Company Formation in Morocco: Costs, Timeframes, and Procedures in 2025

Starting a business in Morocco in 2025 is both ambitious and accessible. The country offers a stable legal framework, a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, and company formation procedures that have been greatly simplified in recent years. But beware: behind the promise of simplicity lie certain subtleties you’d better master—especially if you’re a foreign investor or entrepreneur.

In this article, we get practical. How much does it really cost to form a company? How long does it take to register? And which formalities must absolutely not be overlooked? Here’s everything you need to know, from a practitioner’s perspective.

LLC, SAS, or SA? A Strategic Choice from the Start

Before talking numbers and deadlines, it all starts with the legal form. This choice is never neutral—it affects your taxation, governance, accounting obligations, and even your credibility with partners.

The LLC (SARL) remains the leading form in Morocco. Simple and affordable, it allows for multiple partners—or just one (a “single-member LLC”). The minimum share capital is symbolic (10,000 MAD), and management is flexible. It’s the logical choice for SMEs or subsidiaries.

But since the introduction of the simplified joint stock company (SAS) in Morocco, statutes have gained a new level of flexibility. Popular in many countries, this form offers great freedom in internal organization. Capital is freely set, corporate entities can serve as directors, and governance is highly adaptable. The SAS is ideal for startups, joint ventures, or fast-growing businesses.

Finally, the public limited company (SA) is best suited for large investments. Its minimum share capital is higher (300,000 to 3,000,000 MAD, depending on the case), governance is more formalized, and appointing a statutory auditor is mandatory from the start. It’s typically chosen for subsidiaries of large groups or projects requiring fundraising.

How Much Does It Really Cost to Set Up a Company in Morocco?

Here’s the question on everyone’s mind: how much should you budget? The answer depends on the chosen structure, but also on your approach—do you want to handle everything yourself, or work with a specialized firm?

In 2025, administrative fees (trade register filing, stamps, legal announcements, CRI fees, etc.) generally range between 1,500 and 2,000 MAD for an LLC or SAS, and can reach up to 7,000 MAD for an SA.

But the main budget item is the professional fees of the firm assisting you. At Upsilon Maroc, we offer clear, tailored packages:

• LLC: between 4,500 and 7,500 MAD, depending on case complexity.

• SAS: between 5,000 and 8,000 MAD, especially if you need highly customized statutes.

• SA: between 10,000 and 25,000 MAD, depending on the structure, number of shareholders, and whether a contribution auditor is required.

These fees typically cover the entire process: drafting statutes, registration formalities, legal advice, and support until you receive your official documents.

How Long Does It Take to Form a Company in Morocco in 2025?

Good news: processing times have significantly improved in recent years, thanks in part to digitalization.

If everything is well-prepared in advance, a company can be formed in 8 to 15 business days. In some cases, with a responsive firm and a complete file, the registration certificate can even be obtained in just 5 days (except during peak periods at commercial courts, usually in January and June).

In practice:

• 1–2 business days for the negative name certificate (via OMPIC)

• 2–3 business days to draft and validate statutes

• 5–8 business days for filing, registration, and obtaining ICE and RC numbers

• Legal announcements published immediately after RC issuance

Note: a company can start signing contracts as soon as the negative name certificate is issued. However, opening a bank account requires completing the full process.

Delays may vary slightly depending on the city (Casablanca is often faster than provincial towns), the time of year (slower in August), or the file type (e.g., contributions in kind requiring valuation).

Key Formalities Not to Forget

Forming a company isn’t just about filing papers at the court. It’s a structured process, with several critical steps:

• Choose a registered office (lease, domiciliation contract, or owned premises)

• Draft tailored statutes (not just copy-paste from a neighbor!)—they are the backbone of your company

• Declare beneficial owners, a recent but mandatory requirement

• Activate tax and social accounts, including CNSS registration and online filing via Damancom and SIMPL

Certain activities require special licenses or additional declarations. Moreover, for foreign investments, a filing with the Foreign Exchange Office is required to secure the convertibility of future dividends.

At Upsilon Maroc, we ensure every step is handled properly—because even a minor oversight can lead to administrative (or worse, tax) complications later on.

Why This Article Matters to You as an Investor

This information is aimed at a specific audience: entrepreneurs who already have a clear project and want to secure their setup. These are often foreign investors, executives transitioning to entrepreneurship, or members of the Moroccan diaspora bringing projects back home.

At this stage, you’re not looking for generalities—you want reliable, practical, and immediate answers. That’s exactly what we provide here.

Why Choose Upsilon Maroc for Your Company Formation?

Because forming a company is good. But forming a well-structured, tax-optimized, and 100% compliant company is even better.

Our promise is simple: zero unpleasant surprises.

We are not an impersonal platform. We are chartered accountants, based in Morocco, serving both local and international businesses for over 15 years. We know the rules—and the exceptions. We know when to speed things up, when to negotiate, and when to anticipate.

Want our team to call you back? Leave us your details, and we’ll take care of everything.