Commercial and Office Spaces for Businesses in Morocco

Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias

Morocco offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to establish and grow their business. Whether you’re looking for commercial space, an office, or a warehouse, it’s crucial to choose the right location and type of space that fits your needs. In this article, we’ll guide you through the key steps to find the perfect space for your business in Morocco.

The Best Strategies for Finding Your Professional Space

Finding the ideal space for your business in Morocco requires a methodical and well-planned approach. Here are some effective strategies to help in your search:

1. Leverage Online Platforms

Websites specializing in commercial real estate are excellent sources of information. Platforms like Avito.ma, Mubawab.ma, or Sarouty.ma offer numerous listings for commercial spaces, offices, and warehouses for rent or sale throughout Morocco. These sites allow you to filter your searches according to your specific criteria (location, size, budget, etc.).

2. Use Specialized Real Estate Agencies

Professional real estate agencies often have extensive portfolios of commercial and industrial properties. They can help you find opportunities that aren’t necessarily publicly listed and guide you through the entire rental or purchase process.

3. Explore Industrial and Commercial Zones

Visit the industrial or commercial zones that interest you directly. You can spot vacant spaces and contact owners or managers directly. This approach may help you discover opportunities before they’re widely advertised.

4. Use Your Professional Network

Word of mouth remains an effective way to find real estate opportunities. Talk about your search with your professional contacts, suppliers, or clients. They might have valuable information about available spaces in your industry.

5. Check Local Newspaper Ads

Although less used than before, local newspapers can still be an interesting source of information, especially for smaller towns or areas less covered by online platforms.

Good to Know:

Finding professional space in Morocco often requires a combination of these different approaches. Don’t hesitate to diversify your information sources to maximize your chances of finding the ideal space.

Key Players in Moroccan Commercial Real Estate

To facilitate your search for commercial space, offices, or warehouses in Morocco, it’s essential to know the main players in the commercial real estate market. Here’s a list of the most reputable agencies and platforms:

1. Specialized Real Estate Agencies

– JLL Morocco: Global leader in corporate real estate, JLL offers comprehensive services for renting and purchasing professional properties in major Moroccan cities.

– CBRE Morocco: Present throughout the country, CBRE offers a wide range of real estate services for businesses, including commercial and industrial space searches.

– Colliers International Morocco: This international agency has strong expertise in corporate real estate in Morocco, with a particular focus on Casablanca and Rabat.

2. Specialized Online Platforms

– Mubawab Pro: Dedicated section for commercial real estate on one of Morocco’s largest real estate portals.

– Sarouty Business: Offers a wide selection of commercial and industrial spaces across the country.

– Avito Pro: The professional section of Avito, Morocco’s most popular classifieds website, offers numerous commercial space listings.

3. Local and Regional Agencies

In each city or region, you’ll also find local real estate agencies specializing in commercial real estate. These agencies may have in-depth knowledge of the local market and less visible opportunities.

4. Real Estate Developers

Some major real estate developers in Morocco, like Addoha, Alliances, or Palmeraie Développement, develop projects including commercial spaces and offices. It may be worth checking their offerings directly.

5. Business Centers and Coworking Spaces

For entrepreneurs looking for flexible solutions, business centers and coworking spaces like Regus, Workspot, or NewWork offer offices and workspaces in major Moroccan cities.

Good to Know:

Each agency or platform may have its specificities in terms of types of properties offered or geographic areas covered. Don’t hesitate to compare offerings and contact multiple players to find the space that best fits your needs.

Rental Application: Essential Documents to Prepare

Renting commercial space in Morocco requires preparing a complete application. Here are the main documents typically required by owners or real estate agencies:

1. Company Documents

– Recent commercial registry extract (model 7) – Company bylaws – Minutes of manager appointment (if different from bylaws) – Professional tax registration certificate – Latest balance sheets and income statements (for existing businesses)

2. Legal Representative Documents

– Copy of national ID card (CIN) or manager’s passport – Recent proof of address

3. Financial Guarantees

– Bank statements from recent months – Bank solvency certificate – Security checks (typically 3 to 6 months’ rent)

4. Business Plan and Financial Forecasts

For new businesses or in case of activity change, a detailed business plan and financial forecasts may be requested to assess project viability.

5. Professional References

Recommendation letters from previous landlords or business partners can strengthen your application.

6. Renovation Plan

If you plan renovation work, a description or plan may be required to obtain the owner’s prior approval.

7. Insurance

A professional multi-risk insurance certificate will generally be required before lease signing.

Good to Know:

Careful preparation of your rental application is crucial to reassure the owner about your seriousness and ability to honor your commitments. A complete and well-presented application will significantly increase your chances of obtaining the desired space.

Rental Budget: How Much Does Commercial Space Cost in Morocco?

The cost of renting commercial space in Morocco varies considerably depending on several factors. Here’s an overview of the main elements to consider in your budget:

1. Monthly Rent

Rental prices depend heavily on location, size, and condition of the space. As a guideline:

– Downtown Casablanca offices: 150 to 300 MAD/m²/month – Main street commercial spaces in Marrakech: 100 to 200 MAD/m²/month – Warehouse in Tangier industrial zone: 40 to 80 MAD/m²/month

2. Rental Charges

In addition to rent, plan for monthly charges that may include:

– Condominium fees: 10 to 30 MAD/m²/month – Water and electricity consumption – Common area maintenance

3. Security Deposit

Generally equivalent to 3 to 6 months’ rent, to be paid at lease signing.

4. Agency Fees

If you use a real estate agency, expect about one month’s rent in agency fees.

5. Notary Fees

For lease registration, plan for about 1% of annual rent.

6. Professional Tax

Although paid by the tenant, its amount (approximately 10% to 20% of annual rent) can be negotiated with the owner.

7. Renovations and Work

Depending on the space’s condition and your specific needs, budget for renovation work and bringing up to standards.

8. Insurance

Professional multi-risk insurance is mandatory and its cost varies depending on your business nature and value of insured items.

Good to Know:

Rental prices can vary considerably from one city to another and even from one neighborhood to another. It’s crucial to study the local market carefully and include negotiation margin in your budget.

Moroccan Cities Offering the Best Cost-Effective Opportunities

If you’re looking to optimize your setup costs in Morocco, some cities offer interesting opportunities in terms of value for money for commercial spaces. Here’s an overview of destinations to consider:

1. Tangier

With its port and free zone, Tangier attracts many businesses, particularly in industrial and logistics sectors. Rents are generally more affordable than in Casablanca, while offering excellent international connectivity.

2. Kénitra

In full economic development, Kénitra benefits from its proximity to Rabat and the establishment of major companies like Peugeot. Commercial real estate prices remain attractive, particularly in new industrial zones.

3. Meknès

This historic city offers interesting opportunities for businesses, particularly in agribusiness and services sectors. Rents are significantly lower than in major metropolitan areas.

4. Agadir

Main city in southern Morocco, Agadir attracts businesses related to tourism, fishing, and agriculture. Commercial real estate prices are competitive, especially in new business zones.

5. Oujda

Located in eastern Morocco, Oujda is developing rapidly thanks to its strategic position near the Algerian border. Setup costs are among the lowest in the country.

6. Fès

Morocco’s spiritual capital offers interesting opportunities, particularly in its new business district and free zone. Prices remain moderate compared to major coastal cities.

7. Settat

Close to Casablanca, Settat is attracting more and more businesses thanks to its developing industrial zones and competitive rents.

Good to Know:

Although these cities offer more advantageous setup costs, it’s important to also evaluate the local economic ecosystem, availability of qualified workforce, and access to necessary infrastructure for your business before making your choice.

Support and Incentives to Facilitate Your Setup

Morocco has implemented several mechanisms to encourage investment and facilitate business setup. Here are the main support programs and incentives you could benefit from for renting or acquiring commercial spaces:

1. Industrial Development and Investment Fund (FDII)

This fund offers grants up to 30% of investment costs for acquiring or constructing industrial buildings in certain priority sectors.

2. Free Zones

Companies setting up in free zones benefit from tax and customs advantages, as well as often competitive rents for industrial spaces and offices.

3. Integrated Industrial Platforms (P2I)

These dedicated zones offer quality infrastructure and shared services, with tax incentives and advantageous rents for companies establishing there.

4. “Tatwir – Green Growth” Program

This program supports investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency, with grants that can cover part of space renovation costs.

5. Investment Promotion Fund (FPI)

This fund can cover part of land acquisition or rental costs in certain priority regions for industrial development.

6. Regional Support

Some regions offer specific incentives to attract investors, such as reductions on land prices or grants for space renovations.

7. Regional Investment Centers (CRI)

These one-stop shops can help you identify available support in your region and assist you with your setup procedures.

8. Moroccan Agency for Investment Development and Exports (AMDIE)

AMDIE offers personalized support to investors, including information on real estate opportunities and available support according to your project.

Good to Know:

Support and incentives vary depending on business sector, company size, and setup region. It’s recommended to contact the Regional Investment Center of the area where you wish to establish to get detailed and updated information about programs you could benefit from.

Conclusion: Succeeding in Your Moroccan Setup

Finding the ideal space for your business in Morocco is a crucial step in your setup process. By following the advice and strategies presented in this article, you’ll maximize your chances of finding the perfect space to develop your business.

Remember that the key to success lies in a methodical approach:

– Clearly define your needs and budget – Explore all available options, from specialized agencies to online platforms – Carefully prepare your rental application – Consider cities offering the best value for money – Inquire about available support and incentives

Finally, don’t hesitate to get assistance from local professionals who know the Moroccan real estate market and the country’s regulatory specificities well.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. We encourage you to consult qualified experts before making any investment, real estate, or expatriation decisions. Although we strive to maintain up-to-date and accurate information, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the proposed content. As investment and expatriation involve risks, we disclaim any liability for potential losses or damages arising from the use of this site. Your use of this site confirms your acceptance of these terms and your understanding of the associated risks.

About the author
Cyril Jarnias

Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.

On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.

Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.

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