer their savings through the MDM (Marocains Du Monde) account opened at a Moroccan bank. This account allows repatriation of funds in foreign currency without quantitative restrictions, subject to justifying their legal origin. International transfers can be made from any foreign bank. It is advisable not to transfer everything at once and to keep part in foreign currency in a convertible dirham account to facilitate any occasional return trips.

Yes, this is essential to avoid continuing to pay contributions without benefiting from services. In France: declare the departure to the CAF, CPAM (Social Security), Pôle Emploi if registered, and the tax center. Also inform your bank, landlord (notice of departure), and ongoing contracts (electricity, internet, phone). In Belgium, Spain, Netherlands: equivalent procedures with the corresponding national organizations are necessary.

Social security conventions between Morocco and most European countries allow accumulating contribution periods to open entitlements. Once in Morocco, the pension can be paid directly to a Moroccan bank account in foreign currency. You must contact the pension fund of the country of residence (CNAV in France, INSS in Spain, etc.) to report the change of address and provide a Moroccan bank account number. An annual certificate of life may be required to maintain pension payments.

The MRE permanently returning must: 1) Declare their tax departure in the country of residence (final tax return), 2) Inform the local tax administration of their non-fiscal residence from a specific date, 3) Register with the Moroccan General Directorate of Taxes (DGI) if not already done, 4) Declare worldwide income from the date of return. Moroccan tax resident status implies taxation on worldwide income.

In France, rights to the ARE (Return to Employment Allowance) are lost upon permanent departure abroad. However, if the MRE returns to France to seek employment within 3 years of the rights being opened, they may recover them under certain conditions. In Belgium and the Netherlands, similar rules apply. Before departing permanently, it is advisable to inquire with Pôle Emploi (France) or the equivalent organization about acquired rights and portability options.

Several options exist: 1) Rent before arriving via online platforms (Avito, Mubawab), 2) Mobilize the family network in Morocco for a temporary solution, 3) Apply for a Moroccan bank mortgage (some banks grant loans to MREs even if non-residents), 4) Benefit from social housing programs from the Ministry of Housing (Daam, Sakane). Some cities offer more real estate opportunities than others depending on budget and professional objectives.