Key Facts for Moroccan Citizens
- Visa Required: Yes (Schengen for tourism, National for residence)
- Most Common Visas: Work, Family Reunification, Student, Non-Lucrative
- Processing Time: 15-45 days at consulate
- Spanish Consulates: Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Tetouan, Nador, Agadir
- Citizenship Timeline: 10 years (1 year if married to Spanish citizen)
- Tax Treaty: Yes (active)
- Dual Citizenship: Morocco allows it. Spain requires renunciation declaration, but Morocco doesn’t recognize it. Most keep both.
Why Moroccans Choose Spain
Just 14 kilometers separate Morocco and Spain at the Strait of Gibraltar. A ferry ride takes 35 minutes. This proximity has shaped centuries of shared history and cultural exchange. Over 800,000 Moroccans call Spain home today, the largest African community and second-largest immigrant group overall.
Many Moroccans from the north speak Spanish fluently before they arrive. Arabic influences permeate Andalusian architecture and food. The existing community network makes everything easier: finding apartments, navigating bureaucracy, connecting with family already here.
Economic opportunity drives decisions. Spain needs workers in agriculture, construction, hospitality, and healthcare. The minimum wage reached 1,134 euros monthly in 2024. For young Moroccans facing 30%+ unemployment at home, Spain offers a realistic path to stability.
Visa Options for Moroccan Citizens
Not sure which visa fits your situation? Each path has different requirements, timelines, and tax implications. Book a consultation and we’ll map out the optimal visa and tax strategy for your move.
Spanish Consulates in Morocco
Spain maintains six consular offices in Morocco, more than any other African country. Your application goes to the consulate covering your residence.
Rabat – Embassy
Handles diplomatic relations and visa processing
Covers: Rabat, Sale, Kenitra and surrounding areas
Highest volume, longest wait times
Casablanca – Consulate General
Morocco’s busiest consulate
Covers: Casablanca region
Book appointments weeks in advance
Tax Considerations
Tax Treaty: Morocco-Spain
An active double taxation agreement prevents you from paying tax twice on the same income. This matters if you maintain property, investments, or business interests in Morocco.
Key Points:
- Beckham Law: Flat 24% tax for 6 years on Spanish income only
- Remittances: Legal and straightforward. No special authorization for sending money to Morocco
- Property: Moroccan rental income remains taxable. Treaty allocates rights, but paperwork required in both countries
Path to Spanish Citizenship
Standard path: 10 years continuous legal residence. Marriage to a Spanish citizen reduces this to just 1 year.
Dual citizenship reality: Spain requires a formal renunciation declaration. You’ll sign documents at the Civil Registry giving up Moroccan citizenship. However, Morocco doesn’t recognize Spain’s renunciation. Moroccan law permits dual citizenship. In practice, most Moroccans keep both passports.
Citizenship requires passing two exams: DELE A2 (Spanish language, basic conversational) and CCSE (Spanish culture and government, 25 multiple-choice questions). Many northern Moroccans already speak Spanish well enough to pass without formal study.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the visa process take?
Short-stay Schengen visas: 15 days typically, up to 30 in summer. Long-stay national visas: 1-3 months depending on consulate. Plan for 3 months total from first appointment to visa in hand.
Do I really have to renounce Moroccan citizenship?
You must sign Spain’s renunciation declaration. But Morocco doesn’t recognize it – Moroccan law allows dual citizenship. Most naturalized Moroccans effectively hold both passports. However, we advise against publicly claiming dual nationality to Spanish authorities.
Which city in Spain is best for Moroccan immigrants?
Barcelona and Madrid have the largest Moroccan communities with mosques, halal shops, and cultural associations. Malaga and Costa del Sol offer proximity to Morocco – daily ferries to Tangier. Almeria has significant agricultural employment. Choose based on job prospects and family connections.
We Handle Everything
Spanish bureaucracy is relentless. Visa applications, tax residency, NIE appointments, ongoing compliance. Getting any of it wrong costs time and money. We handle the paperwork and planning so you can focus on actually building your life here.
This guide provides general information about moving from Morocco to Spain. Requirements can change. Contact us for personalized advice on your situation. Information accurate as of January 2026.