MoroccoCompany formation, tax and banking
Casablanca Finance City: a capped tax rate for 20 years and a gateway to French-speaking Africa.
Casablanca Finance City (CFC) gives qualifying regional head offices, financial firms and service providers a company tax rate capped at 20%, a full exemption in years one to five for some types of company, and easier foreign-exchange rules — in a country with free trade agreements with the EU, the US, Turkey and much of Africa.
Morocco's manufacturing base, especially cars and aerospace around Tangier and Kenitra, makes it a real alternative to Eastern Europe for European companies moving production closer to home.
Why people choose Morocco
- Company tax capped at 20% on export and international income
- Five years' exemption for some types of company
- Easier foreign-exchange rules and personal income tax advantages for foreign staff
- Free trade agreements with the EU, the US, Turkey and much of Africa
- Tangier Med, Africa's largest port, is two hours from Spain
Where Morocco fits
- Africa regional HQ
- Financial services
- Manufacturing
Where Morocco fits in a structure
Typical role · Regional head office for Africa
A Casablanca Finance City (CFC) company is a real regional head office or financial firm covering French-speaking and West Africa, close to the EU. With CFC status, company tax on export and international income is capped at 20%, some types of company get five years' exemption, and moving money across borders is easier. Morocco is also a manufacturing base for Europe, especially cars and aerospace around Tangier and Kenitra.
What it depends onCFC status needs a real presence in Casablanca, minimum staff and a yearly renewal against your commitments, owners are on the public commercial register, and without the status currency controls get in the way.
A simplified picture to explain the idea, not a recommendation. General information, not tax or legal advice.
Opening a bank account
Attijariwafa Bank, BMCE Bank of Africa, Banque Populaire and international banks serve businesses. Casablanca Finance City status makes foreign-currency accounts and cross-border transfers easier; without it, currency controls get in the way. Opening an account takes three to six weeks.
How tax works here
Companies with Casablanca Finance City status pay company tax capped at 20% on export and international income, with five years' exemption for some types of company from the year they get the status. Normal company tax rises to 35% for large local companies. VAT is 20%. Industrial companies in free zones get lower rates.
Real presence, and who can see the owners
Casablanca Finance City status needs a real presence in Casablanca, a qualifying type of business, minimum staff, and a yearly renewal checked against the commitments you made when applying. Company owners are filed on the public commercial register. Currency controls apply outside the CFC and free zones.
When to choose it
Choose Morocco for a regional head office covering French-speaking and West Africa, for manufacturing that serves Europe, or for financial services that need an African base close to the EU.
You get a written comparison, not a sales pitch.
Every Morocco recommendation comes as a written comparison with the alternatives — whether the setup will stand up to scrutiny, how easy banking will be, which tax treaties apply, who can see the owners, what it costs to run each year and the risk to your reputation — so you can see the trade-offs before you commit.
Considering Morocco? Get a written comparison first.
Answer six questions and our team will come back with a shortlist, rough costs and where you could bank.
Questions we hear on every Morocco intake.
- What does Casablanca Finance City status give me?
- Company tax capped at 20% on international income, easier foreign-exchange rules, and personal income tax advantages for foreign staff.
- Is Morocco good for moving production closer to Europe?
- Yes. Tangier Med is Africa's largest port, two hours from Spain, with established car and aerospace supply chains and a free trade agreement with the EU.
- Are there currency controls?
- Yes, outside Casablanca Finance City and the free zones. That's a key reason to get the status if moving money across borders is central to your business.
What we typically deliver in Morocco
Corporate Structuring
Groups of companies across several countries: holding companies, companies that own your IP, joint-venture companies, and moving a company to a new country.
BankingInternational Banking
Personal introductions to 25+ private and business banks that are actively taking clients — UK, EU, Gulf, Asia, Caribbean, US.
ComplianceFiduciary & Compliance
Independent directors, anti-money-laundering procedures, proof of real presence, and the day-to-day admin that keeps companies in good standing.
MobilityResidency by Investment
Golden visas and residency in 13 countries — Portugal, the UAE, Malta, Greece and more.
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Every engagement begins with a twenty-minute advisory call. The fee is in writing before any work begins. No hourly billing.