Do you live in France, Belgium or elsewhere, and would you like to finance part of your riad in Marrakech with a loan? It is possible. Moroccan foreign exchange regulations allow banks to grant loans in dirhams to non-resident foreigners for the purchase of a property in Morocco, subject to specific conditions. However, it is important to be aware of these conditions before signing a preliminary sale agreement.
In this guide, we set out the rules published by the’Currency Exchange Office, the available financing options and the approach we recommend to our clients to put together a strong application.
In short : a non-resident foreigner may obtain a loan in dirhams from a Moroccan bank to purchase or build a property, up to a limit of 80 % of the price, with the balance to be paid in foreign currency. The bank requires a first mortgage or a guarantee from a foreign bank. Repayment and acquisition costs are settled in foreign currency or from an account held in convertible dirhams.
The official rules governing mortgages for non-resident foreign nationals
The Foreign Exchange Office regulates these loans (General Instructions on Foreign Exchange Transactions 2026, section 5.1.2). Moroccan banks may grant loans in dirhams to non-resident foreign individuals and Moroccans living abroad to finance the purchase or construction of homes in Morocco, subject to the following conditions.
1. A minimum deposit of 20 % in foreign currency
You must pay in foreign currency, with a minimum amount of 20 % of the property’s price. This deposit can be made either by transferring foreign currency (a transfer from abroad converted into dirhams) or by debiting a foreign account in convertible dirhams held in your name. The credit may therefore cover up to 80 % of the price, subject to the bank’s approval.
2. Security: mortgage or foreign bank
The lending bank requires, up to the amount of the loan, either a first mortgage on the property, that is to say, a guarantee issued by a foreign bank.
3. A refund in foreign currency
Payments (principal, interest, fees) are settled by the transfer of foreign currency or by debiting a convertible dirham account held in your name.
4. Acquisition costs paid in foreign currency
The costs associated with the purchase (notary fees, registration fees, land registry fees, etc.) must also be paid in foreign currency or from an account held in convertible dirhams.
5. A sworn statement
Before the loan is granted, you must provide the bank with a sworn statement certifying that you are not does not own any property in Morocco.
The bank then submits a report to the Foreign Exchange Office, together with the loan agreement and proof of the initial deposit in foreign currency (section 794).
The alternative: a loan from a foreign bank secured in Morocco
The Foreign Exchange Office also authorises Moroccan banks to issue guarantees in favour of foreign banks which lend foreign currency to a non-resident for the purchase of a property in Morocco, up to 100 % of the property’s value (Article 796). The Moroccan bank then requires a first-ranking mortgage and ensures that the full purchase price and costs are repatriated. The same sworn statement (that the applicant does not own any property in Morocco) is required.
In practice, this arrangement requires a bank in your country to agree to finance a property located abroad: something to discuss with your bank adviser
Other financing options
- Equity in foreign currencies : the simplest solution, and often the quickest to finalise.
- Credit in your country of residence, secured against an asset or savings you hold with them: the terms and conditions depend entirely on your bank.
- Jumpsuit : foreign currency contribution + dirham loan to cover the balance.
To estimate your monthly repayments based on the amount, term and interest rate, use our mortgage simulator in Morocco. The rates and terms offered to non-residents vary depending on the bank and the customer’s profile: we do not quote any figures here, as only a written offer is binding
Selling a property purchased on finance: repatriation of funds
This is a key point for an investor. Under Article 795, when a property financed by a loan in dirhams is resold, banks may transfer the net proceeds of the sale, upon presentation of the notarised deed and proof of payment of the taxes due, up to:
- of the’initial foreign currency contribution ;
- some principal repayments made in foreign currencies or from a convertible account; ;
- and the capital gain if any.
In other words, every dirham you bring into Morocco «legally» can be taken out again. So make sure you keep all your bank statements. Our article on currency transfers for buying property in Morocco sets out the best practices.
The distinctive features of a riad
Land title: a prerequisite for financing
A first-ranking mortgage requires the property to be registered. It is therefore difficult to secure a mortgage for a riad in Melkia until it has been granted its title deed. Please check this before applying: see our guide to land title in Morocco.
A riad in need of renovation: how to fund the work?
The regulations apply to the purchase or construction of residential properties. Whether renovation work can be financed using the same loan depends on the bank and the individual application.
Riad available to let
The loan covered by the Foreign Exchange Office relates to «residences». If your project is a commercially operated guest house, the financing may fall under a different framework, in particular through a company : to be discussed with the bank.
Putting together your application: a 6-step guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-resident foreigner take out a loan in Morocco?
Yes. Moroccan banks may grant loans in dirhams to non-resident foreigners for the purchase or construction of a property, up to a limit of 80 % of the price, with the balance to be paid in foreign currency.
What deposit is required for a mortgage in Morocco if you are a non-resident?
At least 20 % of the property’s price, in foreign currency or from an account held in convertible dirhams. The loan therefore covers a maximum of 80 % of the price.
Is it possible to finance 100 % from a purchase in Morocco?
Not with a dirham-denominated loan from a Moroccan bank. However, a Moroccan bank may guarantee a foreign-currency loan granted by a foreign bank for up to 100 % of the property’s value.
Do you have to own no property in Morocco to be eligible for this loan?
Yes: the regulations require a sworn statement confirming that you do not own any property in Morocco.
Will I be able to get my money back when I sell it?
Yes, up to the amount of the initial contribution in foreign currency, the repayments made in foreign currency and the capital gain, after payment of any tax due.
Finance your riad with complete peace of mind
Would you like to check your financing options before viewing a property? We can help you draw up a realistic financing plan and plan ahead for the banking and notarial procedures. Contact Klair & Arno or have a look at our guide to the’Buying property in Morocco as a foreigner.
