Taxation of the non-resident property investor
Moroccan property taxation is straightforward: duties on purchase, two annual taxes on the dwelling, a tax on rents and a tax on the capital gain at resale. Tax treaties prevent double taxation with most of our clients' countries of origin.
Sources checked: 2026-09
- 4%Registration duties
General Tax Code, art. 133
- 10% / 15%Gross rental income, final withholding rate
General Tax Code, art. 73: threshold of MAD 120,000 per year
- 20%Property gains tax (TPI)
General Tax Code, art. 73; minimum contribution 3% of the price
- 10.5%Municipal services tax, urban area
Law 47-06 on local taxation, on the rental value
On purchase
Three items are added to the price: registration duties (4% for a built dwelling), land registry fees (1.5%) and the notary's fees (around 1%, plus 20% VAT on the fees), to which fixed costs for stamps and certificates are added.
On a new dwelling sold by a developer, the price is subject to property VAT at the rate of 20%. The developer is liable for it; the buyer bears it in the price inclusive of tax. The Tifawin prices shown on this site are those communicated by the developer; whether they are exclusive or inclusive of tax is to be confirmed.
| Item | Rate | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Registration duties | 4% | Purchase price |
| Land registry (conservation foncière) | 1.5% | Purchase price |
| Notary's fees | ≈ 1% + 20% VAT | Purchase price, per quotation |
| Stamps and certificates | Flat fees | A few hundred dirhams |
Every year: housing tax and municipal services tax
Both taxes are based on the rental value of the dwelling, estimated by the tax authorities using a local grid (surface area, standard, location). A second home benefits neither from the 75% allowance nor from the temporary exemption reserved for a main residence.
The housing tax follows a progressive scale from 0 to 30% of the rental value. The municipal services tax is 10.5% of the rental value in urban areas and 6.5% in peripheral areas. A property let all year round is not subject to the housing tax, but remains subject to the municipal services tax.
On rents
Property income of individuals is taxed, at the taxpayer's option, either at a final withholding rate on gross income (10% if annual gross income is below MAD 120,000, 15% above) or under the progressive income tax scale after a 40% allowance.
Short-term furnished letting follows a different logic: carried on habitually, it constitutes a professional activity and is taxed as such. The applicable regime depends on turnover and on the operating model (direct or through a management company). This point must be settled with an adviser before letting.
On resale: the property gains tax (TPI)
The net gain (sale price less the purchase price, acquisition costs and documented works, with indexation) is taxed at 20%. A minimum contribution of 3% of the sale price is due even in the absence of a gain.
The main-residence exemption (occupation for at least six years, capped sale price) does not, by definition, apply to a non-resident who does not live there.
Tax treaties
Morocco has signed double-taxation treaties with France (treaty of 29 May 1970, amended by the 1989 protocol), Belgium, Switzerland, Spain and Italy, among others. All follow the same principle for real estate: the income and capital gains from a property are taxable in the State where it is located, hence in Morocco.
The owner's country of residence then eliminates double taxation by exemption or by tax credit, depending on the treaty. Moroccan income generally still has to be reported in the country of residence, even when exempt, in particular for the calculation of the effective rate.
| Country of residence | Treaty with Morocco | Method for real estate |
|---|---|---|
| France | 29 May 1970, protocol of 18 August 1989 | Taxation in Morocco; tax credit in France |
| Belgium | Treaty in force | Taxation in Morocco; exemption with progression clause |
| Switzerland | Treaty in force | Taxation in Morocco; exemption with progression |
| Spain | Treaty in force | Taxation in Morocco; tax credit |
| Italy | Treaty in force | Taxation in Morocco; tax credit |
The French real estate wealth tax (IFI) takes into account, for a French tax resident, property located abroad. To be examined with your adviser.
Frequently asked questions
Sources and methodology
- 1General Tax Directorate (DGI), General Tax Code 2026 (art. 61, 73, 133)
- 2Law No. 47-06 on local authority taxation (housing tax, municipal services tax)
- 3Ministry Delegate in charge of MRE, Tax Guide for Moroccans living abroad 2025
- 4Direction générale des Finances publiques (France), Franco-Moroccan tax treaty of 29 May 1970
- 5BOFiP, INT - Tax treaty between France and Morocco
- 6General Tax Directorate (DGI), international taxation (list of treaties)
General information verified on the date shown. For your situation, our team, a notary and a tax adviser confirm the applicable rates and timelines.