Self-funded Residence Card (retirees and people of independent means)

Overview

If you want to live in Morocco on a pension, investment income or savings rather than a Moroccan job, this is the residence path for you. It is the carte de sejour (carte d'immatriculation) in a non-working, visitor-style category, granted on the basis that you have stable means of support and a place to live, and it is issued by the DGSN through the Service des Etrangers. The card is renewable rather than permanent, so by itself it does not lead to settlement, but staying continuously and regularly over the years can later support an application for the longer carte de residence. Good to know: this card is about residing, not working - taking a Moroccan job would mean moving onto the work route with an ANAPEC-authorised contract.

Eligibility

Application pathway

1. 01

   Check the route fit

   Confirm you can show stable means of support and that the non-working residence category fits your situation on the official channels.

2. 02

   Build the evidence pack

   Gather proof of income or savings, your passport, proof of address and a medical certificate.

3. 03

   Submit through the official channel

   Apply for the residence card at the Service des Etrangers of your prefecture, where the DGSN processes it.

4. 04

   After approval

   Keep the card valid and renew before expiry; enough continuous, regular residence may later support a carte de residence.

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Compare Kingdom of Morocco with

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Related routes

• Long-stay Visa (Visa D)

  For anyone planning to live in Morocco for more than 90 days: the long-stay Visa D is the entry visa you obtain before travelling, and it is the step that comes before you register for a residence card once you arrive.

• Permanent Residence Card (carte de residence, 10-year)

  For long-term foreign residents of Morocco: the carte de residence is the longer, typically ten-year card you can apply for after years of continuous, regular residence, giving you a far more settled status than the renewable carte de sejour.

• Work Residence Card (carte de sejour, salarie)

  For foreign nationals taking up a job in Morocco: this is the employment-based residence card (carte de sejour) you hold once a Moroccan employer has secured an ANAPEC-authorised work contract for you, letting you live and work in the country lawfully.