Nationality of Morocco: all obtaining pathways
Morocco requires five years of residence for ordinary naturalization, with a reduced period of two years of marriage to a Moroccan citizen together with residence in the country. Nationality is acquired automatically both by birth in the national territory and by descent, with no additional requirement.
1Nationality by birth in the territory (ius soli)
Nationality by birth in the territory (ius soli)
Requirements
- Birth in Morocco of parents who were also born in Morocco
- Parents must be of Moroccan origin
- Double ius soli: birth on Moroccan territory of parents also born in Morocco
Documentation
- Moroccan birth certificate
- Parents' birth certificates proving they were born in Morocco
- Parents' identity documents
2Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- Child of a Moroccan father or Moroccan mother
- Nationality is transmitted through paternal or maternal filiation
- A Moroccan who acquires another nationality keeps the Moroccan one (dual nationality allowed)
Documentation
- Moroccan parent's birth certificate
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Proof of filiation
- Parent's nationality certificate
3Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- 5 years of legal and habitual residence in Morocco
- Legal age of majority
- Good conduct and no criminal record
- Knowledge of the Arabic language
- Sufficient means of subsistence
- Assimilation into the Moroccan community
Documentation
- Valid passport or identity document
- Certificate of residence of at least 5 years
- Criminal record certificate
- Certificate of Arabic language proficiency
- Proof of means of subsistence
- Medical certificate
4Acquisition by marriage (Dahir 1-58-250, art. 10)
Acquisition by marriage (Dahir 1-58-250, art. 10)
Requirements
- A foreign WOMAN married to a Moroccan may acquire nationality after 2 years of habitual and regular residence in Morocco of the marital HOME, by DECLARATION to the Minister of Justice (art. 10)
- Nationality is acquired if the Minister does not object within 6 months, with RETROACTIVE EFFECT to the date of the marriage
- The Code in force provides NO matrimonial route for a foreign MAN — he follows ordinary naturalisation under art. 11
- A Moroccan woman married to a foreigner retains Moroccan nationality (art. 19)
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Moroccan spouse's passport
- Certificate of residence
- Criminal record certificate
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Morocco
How many years of residence does Morocco require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Morocco (Naturalization by residence), the term is 5 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Morocco be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Acquisition by marriage pathway (Woman: 2 years of marital residence + declaration). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Morocco require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Valid passport or identity document; Certificate of residence of at least 5 years; Criminal record certificate; Certificate of Arabic language proficiency; Proof of means of subsistence; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Morocco?
Morocco provides 4 pathways: Nationality by birth in the territory, Nationality by descent, Naturalization by residence, Acquisition by marriage.
Residence and nationality updates
Subscribe to know when a country changes its residence or nationality routes. One email, only when there is news.
Anything to correct or add about Morocco?
If you have spotted incorrect or outdated information, or want to suggest additional details about nationality pathways in Morocco, leave us your comment. We review every one personally.