Best Citizenship by Investment Lawyers in Tétouan

About Citizenship by Investment Law in Tétouan, Morocco

Morocco does not offer a citizenship by investment program. There is no lawful mechanism in Tétouan or anywhere in Morocco to obtain Moroccan nationality solely by making a financial investment, purchasing real estate, or donating to the state. Any person or company promising a Moroccan passport in exchange for investment is not relying on Moroccan law.

What does exist is a practical pathway that many investors use. You can invest in Morocco, obtain legal residence based on that investment, live in Morocco for a sustained period, and then apply for naturalization under the Moroccan Nationality Code. Naturalization is discretionary and requires you to meet strict eligibility criteria, including demonstrated integration and regular residence. Tétouan applies the same national rules as the rest of Morocco, with local administration by the police foreigners office and support for investors through the regional investment center serving Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima.

If your goal is to live, work, and do business in Tétouan, a lawyer can help you pursue residency by investment, structure your enterprise, and assess whether you may later qualify for naturalization.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You want to verify the legality of any offer described as citizenship by investment. A lawyer will confirm that Morocco has no such program and help you avoid fraud.

You plan to obtain residency by investment. A lawyer can structure the investment, prepare the business incorporation in Tétouan, and coordinate your residence permit application with the local authorities.

You are buying real estate. Legal counsel will run title due diligence, confirm zoning, check whether the land is agricultural or convertible, draft or review the notarized deed, and manage funds through compliant channels.

You need exchange control compliance. Foreign investments financed in foreign currency must be properly registered to preserve your right to repatriate capital and profits. A lawyer liaises with your bank and the exchange control office requirements.

You want tax and corporate compliance. Counsel coordinates tax registration, statutory books, corporate governance, payroll if you hire staff, and filings with the regional investment center and tax authorities.

You require immigration support for family members. A lawyer can plan spouse and child residence permits, schooling considerations, and eventual eligibility for facilitated nationality routes where applicable.

You wish to apply for naturalization. Counsel assesses eligibility, prepares the file, manages translations and legalizations, and follows up with the competent ministries. Naturalization is discretionary, so a strong file matters.

You encountered a refusal or delay. A lawyer can present appeals or administrative complaints within Moroccan procedures and timelines.

Local Laws Overview

Nationality. Moroccan nationality is governed by the Nationality Code, originally enacted by dahir in 1958 and amended, including in 2007. There is no citizenship by investment. Naturalization is possible by decree if you meet conditions such as being of legal age, having good conduct, having lawful and habitual residence in Morocco for at least 5 years, having adequate knowledge of Arabic, and demonstrating sufficient means of support. Spouses of Moroccan nationals and certain children may access facilitated procedures, subject to conditions. Naturalization is not automatic, it is discretionary.

Immigration and residence. Entry, stay, and irregular migration are governed at the national level. Investors typically enter with an appropriate visa if required, then apply for a residence card in Morocco. In Tétouan, residence permits are processed by the local police foreigners office. Investor and company manager categories are commonly used bases for the residence card when you incorporate and actively manage a Moroccan company.

Investment framework. Morocco adopted a new investment charter through a framework law that modernizes incentives and support. The Regional Investment Center for Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima provides a one stop shop for company creation and investment facilitation. Incentives depend on sector, size, location, and job creation.

Company forms. Common vehicles include the SARL limited liability company and the SA joint stock company. Many foreign investors choose an SARL for simplicity. Incorporation requires name reservation, articles of association, capital deposit, tax and commercial registrations, and publication formalities. The regional investment center can streamline steps.

Real estate. Foreigners can purchase most types of property, but agricultural land is generally restricted unless converted to non agricultural use by authorization. Property transfers must be executed before a Moroccan civil law notary. Title searches, urban planning clearances, and tax checks are essential.

Exchange control. Foreign currency inflows for investment should be made through licensed Moroccan banks into convertible accounts. Proper registration of the foreign investment preserves repatriation rights for capital, dividends, and sale proceeds. Documentation at the banking level is critical.

Tax. Businesses must enroll for tax identification, comply with corporate income tax or personal income tax as applicable, VAT if relevant, and other local taxes. Morocco has anti money laundering rules and know your customer checks that apply to banks, notaries, and professionals.

Language and documents. Arabic and French are widely used in administration. Certified translations and legalized documents are often required for immigration, company, and court filings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Morocco offer citizenship by investment in Tétouan or elsewhere

No. Morocco has no citizenship by investment program. You cannot lawfully acquire Moroccan nationality only by investing money or buying property. Be cautious of any offer claiming otherwise.

What is the realistic path for an investor to become a Moroccan national

The typical path is to invest, obtain residence in Morocco, live there lawfully and habitually for several years, integrate, and then apply for naturalization. The Nationality Code requires at least 5 years of lawful habitual residence plus other criteria. Approval is discretionary.

How long do I need to reside in Morocco before applying for naturalization

As a general rule, at least 5 years of lawful and habitual residence before you file your application. Time must be continuous and properly documented through valid residence cards, tax filings, leases or property ownership, and other proof of integration.

Can buying property in Tétouan get me citizenship or a residence permit

Buying property does not grant citizenship and does not automatically grant residence. It may support your residence application if combined with lawful stay, means of support, and compliance with real estate and exchange control rules. A lawyer can structure a compliant plan.

What company type should I use if I want residency by investment

Many investors form an SARL limited liability company and apply for a residence card as a manager or shareholder manager. The best structure depends on your sector, partners, and tax profile. Legal advice is recommended before incorporation.

Can I repatriate my invested capital and profits

Yes, if your investment is financed in foreign currency through Moroccan banking channels and properly registered under exchange control rules. Keep all bank attestations and investment registration documents to preserve repatriation rights.

Does Morocco allow dual citizenship

Moroccan law permits dual nationality, but dual nationals are generally treated as Moroccan while in Morocco and remain subject to Moroccan laws and obligations. Always seek tailored advice on the implications in your case.

Can my spouse and children obtain residence and later apply for nationality

Family members can generally apply for dependent residence if you qualify and meet income, housing, and documentation requirements. Their future eligibility for nationality depends on their own residence history and the specific provisions that might apply, including facilitated routes for spouses of Moroccan nationals.

What documents are usually required for an investor residence application

Expect to provide a valid passport, visa if applicable, clean criminal record from your home country and Morocco, proof of address in Tétouan, medical certificate, company documents such as articles and registration, tax identification, bank attestations of funds, and photos. Certified translations and legalizations are often required.

How can I avoid scams related to citizenship by investment in Morocco

Verify every claim with a licensed Moroccan lawyer or the relevant authority. Do not wire funds to obtain a passport. Ensure contracts are notarized where required. Use Moroccan banks for investment transfers. Remember that there is no lawful citizenship by investment in Morocco.

Additional Resources

Ministry of the Interior - oversees residence permits and security approvals for foreigners.

Regional Investment Center for Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima - one stop shop for company creation, permits, and investor support serving Tétouan.

Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency - national body promoting and supporting investments and export projects.

Office des Changes - exchange control authority setting rules for foreign currency, investment registration, and repatriation.

Directorate General of Taxes - for tax identification, filings, and tax policy affecting investors.

Order of Moroccan Notaries - professional oversight for notaries who handle property and certain corporate acts.

Tétouan Bar Association - directory of licensed attorneys who can advise on immigration, corporate, and real estate matters.

Prefecture of Tétouan - foreigners office within the local police for residence permits and renewals.

Your home country Moroccan embassy or consulate - for visas, document legalization, and consular guidance.

Courts of First Instance in Tétouan - jurisdiction for various civil and administrative matters relevant to investors.

Next Steps

Step 1 - Clarify your objective. If your goal is a Moroccan passport through investment, reset expectations. Plan for residency and possible naturalization rather than citizenship by investment.

Step 2 - Book a consultation with a licensed lawyer in Tétouan. Ask about experience with investor residence, company setup, and nationality filings. Verify credentials.

Step 3 - Choose an investment route. Options include forming an SARL in Tétouan, expanding an existing foreign company through a branch, or investing in non agricultural real estate for business use.

Step 4 - Structure and document the investment. Use Moroccan banks for foreign currency inflows. Obtain investment attestations to secure repatriation rights. Draft solid corporate documents and governance rules.

Step 5 - File for residence. Prepare your residence card application with complete documentation, translations, and legalizations. Coordinate with the local foreigners office in Tétouan.

Step 6 - Maintain compliance. Keep your residence valid, file taxes, renew corporate registrations, and respect labor and social security rules if you hire staff.

Step 7 - Build evidence of integration. Keep leases, utility bills, school records for children, language study proof, and community ties. This supports any future naturalization file.

Step 8 - Reassess eligibility. After at least 5 years of lawful habitual residence, ask your lawyer to review whether a naturalization application is appropriate, then prepare a complete and persuasive file.

Step 9 - Stay alert to legal changes. Investment incentives, immigration procedures, and nationality rules can evolve. Get periodic legal updates.

Step 10 - Protect against fraud. Never pay for a Moroccan passport. Execute key transactions before a notary. Use traceable banking channels. Keep copies of all filings and approvals.

This guide is informational. Laws and procedures change, and outcomes depend on your facts. Always seek tailored legal advice before you act.