Morocco is generally a great place to visit and tour but if you’re considering moving to the area then there are some things you want to keep in mind. This will be a very big move, so you want to be informed and make sure you’re making the best decision to permanently live within this area. By gathering the necessary information, you can learn more about becoming a part of a different area and working your way into being a local, instead of just a visitor or vacationer.
How You Should Move Your Items
Moving your items, big and small requires a bit of help. You cannot just show up at the airport with your whole apartment packed up into boxes and expect them to ship them all. They only allow so many boxes aboard the ship and this would cost you too much. To have your items moved from one place to the next, consider hiring a shipping company that can help you.
For around $2,500 to $3,800 your vehicle can be shipped to the destination for you, so you can use it when you get there. For a small additional charge, you can add your items to the shipping container and have them sent along with the vehicle. You will have all your items easily shipped to where you need them, without spending too much to get them there.
The documents required will be provided by the shipping company that is sending your items and vehicle.
Cost of Living within Morocco
The cost of living within Morocco is over half that of living within the US. This allows a wealthier US person to move to this new place and be better off, while allowing their money to go longer. 1 Dirham equals .27 US cents. This is a good exchange rate for bringing US currency over the country and having it converted to their native currency.
The cost of having a beautiful, furnished apartment in an upper class, safer area is around 9,000 Dirham. This equals out to around $2,400. However, there are other, lower cost and more affordable apartments available depending on what you’re looking for or the price you’d like to pay. To get an idea of some of the other prices within Morocco, you can check into bread prices which is around 2.70 Dirham or a 2 liter of Coca-Cola costs 12 Dirham.
A good thing about Morocco is that expats can join the workforce. Many private companies are located throughout the country and many will hire Americans, Brits and others who have moved to the area to live. This is a plus when someone wants to move to Morocco but still needs to earn a living outside of their home to pay for expenses.
Visa Requirements
If you can travel to the Embassy of The Kingdom of Morocco in Washington, DC, you need to bring them the following documentation to apply to become a resident within the country. If you cannot travel in person to the embassy, you need to contact them by telephone for information on submitting the information in a timely manner. It is recommended that you visit the country a few times as a tourist prior to deciding if this is the right move for you to make.
- A resident visa needs to be applied for within the first 90 days of being in the country.
- You need an application for residence within Morocco.
- Bring your updated passport with you
- Two passport photos
- Copy of a roundabout ticket
- Proof of finances
- Proof of health insurance for your stay
- Copy of your hotel stay receipt
- If you’re married to a national within the country, having their birth certificate and other information is helpful
- If you’re moving to the area due to a job, you need to provide proof of this job
Fun Things to Do in Morocco
Lively and vibrant are two words that are often used to describe this North African country. With a lot of diverse culture all around, you want to visit the neighbors and markets and explore what they offer. With many places to explore, taking time to check out historical places, nature walks and viewing beautiful sunsets is something so many want to do. There are also quite a few places to check out new movies, dine with family or friends or take a little time to unwind at the end of a long work day. Morocco is also known for their beautiful beaches, which is something you can take part in when you live there every day.
Ross Campbell for The Moroccan Times.
