Most expats underestimate how long the move takes. This is the realistic version, with margin for the inevitable Moroccan administrative pace.
Months 12–9 before move — Scout
- 2-week scouting trip to Tangier, ideally in winter (January–February).
- Walk the main expat-friendly neighbourhoods: Marshan, Iberia, Cap Spartel, Centre Ville, Malabata.
- Visit 2–3 schools if relocating with children.
- Open a non-resident foreign currency bank account (passport + proof of address from home).
- Decide rent vs buy (we always recommend renting first 12 months).
Months 9–6 — Paperwork at home
- Order birth, marriage, criminal record certificates and apostille them all.
- Get diplomas apostilled.
- Renew passports if less than 18 months validity.
- Apply for International Driving Permit.
- Notify your tax authority of the upcoming move (HMRC R85, IRS, etc.).
- Start basic French on Duolingo, Pimsleur or italki.
Months 6–3 — Logistics
- Get quotes from international movers — AGS, Crown Relocations, Mondial Movers all serve Tangier.
- Decide ship, sell or store: most expats ship one 20-ft container.
- Arrange pet relocation (vet certificate, microchip, rabies vaccine 21+ days before flight).
- Give notice on home, arrange storage of anything you keep.
- Book flights and 3–6 months of temporary housing in Tangier (furnished apartment via long-stay Airbnb or our local rentals).
Months 3–1 — Final prep
- Get last criminal record (must be under 3 months old on filing day).
- Buy travel insurance valid for the first 3–6 months.
- Inform banks, brokers and pension providers of your new address.
- Cancel direct debits you won't need.
- Pre-book a Moroccan tax accountant (cabinet comptable) for your first year.
Month 1 in Tangier — Land & set up
- Buy a Moroccan SIM (Maroc Telecom or Orange) within 24h of landing.
- Open a resident dirham account (or upgrade your non-resident account once you have an address).
- Sign a 6–12 month rental contract, registered at the impôts.
- Connect electricity (Amendis), water (Amendis), internet (any of the 3 ISPs).
- Get a Moroccan medical certificate (any GP, ~300 MAD) — needed for the carte de séjour file.
- Visit the Bureau des Étrangers to file the carte de séjour application.
- Convert your driving licence (within 1 year of arrival, otherwise you re-take the test).
Months 2–6 — Integrate
- Receive the carte de séjour (typically month 3–6).
- Enrol children in school.
- Sign up for AMO TNS or private health insurance.
- Build a local network: Tangier American Legation Museum, Institut Français, Cervantes events, expat WhatsApp groups.
- Hire a French/Arabic tutor for 2 hours/week.
Months 6–12 — Settle in
- Decide whether to renew the rental, move neighbourhoods, or buy.
- File first Moroccan tax return (April for the previous calendar year).
- If buying property: only with funds wired through the foreign currency account.
- Plan the first carte de séjour renewal (start 2 months before expiry).
FAQ
- Can I do this in 3 months instead?
- Possible but stressful. The blocker is usually the apostille queue at home, not anything in Morocco.
- Should I ship furniture or buy locally?
- Tangier has decent IKEA-equivalent stores (Mobilia, Kitea) and excellent custom carpenters. Ship only what's irreplaceable — books, art, kitchen knives, small appliances.
- What's the worst month to arrive?
- August (everything's closed, nothing gets done) and Ramadan if you don't know the rhythms. Best: September or April.