free

expat

2018
GUIDE

Administrative
documents
PRACTICAL
INFORMATION

CASABLANCA
EXPAT GUIDE
1
casa expat guide
 Switzerland

France

y l
Ita
Portugal

Spain

Tunisia
CASABLANCA

Algeria

Mauritania
Mali

Niger

Senegal

Burkina Faso
2
casa expat guide Guinea Nigeria
 STAY INFORMED

contents
STEP 1 - Meeting place
1 2- Expat community
3- Map of Casablanca
4- City info

STEP
PREPARE YOUR ARRIVAL
1 - Entry formalities
2 2- Moving
3- Customs formalities

YOUR ARRIVAL
STEP 1- Settling down
3 2- Working
3- Studying
4- Finding housing
5- Healthcare
6- Opening a bank account

Settling down
STEP 1 - Things to know
4 2- Calendar
3- Travel
4- Foreign public services

DISCOVER CASABLANCA
STEP 1- Architectural lab
5 2- Neighborhoods
3- Beaches
4 - Culture
5 – Large-scale projects

I am from Casablanca
ÉTAPE 1 - Groceries
6 2- Going out
3- Sports activities
4- Amusement parks
5- Shopping
6- Beauty centers
7- Getaway

2018 Editor in Chief

Mohamed Jouahri
Printer
Direct print
Legal Deposit
casa expat

Publication Manager 2017MO4027

guide

Touda Loutfi
ISBN
Coordination 978-9954-99-691-1
Sakina Choukri
Design Published by
L’Atelier Prod Casablanca Events et Animation
Traduction For more information on our activities,
Pro Company contact us:
Photo credits 105, Bd Abdelmoumen, 3rd floor
Rights reserved Tel: +212 22 22 77 45/46
Website: www.casaevents.ma
E-mail: contact@casaevents.ma
Portal: www.wecasablanca.com
4
casa expat guide
 STEP
1
STAY INFORMED
1- MEETING place
Profile of a dynamic Casablanca, an
ideal geographic location, the large-
scale projects in the territory, a rapidly-
changing city

2 - The expat community

The different host associations and their
contact information

3 - Map of Casablanca
Finding your bearings in the different
neighborhoods

4 - City info
Websites, social networks and useful
applications

5
casa expat guide
 blanca
Casablanca MEETING PLACE

Casablanca inspires artists, attracts investors and

welcomes those who want to try out their luck! It
offers a plethora of services and hotels, shops and
architectural gems. Its port activity, its kilometers
of beaches, its international airport… Just a three-
hour flight away from Europe is Casablanca, the
“white city”.

With a population of more than 3.5 million

excluding the conurbation, Casablanca is the
county seat of the Casablanca-Settat region,
which alone accounts for one third of national
GDP. Morocco’s economic capital, the leading
African financial center and ranked 30th worldwide,
Casablanca thinks big in a regional and continental
perspective.

A city of many superlatives, the city of 386 km2

spreads a little more every day. Its sprawling
development does not merely change the urban
landscape, it also gives new prominence to Morocco
as a destination. In terms of large-scale projects,
modernity prevails; culture, the environment, and
infrastructure are at the forefront. 2018 will mark,
among other things, the end of the construction
works for the Grand Théâtre of Casablanca, the
biggest in Africa, and the rehabilitation of the Arab
League Park, a historic garden as well as the green
lungs of the city.

Founded in the 7th century B.C., Casablanca

is overflowing with several centuries of history.
Nonetheless the city as we know it today was built in
the 20th century nonetheless. Today, it is the main
point of entry into the country. Its attractiveness
from an economic, cultural and tourism front
is continuously developing: Casablanca is a
metropolis that is undergoing many changes, it
is a place to do business, study, work and have a
good time. The city is also concerned about its
environmental inpact and the quality of life of its
inhabitants.

In one word, Casablanca is a city to experience.

 THE EXPAT Useful
COMMUNITY info

Settling in a new city may seem challenging.

Although the best way for a successful
integration is generally immersion in the Casa-Accueil
society, there is no harm in seeking advice – +212 (0) 664 12 05 39
before or after your arrival – from those who W
www.casa-accueil.org
/Casa-Accueil
are already established here. In Casablanca,
you will find several associations that attend
U.F.E. - Union des Français de l’Etranger
to newcomers. For instance, Casa-Accueil, +212 (0) 522 20 00 20
founded in 1993, brings together over 400 W www.ufecasablanca.com
member-families today. The U.F.E. (Union /Casablanca-Ufe
des Français de l’Etranger, Union of the
French People Living Abroad) of Casablanca Français du Monde-A.D.F.E
has been around since 1927 and brings +212 (0) 661 45 34 16
W
www.fdm-maroc.org
together French nationals, French-speakers
/francaisdumonde
and Francophiles. The association, Français
du Monde, French people of the World -
CAFC - Cercle Amical Français de
Association Démocratique des Français à
Casablanca
l’Etranger, (A.D.F.E., Democratic Association Tél : +212 (0) 522 25 50 05
of French people Living Abroad), which aims W www.cafcasa.com
to support and advise French people residing /groups/20108365992/
outside of France and those who want to live
outside of France, is present in 150 countries
and is represented in Casablanca. There are CAF - Club Alpin Français de Casablanca
+212 (0) 522 99 01 41
also other networks: the CAFC (Cercle Amical W www.cafmaroc.ffcam.fr
Français de Casablanca, French Amicable Club /ClubAlpinFrancaisDeCasablanca
of Casablanca), a 20-hectare multi-sports
club (tennis, swimming, horse-back riding, judo, Amicale des Belges au Maroc
etc.) counting more than 8,000 members (not +212 (0) 663 72 08 80
W amicaledesbelgesaumaroc@gmail.com
to be mistaken for the CAF (Club Alpin Français, /Amicaledesbelgesaumaroc
French Alpine Club), which is also present in
Casablanca, the Amicale des Belges au Maroc Goethe Institut
(Club of Belgian people in Morocco), founded +212 (0) 522 20 77 35
W www.goethe.de/ins/ma/fr/
in 1921, which organizes cultural events, the
/GoetheInstitutCasablanca
Cercle des Italiens, Italian Club (Chez Massimo
- Circolo Italiani), the HQ of expatriate Italians,
Cervantès Institut
the Churchill Club where Casa-Accueil awaits +212 (0) 522 26 73 37
you every Monday, the Goethe Institut if you W www.casablanca.cervantes.es
wish to meet the community of Germany’s /InstitutoCervantesCasablanca
aficionados, the Cervantès Institute which
broadens your horizon to Hispanic cultures. Consulats in Casablanca
Casablanca is also home to many consulates. W http://www.data.gov.ma

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casa expat guide
 Anfa
place

Triangle
D’or
CASA
ANFA
Morocco
mall Maarif

cil

FACULTy of legal
ECONOMIc
and SOCIAL SCIENCE
AIN CHOCK

8
casa expat guide
 old
MeDINA

city hay
Centre mohammadi

Habous
faculty
of medicine

university

9
casa expat guide
 CITY
INFO
A CITY, A STRATEGY

Casablanca is a unique city : since October 2016, it

is the first African city to have adopted an appeal
strategy baptized WeCasablanca, which now
supports Morocco’s economic capital through
its transformation. The “WeCasablanca” portal
strives to promote Casablanca by offering a
360-degree view of the city’s many potentialities.
You can find a section dedicated to discovery (visits,
checklist, program, virtual gallery and immersion), City
a comprehensive city guide (from shopping to
wellbeing centers, as well as cultural activities), a essentials
section dedicated to life in the city (administrative in your pocket
procedures, work, etc.) and another related to
investments (promising sectors, online services,
etc.). Enough to get your bearings in a single click!

www.wecasablanca.com

SHOPPING AND GOING OUT CASABLANCA AND ITS TRAMWAY

Once you’re settled, it is now time to head out and Another application worth bookmarking in your
explore! Casa Break, the first free mobile application favorites: Casa Tramway, to travel easily by
dedicated to shopping and going out in Casablanca, tramway. The mobile interface gives you access to
is the best way for visitors to discover the city. an interactive map of the network, the possibility to
Designed by the Casablanca Events & Animation view your itinerary, train schedules, and the location
team, it provides extensive information including of ticket windows. With free WiFi, this transport
fun and original ideas, places for going out, shops, mode, ideal for you to get around in the city, will
as well as practical information, to stay connected allow you to cross through neighborhoods quickly,
with the city’s news! This city guide, which is very whilst enjoying an original view of Casablanca.
comprehensive, will guide you through the Street Currently, the tramway serves 48 stations in 2 lines,
Art tour of the economic capital, will show you where T1 and T2. The extension of both lines is underway
to find the best stores, concept stores, wellbeing with a commissioning scheduled late 2018.
centers, fitness clubs, beaches and surf spots, and
will keep you updated about the best cultural events Casa Tramway App
as well as restaurants that you must absolutely try. Available on App Store and Google Play

Casa Break App

Available on App Store and Google Play

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casa expat guide
 FINDING A PHARMACY CASA MDINTI OR CITIZEN APP

Whatever the time, finding a pharmacy on duty With the Casa Mdinti (“Casa my city”) app, the
will no longer be a hassle with “Maroc Pharmacie”. inhabitants of Casablanca may now contribute to
Download this app to geolocate open pharmacies the cleanliness of their city, every day, at any time,
and get to them quickly and easily. Casablanca is directly from their mobile phones. This interactive
one of the cities covered by Maroc Pharmacie. tool helps you to file a complaint and track its
processing in real time, request an intervention,
Maroc Pharmacie App share an idea to improve the services, find out
Available on App Store and Google Play about routes and collection times, obtain practical
information as well as environmental advice.

Casa Mdinti App

Available on App Store and Google Play

HEALTH, A USEFUL APPLICATION

Yet another useful app in the health field is Sehatuk

(“your health”), which is a directory of health LYDEC, A LOCAL SERVICE
centers, laboratories and physicians, as well as
pharmacies. Voted best health app in Africa in 2014,
it provides information on the medicines available In Casablanca and the conurbation, the distribution
in Morocco, their price and reimbursement. of drinking water and electricity, collection of
wastewater and rainwater, and management of
Sehatuk App public lighting have been entrusted to Lydec since
Available on App Store and Google Play 1997. To make people’s lives easier, the Lydec
application is simple and convenient: in just a few
clicks, you can pay your bills 24/7, geolocate the
closest branch or point of payment, file a complaint
or report an incident, and even stay informed on
the projects underway.

Lydec App
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES Available on App Store et Google Play

Idarati (“my administration”, also called Public

Service) is the mobile app that will guide you
through your administrative procedures. It provides
practical information on procedures, contact
information of public services and recruitment
exam notices in the sector.

Idarati App
Available on App Store and Google Play

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casa expat guide
12
casa expat guide
STEP
2
PREPARE
YOUR Arrival
1- Entry formalities
Visas, passport, entry conditions

2 - Moving
Preparing to move out, list of
the leading international moving
companies

3- Customs formalities

N.B.

In general, the applications,

documents, and supporting
documents that you submit to
the Moroccan authorities must
be in Arabic. Any document
drafted in another language
must be translated into Arabic
by a sworn translator.

Obtain information from the

Association of Translators
Accredited by the Courts (
Association des Traducteurs
Agréés par les Juridictions, ATAJ):
www.atajtraduction.asso.ma

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casa expat guide
 ENTRY
FORMALITIES
Whether you’re coming for holidays or List of countries whose nationals
for a long-term stay, you must hold a do not require entry visas
valid passport in order to access the for Morocco
Moroccan territory. Some countries are Algeria Italy
subject to a visa formality (delivered Germany Japan
solely by the Moroccan administration), Andorra Kuwait
Saudi Arabia Latvia
while other foreign nationals, such as
Argentina Liechtenstein
European Union citizens, are exempt
Australia Lithuania
from visas. But be careful: the length Austria Luxembourg
of stay on a tourist visa is limited to 3 Bahrain Mali
months. To avoid being out of status, Belgium Malta
you may request an extension of stay Brazil Mexico
Bulgaria Monaco
to the Directorate General of National
Canada Niger
Security (Direction Générale de la Sûreté Chili Norway
Nationale, DGSN). Cyprus New Zealand
Congo (Brazzaville) Oman
South Korea Netherlands
Côte d’Ivoire Peru
Croatia Poland
Denmark Philippines
Spain Portugal
Estonia Puerto Rico
United Arab Emirates Qatar
United States of America Romania
Russian Federation United Kingdom
Finland Senegal
France Singapore
Gabon Slovakia
Greece Slovenia
Guinea Sweden
Hungary Switzerland
Hong Kong Czech Republic
KSA Tunisia
Indonesia Turkey
Ireland Venezuela
Iceland

(Updated on 01/05/2014 Source: www.consulat.ma)

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casa expat guide
There are four types of entry visas in Morocco:

- Short-term visas are issued for short stays N.B.

(between 1 and 90 days), possibly with multiple
You cannot enter Morocco with a national
entries, and may not be obtained by a foreign
ID card. You need to present a valid
national who wishes to migrate;
passport.
- Long-term visas are visas with multiple entries,
valid for 3 months to up to one year. Just like for Even if you have a visa, the Moroccan
short-term visas, the length of every stay must be authorities may decide, for various reasons,
between 1 and 90 days. For a stay that is longer
that a given person may not enter the
than 3 months, you must apply for a registration
card; (refer to Step 3- My arrival, 2- Settling down). Moroccan territory.

- Transit visa: as its name indicates, it allows a For travelers coming from the United
foreign national traveling to another country to States or Europe, no proof of vaccination
transit through Morocco. This visa cannot have a
is required. However, people traveling from
validity of more than 72 hours;
areas affected by cholera may have to
- Visas issued at the border: exceptionally, a short- present proof of cholera vaccination.
term or transit visa may be issued at a border post
by the security services. If your pets are traveling with you, they must
be over 7 months old and microchipped.
There are also:
For every pet, you must have a passport

- Investor visas, if you are coming to Morocco with (provided and completed by an authorized
the purpose to invest; veterinarian), the identification card of the
electronic chip, a certificate of good health
- Business visas, if you are coming to Morocco in of less than 6 days and an anti-rabies
the framework of a public or private procurement,
certificate of less than 6 months.
to participate in a trade fair or a show, or if you are
invited by an industrial, commercial, or services
operator. When you go through border control,
make sure that your passport was stamped
In appendix 1, you will find the list of documents with your date of entry, to avoid being
required to obtain a tourist, investor, or business visa. inadvertently unlawful.

You will find information about work visas in Step 3.

(Source : www.consulat.ma)

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casa expat guide
 MOVING

To prepare your move to start a new life under the Useful

Casablanca sky, you’re better off starting to make
arrangements several months in advance. This is info
something you can do with your family, or entrust the
task to professionals. In both cases, you will use the
services of an international moving company.
The cost of your move will depend on the mode of
transport you choose (air, road, or sea), the volume
that will be transported (and the weight, for air Fédération Internationale des
transport) and the distance. Here is some advice to
déménageurs internationaux
help you control your budget and find your moving W www.fidi-france.com
company…
- International moving costs are expensive, so be wise
in choosing the items you wish to ship (household La société HMS Transport
appliances, the bed, etc. are typically items that take W www.hms-transport.com
up space and that can be bought locally);
- You should have specific departure and destination
addresses for your belongings; Euromove
- Think about the best suitable time for you in terms W www.euromove.ma
of their pickup and delivery (does the carrier have
a storage service, if need be, to give you time to
arrive?); Hontas Déménagement
- Estimate the volume of goods that plan on shipping W www.emenagements-bailly.com
(volume calculators are available online) and define
your ancillary needs (disassembly of certain furniture
items, supply of packing material, help in packing, Menna
etc.);
W www.menna.fr
- Make a list of the items you pack: you will need it
to complete the “value declaration” with the moving
company; P Trans
- Find out about the conditions for shipping your
W www.transporteur-maroc.com
belongings (in boxes or containers, by grouped
moving or not) and the mode of transport (air
transport is the most expensive, but quicker for Mister Déménagement
example); W www.misterdemenagement.com
- Make sure that the moving company handles the
customs clearance of your belongings;
- Also look into the type of insurance offered by Cocquibus
the mover and by your usual insurer to be able to W www.cocquibus.be
compare;
- There are other services as well: real time shipment
tracking, administrative assistance at arrival in Déménagements Bailly
Morocco and at departure, relocation service, etc.; W www.demenagements-bailly.com
- Request several estimations before making your
decision.
AGS
W www.ags-demenagement.com

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casa expat guide
 CUSTOMS
FORMALITIES
When you transfer your residence to Morocco,
there are no taxes or duties to pay when bringing
your belongings to the territory. However, you
must justify your approach by presenting several
documents, such as an inventory of your shipment
and a certificate of change of residence, to
the customs administration. The estimation of
your goods is not something to be taken lightly,
and their import must be done in one shot. For
further information on the applicable scheme
for personal goods, prohibited imports and the
applicable scheme for personal vehicles, visit the
website of the Administration of Customs and
Indirect Taxes (Administration des Douanes et
Impôts Indirects) www.douane.gov.ma, as well as
that of the Moroccan administration,

www.service-public.ma.

If you would like to bring your vehicle, be careful:

for a stay of less than 6 months on Moroccan
territory, you must obtain a declaration of
Temporary Admission (TA). If your stay in Morocco
exceeds 6 months, you must pay customs duties,
which will vary depending on the type of vehicle.
Don’t panic: the www.douane.gov.ma website
explains the customs clearance procedures and
provides the forms that need to be filled out, a list
of clearance offices and even a taxes and duties
simulator, taking into account the nature, type,
and brand of your vehicle. Clearance of motor
cars and two-wheel motorcycles of over 80 cm3
imported from abroad by individuals residing in
Morocco (Moroccan or foreign) must be done at
the customs office of entry (at the border).

In appendix 2, you will find a list of the

documents you need to provide for
the customs clearance of your vehicle.

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casa expat guide
18
casa expat guide
STEP
3
YOUR ARRIVAL
1- settling down
Residence permit, for adults, spouses, children:
what are the procedures you need to follow?
What documents are required?

2- Working
Working conditions: guidelines, what are the
required documents?

3- Studying
School offers, from kindergarden to universities
and prestigious schools: study at an
internationally recognized school in Casablanca

4- Finding housing
Practical advice: rental or purchase, insurance,
neighborhoods within the city and offers outside
the city, utilities, telephone and internet

5- Healthcare
Healthcare institutions meeting international
standards, physicians, pharmacies, social
protection, alternative medicine

6- Opening a bank account

Practical advice: what procedures, subsidiaries
of international banks established in Morocco,
what type of account, tourist allocation, taking
out foreign currency, bank cards

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casa expat guide
 SETTLING Down

To settle down and work in Morocco, you must

apply for a residence permit (or registration
card) within 15 days of your arrival, at the
national security services or Royal Gendarmerie
close to your place of residence.

In appendix 3, you will find the list of documents

required to obtain your residence permit.

While waiting for your registration card, the

deposit receipt provided by the authorities when
you submitted the application will help you to
make progress with your other procedures. The
card issued after the first application is valid
for one year, and is renewable. After 3 years of
regular residence, you may apply for a 5-year or
even 10-year card.

Your spouse and/or children over the age of 16

must also obtain a registration card.

In appendix 3, you will find the list of documents

required to obtain your residence permit, as well
as that of your spouse and/or underage children

NB
• Children under the age of 16 years old are
not subject to registration. If they are traveling
alone, they must carry a certified copy of their
parents’ residence permit, to present it to border
control.
• Cohabitation is not recognized in Morocco:
without marital ties, obtaining a residence permit
for your partner may prove to be difficult.

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casa expat guide
 WORKING Useful
info

Agence Nationale de l’Emploi et des

To be able to work in Morocco, you must have Compétences du Maroc (ANAPEC)
a foreign employment contract (CTE) along W
www.anapec.org

with a work visa granted by the Ministry of Labor

Association de Défense des travailleurs
and Professional Integration. At the same time Français et Européens résidant au Maroc
(ADFEM)
as the procedures carried out to obtain your W www.adfem.org
registration card, you must also obtain a work
visa. Since June 1st, the CTE visa application Ministère du Travail et de l’Insertion
Professionnelle
must be submitted by the employer via the W www.adfem.org
official “TAECHIR” platform. This web site makes
it possible to track the application and its Adecco Maroc
W www.adecco-maroc.com
approval; it also provides access to information
on procedures related to CTE visa applications, Amaljob
and also makes it possible to obtain the
W www.amaljob.com

administration’s response for formulated visa

Rekrute, le portail de l’emploi au Maroc
applications, within a maximum of 10 days. The W www.rekrute.com
information and assistance number for the CTE
Manpower Maroc
is: +212 (0) 530 10 07 05. W www.manpower-maroc.com

Chambre Française de commerce et

In appendix 4, you will find the list of documents d’industrie du Maroc
required in order to obtain a first settlement CTE W www.cfcim.org

visa. Chambre allemande de commerce

et d’industrie
W www.marokko.ahk.de

Chambre espagnole de commerce

W www.camacoescasablanca.com

Chambre américaine de commerce

W www.amcham.ma

Chambre de commerce britannique

W www.britcham.ma

Chambre de commerce belgo-luxembourgeoise

W www.ccblm.co.ma

Section commerciale de l’Ambassade de la Corée du Sud

W mar.mofa.go.kr

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casa expat guide
 STUDYING
Depending on the age of your children, you may system – except for Al Akhawayn University in
need to find a kindergarden or preschool, primary Ifrane, which follows the Anglo-Saxon model,
school, secondary school, or higher education certificate of equivalence, exchange systems) or
institution. In Casablanca, there is a wide offering: higher education schools (engineering, business,
public education, private education, foreign management, design, journalism, etc.)… You have
education, and accredited private institutions. a wide choice!
Remain assured, your children may peacefully
continue their academic education here. Prestigious international schools complement
Casablanca’s educational offering, namely Ecole
In Casablanca, there are several foreign mission Centrale, Toulouse Business School, Dauphine,
schools, that is, educational institutions the International University of Casablanca (UIC)
that operate according to the system and and EM-Lyon.
curriculum of a foreign country (France, Spain,
the United States and Belgium – Wallonia- With these many options, it is totally possible for
Brussels Federation), within the framework of a you or your children to study what you wish in
bilateral agreement. Tuition at these institutions Casablanca, in the framework of an internationally
is generally more expensive than at private recognized program.
institutions. Hence, there are private institutions
that are accredited either by the French ministry
of national education and the Agency for
French Education Abroad (AEFE, Agence pour
l’Enseignement Français à l’Étranger), or by the
Office Scolaire Universitaire et International
(OSUI).

In the private education system, the opening

of a nursery, like for any educational institution,
NB
is a regulated, controlled activity. There are To enroll in an institute of higher education
many nurseries in Casablanca, and there is a in Morocco, students must first follow some
highly diversified offering for preschool, primary
procedures in their country of origin. Visit the
and secondary schools. Therefore, to make a
website of the Moroccan Agency for International
decision, there are several criteria you may wish
Cooperation, (Agence Marocaine de Coopération
to consider: your neighborhood (of residence
or work), your finances, word-of-mouth, affinity Internationale, AMCI): http:// www.amci.ma/
with a type of education method (Montessori, modalites-de-candidature-etde-preinscription/)
American system, etc.). for further information and visit the Moroccan
Embassy or one of its consulates for assistance.
For higher education: vocational studies (higher Some embassies in Morocco have a scholarship
technician’s license, technical license, university service for children’s tuition support. Do not
diploma of technology), preparatory classes for hesitate to contact your consular representation
prestigious schools, which show good results, in Casablanca for more information.
academic studies in some twenty private and
public universities across the country (LMD

22
casa expat guide
 Useful
info

www.men.gov.ma
www.aefe.fr
www.efmaroc.org
www.ecolebelge.org
www.univh2c.ma
www.londonacademy.ma
www.cas.ac.ma
www.gwa.ac.ma
www.aac.ac.ma
www.centrale-casablanca.ma
www.tbs-education.ma
www.casablanca.em-lyon.com
www.laformation.ma
www.casablanca.dauphine.fr
www.uic.ac.ma

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casa expat guide
 Finding housing

Things are taking shape: you now need to find a since January 1st, 2017. Lastly, please note that
place to live! The rental and sale of real estate there is no town gas: you need to use a gas
property is increasingly structured. There are cylinder or electricity for your stove.
more and more real estate agencies in the
economic landscape; the draft regulation of the A soon-to-be homeowner? Once you find
real estate broker profession is in the Parliament. the desired property, you must make sure it is
available (procedures with the property registry):
For temporary housing, you may choose to stay get assistance (legal department of your consular
at a hotel or an apartment hotel: an internet representation, association of expats, lawyer).
search will help you refine your choice. For a real estate transaction, you must use the
For long-term housing, whether you desire to services of a public notary, and it is preferable
rent or to buy, the simplest thing is to reach out that a circle of your acquaintances recommend
to a real estate agency. There are several in a trustworthy one. An advance payment is made
Casablanca: Century 21, Proprieta, Easyhome, once the sale agreement is signed, followed
Capital foncier... by an escrow period of a few weeks before the
signing of the final sales deed. The modalities
Future tenant, bear in mind that landlords in good for the payment of the outstanding balance for
standing will request a standard lease contract the property vary depending on whether you are
(official model) that you will need to sign and buying from an individual or within the framework
certify at the mouqatâa (administrative annex of of a residential building project.
the arrondissement – equivalent to a prefecture
–, in the neighborhood, where signature Whether you are a homeowner or a tenant,
authentications and certified true copies of you must purchase a home insurance (as well
documents are done). Rentals are usually on as a homeowners’ insurance if necessary). All
a month-to-month basis. In practice, even if the insurers offer this service. In Casablanca,
things tend to change, if you lease a property, the every neighborhood has its own characteristics,
restoration costs of the apartment will likely be at and there is something to everyone’s liking:
your expense (fresh paint, minor electrical repairs, historic neighborhood (Habous, city center),
plumbing, etc.). For more extensive work (bathtub night life neighborhood (Aïn Diab), shopping
that needs to be replaced for example), negotiate neighborhood (Maârif), residential neighborhood
with your landlord. You will find furnished or non- villas (Anfa and Anfa Supérieur, CIL, Oasis,
furnished rentals. Most housing units are not Californie, Polo); luxury apartments (Racine,
equipped with a central heating system. However, Gauthier, Palmier). You may also choose to
there’s a wide range of options in the market to live by the sea (Tamaris Dar Bouazza), in the
address this: heating using a butane gas cylinder, city’s outskirts bordering a forest (Bouskoura)
reversible air conditioning system, oil heaters, or in a smaller town (Mohammedia, north of
electric heaters. Acoustic and thermal insulation Casablanca).
of residential buildings has only been mandatory

24
casa expat guide
Get a better sense of the neighborhoods in You will also need a telephone and an internet
Casablanca and of your options outside the city on connection. There are three telecom operators:
the internet: www.casa-accueil.org Maroc Telecom (literal translation of Itissalat Al
Maghreb – IAM), Orange and Inwi:
Like all the inhabitants of Casablanca and www.iam.ma/index.aspx
conurbation, Lydec, the utilities company in charge www.orange.ma
of distributing water and electricity, will soon www.inwi.ma
become a part of your life. Water and power outages
are anecdotal. Your lease or your certificate of In Casablanca, you will benefit from Africa’s
ownership and a copy of your ID card will allow you most developed connectivity network: ADSL, 4G
to connect to utilities at the office nearest your and 4G+, and fiber optic. There are also several
residence. The set-up is done on web site. internet/TV or internet/TV/mobile packages.
client.lydec.ma Check out the offers, and make your choice!

25
casa expat guide
 Healthcare
Because life is also made of small body ailments www.docteur-contact.com
and emergencies, this section will help you www.dabadoc.com
better approach health issues in your new life in www.sosmedecinecasablanca.ma
Casablanca. www.sosmedecinurgence.com

As there is an inadequate number of public Morocco has a good network of pharmacies,

health institutions, many private institutions and Casablanca is no exception. Legal opening
complement the existing offering. The national hours for pharmacies and dispensaries are
legislation naturally provides a legal framework from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m.
for these activities, and there is no shortage of to 8:30 p.m. (Monday to Friday) and from 9:00
infrastructure meeting international standards. a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Saturday). During the month
In Casablanca, the most renowned organization of Ramadan, the hours are from 10:00 a.m. to
is the Cheikh Khalifa International University 5:30 p.m., and they also open 1.5 hours after
Hospital (HCK), a non-profit general private the breaking of the fast, for 1.5 hours.
hospital, that offers all the health services
that you may need: conventional medical and To find the pharmacy on duty nearest you, in
surgical specialties, quality services and cutting- addition to the Maroc Pharmacie application,
edge technology, meeting European standards. you may find information in the national
It has an emergency department and even a newspaper (Le Matin) or go to the nearest
unit dedicated to pain management. There are pharmacy where you will find a flyer with the
also many clinics and health centers to meet all address the pharmacies on duty.
your medical needs (multidisciplinary activities,
radiology, ophthalmology, pediatrics, psychiatry
and psychotherapies, dentistry, plastic and
aesthetic surgery, cardiology).

For a consultation, all the specialties are covered

by physicians. You may ask an acquaintance
or your pharmacist for advice. Your consular
representation must surely also have a list of
good medical practitioners.
For more information:
www.santeaumaroc.com
www.guidedumaroc.com

26
casa expat guide
Have you thought of your medical coverage? chiropractic care, acupuncture, hypnosis, etc.)
When residing abroad, you will no longer be are established in Casablanca, where these
covered by the social security scheme of alternatives to the traditional medicine have
your country. There is a wide choice of private become increasingly popular over the years.
insurance offerings for expatriates, namely in
Europe, and private mutual insurance in Morocco.
Also inquire if your national social protection
system has developed voluntary, paid solutions
for expatriate nationals (such as the CFE – Caisse
des Français de l’Etranger, Fund of French People
Living Abroad).
Lastly, Morocco has set up a National Social
N.B.
Security Fund scheme (CNSS, Caisse Nationale As an European citizen, you don’t need
de Sécurité Sociale) and entered into bilateral any specific vaccination when you
agreements in terms of social security with many come to Morocco. According to WHO’s
countries (European countries, Tunisia, Canada, recommendations, as a precautionary
etc.). Refer to this official list on www.cnss.ma measure, make sure your universal
and contact your consular representation in vaccinations and your hepatitis vaccine are
Casablanca for further information. up to date. Under certain conditions, stay
The CNSS manages the compulsory health informed about typhoid and rabies.
insurance (AMO, Assurance Maladie Obligatoire)
of employees from the private sector. It is
mandatory for companies which subject to
the social security scheme, and which are not
affiliated with any other medical coverage system. Useful
The organization in charge of private sector info
pensions in Morocco is the Moroccan
Interprofessional Pension Fund (CIMR – Caisse
interprofessionnelle marocaine de retraite). The
aforementioned bilateral agreements in terms
of social security are likely to provide that the www.hck-fckm.ma
www.telecontact.ma
quarters worked in Morocco and declared to the
www.pasteur.fr
CNSS are factored into the calculation of your
www.cromc.ma
pension in your home country. Find out more from
www.medicament.ma
your consular representation.
www.pharmacie.ma
www.socialsecurity.be
If you use alternative medicine, do not change your www.docteurclinique.com
habits: many qualified specialists (osteopathy, www.cnss.ma
www.cimr.ma

27
casa expat guide
 OPENING
bank ACCOUNT

It is convenient to open a bank account in

Morocco so as to have access to efficient,
modern, and secure payment methods.

The currency used is the Moroccan dirham

(MAD). To have an idea about the exchange rate,
11 dirhams is worth approximately 1 euro.

Opening a bank account in Morocco only takes

a few minutes, upon the presentation of your
passport, registration card (or deposit receipt of
the application request) and a proof of address.
Nonethless, choosing the banking network and
type of account should be given some thought.

The main national banks are Attijariwafa Bank

Group, Banque Populaire (BP), BMCE Bank
of Africa (Banque Marocaine du Commerce
Extérieur), CAM (Crédit Agricole du Maroc),
CFG Bank (Casablanca Finance Group), CIH
Bank (Crédit Immobilier et Hôtelier) and Al Barid
Bank (the national postal bank). You may also
turn to a subsidiary of a foreign banking group:
BMCI BNP-Paribas Group (Banque Marocaine
pour le Commerce et l’Industrie, subsidiary of
BNPParibas Group), CaixaBank (subsidiary of
the Spanish CaixaBank Group), Crédit du Maroc
(CDM – subsidiary of Crédit Agricole Group) and
Société Générale Maroc (subsidiary of Société
Générale Group), Arab Bank Maroc (Jordanian
Arab Bank Group).

Most of the banks have an extensive network

of branches across the Kingdom. The business
hours are the same: Monday to Friday from
8:00 am to 3:30 pm. Choose among the banks
according to your needs.

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casa expat guide
The Moroccan dirham is not a freely convertible
currency. The Moroccan banking system provides
foreigners with several options:
- An account in convertible dirhams: credited
exclusively with deposits in currencies coming
from abroad, it allows you to use your money in
Morocco or abroad, and it is interest-bearing;

- An account in foreign currency: credited

exclusively with foreign currency, you may make
withdrawals only in foreign currency; it is also
interest-bearing;

- A checking account that only uses dirhams and

that can be used only on Moroccan territory: this
account allows you to have a cheque book and a
payment card. If your employer pays your salary
in Morocco in dirhams, and if you earn more than
10,000 dirhams, you will have to open this type
of account.

Take the time to also find out about the

advantages of your tax residence in Morocco
and about the conditions for repatriating your
salary.

Foreign nationals living in Morocco benefit, just

like Moroccans and Moroccans living abroad
(MRE - Marocains résidant à l’étranger), from an
annual tourist allocation of MAD 20,000 per trip,
limited at MAD 40,000 per year, to which you can
add MAD 10,000 per trip and per underage child
endorsed on the passport of the beneficiary of
the allocation.

Useful
info

www.banques.ma/banques-au-maroc/
www.oc.gov.ma

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casa expat guide
30
casa expat guide
STEP
4
SETTLING
Down
1- WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
About Morocco: political system and
languages, geography, customs and traditions.
About Casablanca: history, today: modern city,
economic capital, pleasant climate, cost of
living, many services to individuals

2- 2018 Calendar
Public holidays, religious holidays, Ramadan

3- moving around
Modes of transport (tramway, bus, inter-city
trains, taxis), driving (car rentals, driver’s license,
insurance, import of vehicles)

4- Public services to foreigners

Consular registrations, role of the consulate,
services of consulates/embassies, list of foreign
embassies and consulates

31
casa expat guide
 WHAT YOU
NEED TO KNOW
Géographie CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

Located in the northwestern tip of Africa, with Morocco has its own characteristics and
a population of 34 million (2014 census), the practices. Although the Moroccan tradition of
country spreads across an area of 710,850 hospitality towards foreigners is a reality, this
km2, bounded on the north by the Strait of does not mean that we can do whatever we
Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea, on the wish. Respect calls for respect.
west by the Atlantic Ocean, on the south by the
border with Mauritania and on the east by that For your minimal integration, keep your
with Algeria. In Particular, Morocco counts the behavior discreet in public spaces, and wear
prodigious Atlas mountain range and its Mount unobtrusive clothing. Morocco is a modern
Toubkal (4,167 m, highest peak in North Africa), country, you will notice this every day. However,
breathtaking rivers and valleys (Ziz, Oum Er- wearing miniskirts and micro-shorts (including
Rbia, etc.), fertile plains (the Gharb, Souss, for men) are not recommended, even in very
etc.), 3,500 km of coastline and part of the hot weather conditions. Instead, wearing pants
mythical Sahara Desert. Hence, the Moroccan or Bermuda shorts is preferred. If you choose
landscapes are infinitely diverse. Casablanca to go to one of Casablanca’s private beaches,
boasts a Mediterranean climate, tending don’t hesitate to wear your bikini. However, in
towards oceanic, which is particularly pleasant. a public beach, you will be more comfortable
Its location along the Atlantic Ocean blesses it wearing a one-piece suit or beachwear.
with mild winters, as well as moderately warm
summers without precipitations. It is also requested to respect Muslim places
of worship and the religious practice of
Moroccans. Bear in mind that access to
mosques is strictly prohibited for non-Muslims:
POLITICAL SYSTEM AND the only exception is certain tourist sites such
as the Hassan II mosque (there are designated
LANGUAGES IN MOROCCO visiting hours for tourists).

Every year, the month of Ramadan

The Kingdom of Morocco is a parliamentary
corresponds to a fasting period observed by
monarchy, based on the rule of law. At its head,
most Moroccans. Fasting begins at sunrise and
the King Mohammed VI from the Alaouite
ends at sunset. It is recommended to refrain
dynasty (one of the oldest in the world) is also
from eating and drinking in public areas: in
the Commander of the Believers, acting as
the big cities, many restaurants are open, and
the nation’s spiritual leader. Islam is the state
the law authorizes non-Muslims to purchase
religion. The country’s motto is “God, the
and consume alcohol during this month. The
nation, the King”. The administrative capital
breaking of the fast (the ftour) is an important
is Rabat, north of Casablanca. The country
moment of the day and for family gatherings.
is divided into 12 administrative regions. The
Since several years, restaurants and fast food
two official languages are classical Arabic and
joints offer ftour menus and buffets for all
Amazighe (Berber). In the big cities, people
budgets.
speak Darija (Moroccan Arabic dialect), while
Berber dialects dominate in the rest of the
Alcohol consumption in public is prohibited
country: Tarifit in the Rif (north), Tamazight in
(except at restaurants and bars that have a
the Middle Atlas (center), Tachelhit in the High
license to serve it). Likewise, it is preferable
Atlas and the Anti-Atlas (more to the south)
to avoid speaking about politics or religion in
and Hassani in the Moroccan Sahara. French
public areas.
and Spanish (especially in the north and south
of the Kingdom) are generally spoken. French is
also used by the administration.

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casa expat guide
 HISTORY OF CASABLANCA CASABLANCA TODAY

Traces of human activity in the city date Casablanca is reflective of Morocco,

from 700,000 years back in the past. overflowing with its secular history and
Originally, Casablanca was called Anfa (name resolutely turned to the future. Today, it is
of a neighborhood presently in the city and undoubtedly the Kingdom’s most modern city,
present Berber name of Casablanca), and as well as its economic capital. A cosmopolitan
was founded by the Phoenicians, Romans or
city, it also boasts a very pleasant, mild Atlantic
Berbers, depending on whether you read the
climate. The cost of living is relatively lower
chronicles of Luis del Marmol Carvajal, Léon
l’Africain or Ezzayani. With its fishing port and than in Europe, and you may enjoy access to
agricultural hinterland, Anfa was a prosperous many services for an affordable cost (cleaning
town. Destroyed by the Portuguese, Anfa then lady, cook, guardian if you live in a villa, driver,
became a republic of privateers in the 15th nanny if you have children, etc.).
century and became the Portuguese Casa
Blanca until the terrible earthquake that shook
Lisbon in 1755. Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben THE CASABLANCA-SETTAT
Abdellah (Mohammed III) then undertook its REGION
reconstruction and it’s finally became Dar Al
Bayda (literally “white house” in Arabic) that
Casablanca is the county seat of Casablanca-
radiated at the end of the 18th century. Half a
century later, the port became an important Settat, the most densely populated region in
player in the wool trade in the Mediterranean, Morocco (7 million inhabitants, representing
and Casablanca became a market town, as 20% of the national population), which
the textile industry and advances in navigation increasingly accounts for 32% of Morocco’s
developed. GDP. The region is the country’s leading
economic center; it is attractive and diversified.
Under the protectorate in the early 20th It represents 60% of the country’s industry,
century, it was between 1912 and 1917 that 47% of exports, 40% of national trade, and
the big, modern port of Casablanca was built.
57% of investments. The region is a reference
Casablanca was the strategic point of landing
in terms of transport infrastructure, with 51% of
for the Americans during World War II. In 1943,
it hosted the Anfa Conference, held at the passenger traffic, 40% of air traffic, and 30% of
eponymous hotel, in order to prepare the Allied road network.
strategy in the aftermath of this global conflict.

33
casa expat guide
 calendrier 2018
PUBLIC
HOLIDAYS
New Year’s Day
The Gregorian calendar is used for every day
January 1st, 2018
purposes (administration, banks, schools),
but some religious dates follow the Hegira Independence Manifesto
January 11th, 2018
calendar (Muslim calendar, which starts with
Prophet Mohamed’s departure from Mecca to Labor Day
the Medina). The Hegira calendar is composed May 1st, 2018
of 12 lunar months. It is therefore not set (from
Aïd El Fitr
one year to the next, a month may consist in 29 June 15th, 2018 (to be confirmed)
or 30 days), and there is a variation of 10 to 12
Feast of the throne
days compared with the Gregorian solar calendar.
July 30th, 2018
According to the Hegira calendar, the current
year is 1439. There is also an agrarian, Berber Oued-Eddahab Allegiance Day
August 14th, 2018
calendar, used in North Africa since Antiquity:
welcome to year 2967! Revolution of the King and the People:
August 20th, 2018
For 2018, the time adjustment for summer (to
Youth Day
GMT +1) will take place on the last weekend of August 21st, 2018
March, on the night of the 24th to the 25th. The
AID El Adha
time adjustment for the winter (to GMT) will take
August 22st, 2018 (to be confirmed)
place on the last weekend of October, on the
night of the 28th to the 29th, at 3 a.m. Since a Islamic New Year
September 12th, 2018 (to be confirmed)
few years now, with Ramadan occuring during the
summer, Morocco switches to the winter time for Green March
a month, and then it adjusts back to the summer November 6th, 2018
time. You will therefore change the time four times
Independence Day
during the year. November 18th, 2018

Aïd El Mawlid
In Morocco, the public holidays correspond to
November 20th, 2018 (to be confirmed)
religious and national holidays. In principle, the
religious holidays are 2 days long, whereas the
national public holidays are only celebrated on
that same day.

The religious holidays are based on the Hegira

calendar. Consequently, some dates can move
by a day, until the lunar crescent, which marks the
start of every month, is seen by the naked eye. For
example, the Hegira New Year is expected to fall
on September 12th, 2018, but it might actually fall
on the 13th.

34
casa expat guide
 movING AROUND

THE TRAMWAY
You’ll see this as soon as you arrive: traffic in
Casablanca is very dense. But like everywhere,
there are different means of transport. For the
city center, the tramway is part of the solution.
With your Casa Tramway app, you are well
equipped. The ticket costs MAD 6, valid for 2
trips (+ MAD 2 for a card that can be recharged
9 times or + MAD 15 for a rechargeable card
valid for 5 years). Transport passes are also
available.

35
casa expat guide
 TAXIS

Casablanca is also the city of small red taxis

known as “petits taxis”. They are everywhere
and they can take you anywhere in Casablanca.
Outside the city, only the big taxis (grand taxi)
are authorized to transport passengers. In the
city, you can get around faster than by bus, at a
reasonable cost. Always ask for the price before TAXI

hopping into the taxi, or ask the driver to use the

meter.

CAR

To get around more freely, renting a car is an

option. It is also a good way to get your where
abouts in a new city. In Casablanca, you will find
international and local car rental companies.
Prices start at MAD 300 per day. The internet is
the best way to compare prices. Make sure the
offer includes insurance.

Never drive without your license and an ID card

(passport or registration card).

And be careful: your foreign driver’s license

authorizes you to drive in Morocco for only one
year starting from your entry into Morocco.
After this, you must either request the Moroccan
authorities to exchange your foreign license for a
Moroccan one (if you are a national of a country
with which Morocco has signed agreements,
currently in force, in terms of recognition of
PERMIS N°1
2
driver’s licenses), or obtain a Moroccan license.
Also note that if you are over 65 years old, you
will have to undergo a medical examination every
two years, and keep the receipt of this visit with
your license.

In appendix 5, you will find the list of countries

whose nationals may request an exchange of
their foreign driver’s license, as well as the list of
required documents.

36
casa expat guide
It is recommended to purchase a new (or used)
vehicle when you settle in Morocco: customs
duties are high and in Casablanca, you can find
all the big carmakers and many points of sale for
used cars.

If you so wish to share your new life with your old

vehicle, you will need to get customs clearance
(refer to STEP 2: PREPARING YOUR ARRIVAL, 3-
Customs formalities).

You will notice that the Kingdom has a well-

developed road and motorway network. Outside
of the urban perimeter, the roads are in good
condition and driving is pleasant. Road signs
are in Arabic and French, we drive on the right-
hand side of the road, and the Moroccan traffic
regulations are similar to the European ones.

N.B.
At this stage, the insurance issue arises. A
vehicle liability insurance is compulsory. For
full information, visit the website of the Mo-
roccan Federation of Insurance and Reinsu-
rance Companies, Fédération Marocaine des
Sociétés d’Assurances et de Réassurance
– FMSAR www.fmsar.org.ma.

In the event of an accident, you should

immediately contact your insurance (make
sure you have your insurer’s emergency nu-
mber on hand). Vehicles must not be moved
until the arrival of a law enforcement officer
or your insurer’s agent.

37
casa expat guide
 BUS TRAIN

Another urban public transportation option is Al Bidaoui (“from Casablanca”) is the inter-urban
the bus: the cheapest way to get around (MAD train network that serves 7 stations in Casablanca
4 / digital ticket if you have the Moov card (free and its suburbs from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on a line
of charge under certain conditions), MAD 5 if connecting Aïn Sebaâ to Bouskoura. With a MAD
you buy a ticket on the bus), it is also the most 10 ticket, this mode of transport is affordable
widely used mode of transport. A common bus- and offers greater comfort. To come from the
tram ticket project is currently underway. international airport to the city or the other way
around, the most practical mode of transport is
the train. The commuter train that you can catch
at the airport in the underground level of Terminal
1 will lead you to the Aïn Sebaâ, Casa Port, Casa
Voyageurs or Oasis stations and the other way
around. The ticket price is a few dozen dirhams.
Another way to get to the airport is a grand taxi
(only taxi authorized to carry passengers outside
the city) for a fee of MAD 300.

MOHAMMEDIA
ain sebaa

CASAPORT
CASA
VOYAGEURS
mers sultan

oasis

faculté

Nassim
BOUSKOURA

AÉROPORT
MOHAMED V
 FOREIGN PUBLIC
SERVICES
As soon as your registration card is issued,
remember to register with the consulate
of your country of origin. You will receive a
consular registration card.

The consulate is an extension of your country

of origin in your host country, with the consent
of the latter. There, you can vote, renew your
national identification card and your passport,
and possibly benefit from notarial services.
Embassies are systematically established in
Rabat, the capital city, whereas consulates are
generally located in one or several big cities
(including Casablanca).

Not all countries have a consulate: some

countries have a consular department within
their Embassy in Rabat, others benefit from
the consular assistance of a friendly country.
Check if your country is listed among the
foreign embassies and consulates accredited
in Morocco:

www.diplomatie.ma
www.data.gov.ma

39
casa expat guide
40
casa expat guide
 step
5
PARTIE
DISCOVER 5
CASABLANCA
JE DECOUVRE CASABLANCA

1- Architecture and heritage

20th century Architectural laboratory

2- Emblematic neighborhoods
Neighborhoods, detailed maps: Old Medina, City Center, Racine
and the Golden Triangle, Casa-Anfa, Aïn Diab and the Corniche,
Maarif, Habous, CIL, Hay Mohammadi

3- Casablanca beaches
From Mohammedia to Dar Bouazza,
you will find private and public
beaches.

4- Culture
The various events (Jazzablanca, Casa Festival, L’Boulevard,
Shopping Festival), museums, cultural sites (theaters, cinemas,
foreign cultural centers, art galleries), the Grand Theater of
Casablanca: CasArts

5- Major development projects

Focus on the marina, the zoo, the Bouskoura-Merchich
forest, the Sidi Abderrahmane archeological park and
the Arab League Park

41
casa expat guide
 20th Century
Architectural
Laboratory
An ancient site of human activity, a Medina
rebuilt in the 18th century under the impetus
of the Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah,
a modern city built in the 20th century,
Casablanca has continuously renewed itself
over the centuries. Listed on the UNESCO
World Heritage Tentative List, the city, which
has been an urban architectural lab since
the 1920s, is considered to be the capital of
modern architecture. Its first master plans
were designed by Henri Post in 1915, then
renewed by Michel Ecochard at the end of
the 1940s. Many forward-looking European
architects came along to put their creativity
and ingenuousness to the test, blending their
western influences (Art Nouveau and Art Déco)
with zellige and other traditional Moroccan
decorative elements. A prime example of this
new Moorish style is the renowned Excelsior
Hotel, where one can enjoy a coffee break
at the United Nations Square: that is where
Saint-Exupery used to stay between two
flights. You may also wish to add to your
stamps collection at the Central Post Office,
located on Avenue Mohammed V, whose
façade is simply breathtaking. You will love
the round and subtle geometry of the ‘’boat’’-
style architecture: these are the modern
buildings that gave the city an American feel
back in the 1920s. This includes the Liberté
building or even the Tit Mellil air terminal. The
panorama of the city center is also punctuated
with cubist volumes with subtle and elegant
façades and a functionalist style. The Medina
that was rebuilt in the 18th century is located
in the north of the city by the coast, a stone’s
throw away from the Hassan II Mosque, that is
an absolute must see! It should not however
be mistaken for the Habous neighborhood,
the new Medina built further down south in
the city in the 20th century as part of the new
city. These two Medinas are definitely worth a
visit. Casablanca is therefore a rich city with a
diversified heritage.

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casa expat guide
 NEIGHBORHOODS

Casablanca’s city center is located on the coast, north of the city, and deploys
its neighborhoods towards the east (Belvédère, Gironde, Hay Mohammadi,
Aïn Sebaâ), the west (Bourgogne, Racine, Racine Extension, Anfa, Anfa
Supérieur, Val d’Anfa and Aïn Diab) and the south (Gauthier, Alsace-Lorraine,
Maârif and Maârif Extension, Palmiers, Hôpitaux, Habous, Socrate, Val Fleuri,
CIL, Derb Ghallef, Tantonville, Franceville, Oasis and Polo).

old MEDINA
city center
Racine / Triangle d’or
Anfa
Casa-Anfa
Aïn Diab
Maârif
Habous
CIL
Hay mohammadi

43
casa expat guide
 Casa-Anfa Anfa
Anfa is the hill that
Casa-Anfa is a new dominates the city
neighborhood which of Casablanca. Since
includes the old airport 1940, it has become the
AÏN DIAB AND THE CORNICHE of Anfa. It is a new urban neighborhood of the
center with an area of 360 wealthy families who came
Located on the coast, the Aïn Diab
neighborhood (‘‘the spring of wolves’’) hectares, and will start to settle in Casablanca. It
spreads all the way from the Hassan welcoming its inhabitants in is also a name associated
II Mosque, the largest in Morocco, 2018. Its guiding principles to contemporary history
to the Morocco Mall, the leading are quality and green since it was there that in
retailtainment mall in Africa, passing spaces. Ideally located 1943, the Allied conference,
through the Anfaplace Shopping in the heart of the city, in which namely welcomed
Center and the Corniche and Atlantic the medium term, it will be Roosevelt and Churchill,
Ocean Boulevard, bordering a line home to Casa Finance City was held. A very selective
of fine sand beaches. The El Hank (CFC), residential areas, residential neighborhood,
lighthouse is the first place to visit Anfa is covered with lush
hotels, education facilities, gardens, majestic villas and
in this neighborhood: built in 1920 healthcare and cultural
to facilitate access to the port wide and flowery avenues.
facilities, as well as sports
of Casablanca, today it offers a and leisure centers.
breathtaking view of the city. The real
‘Corniche’ of Casablanca is composed
of a row of restaurants, cafés, clubs
with swimming pools, and night clubs,
offering the Casablanca dwellers a
great entertainment with a splendid
ocean view. Like many Casablanca
dwellers, you can also enjoy a morning
stroll or jog.

Maârif
The posh area in town, the
Maârif is the ideal neighborhood
to go shopping with its endless
offering of franchises, and to
take a moment to enjoy a cup
of tea in one of the reputed
tea rooms of the metropolis
between two stores. The Twin
Center, inaugurated in 1998,
has become one of the main
landmarks of the city with its
two 28-storey-high towers that
are home to many offices, retail
stores and a 5-star hotel. They
also offer an exceptional view of
Casablanca.
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casa expat guide
 HAY MOHAMMADI
This working-class neighborhood of
Casablanca was home to the legendary
OLD MEDINA slums of the Carrières Centrales
(originally established on the site
One can access the Medina by of an old quarry). Since 1920, it has
going through “Bab Marrakech”, been welcoming workers coming to
where the ramparts of the Casablanca from all over the country.
old fortress town are easily In the 1940s, the slums changed
recognizable. The Old Medina locations but kept the same name.
is the historic basin from which A unique cohabitation experience
Casablanca was developed. Don’t with people originating from different
miss out on discovering the city’s tribes and regions of Morocco, the
history by going on a city bike ride! Carrières Centrales continued to
develop in a spirit of openness and
as a true melting pot. It is one of the
reasons why this neighborhood has
ever since kept up its cultural, artistic,
political and social effervescence. Its
community centers have awakened
quite a few talents within the
neighborhood population and have
greatly contributed to the emergence
of living legends in the cultural and
athletic fields. Many famous artists are
from Hay Mohammadi, such as Nass
El Ghiwane, the emblematic musical
band baptized the “Rolling Stones” of
Morocco.

Habous
The Habous neighborhood stands out
with its architecture that is in keeping with
the standards of a traditional Medina,
and also incorporates modern urbanism,
its arcades, its brightly-colored crafts
stalls. It is the ideal place to buy fabric,
carpets and traditional clothing. There
is also the street that is home to book
specialists: publishers, book stores and
secondhand book sellers. A stone’s
throw away from the Royal Palace of
Casablanca, the neighborhood is also
home to the Mohammadi Mosque and
the Mahkama of the Pacha (former
religious court of Casablanca) designed
in an Arab-Andalusian style.

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casa expat guide
 CIL CITY CENTER
Two areas to point out in the heart of the
Another sought-after City Center, the Prince Moulay Abdellah
neighborhood of Casablanca, passageway, a pedestrian street with an
CIL (for “Centre Immobilier Art Deco architecture, and Derb Omar, a
Longchamp”, named after the shopping district with more than 2,000
developer who built it) was stores and a crowd of shoppers. Browse
renamed Hay Essalam, but the around and discover the city center! Fur-
three initials continue to impose ther down south, the Mohammed V Square
themselves in the daily jargon of and its administrative district will give you
Casablanca dwellers. Renowned an overview of Casablanca’s Neo-Moorish
for its pleasant neighborhood architecture dating back to the last cen-
life (many restaurants, tury, through the buildings of the Wilaya
supermarkets, schools, of the Region of Casablanca-Settat, the
banks) and its community of Palace of Justice, the Central Post Office,
expatriates, CIL has witnessed a and the Central Bank of Morocco. A longer
soar in its real estate prices and walk will lead you to the Arab League Park,
many companies have been open since 1918. It is the largest green
setting up their offices there. space in Casablanca, recently renovated
and soon open to the public, an ideal place
to go and relax and take a break from the
city’s hustle and bustle.

RACINE AND THE

GOLDEN TRIANGLE
This is one of the poshest
neighborhoods in
Casablanca. It comprises
the Golden Triangle,
located between the
Zerktouni, El Massira
Khadra (the Green March)
and Anfa boulevards. The
name is inspired from the
high real estate prices,
prestigious shop windows
and many restaurants.

46
casa expat guide
 BEACHES IN
CASABLANCA
Casablanca is a coastal city that is bordered with their private beaches. An ideal place to
by beaches that run all along its shore. From go for a swim or a jog, the beach will brighten
Mohammedia to Sidi Rahal, one can choose to your weekends or breaks at the end of the day.
sunbathe from the north to the south at: Sablettes Because in Casablanca, you can enjoy the beach
beach, Mannesmann beach, Miramar beach, the every day!
little Zenata beach, Aïn Sebaâ beach, Pepsi beach,
Lalla Meryem beach, the Corniche beaches, Aïn Right after the Corniche you will run into Aïn Diab
Diab beach, Madame Choual beach, and Tamaris beach. Do you enjoy surfing ? Well this is the place
beach (Dar Bouazza). to be if you wish to indulge your passion. Several
surf schools have set their shops over there. Also,
You can choose between the public beaches and for several years now, Gate 13 has been offering
private clubs that offers full amenities. many other activities.

The Madame Choual beach behind the Morocco

Mall is ready to welcome you! It is bordered
with facilities offering WiFi and even a spa and
swimming pool. Go on over and enjoy!

Further down the path, a few kilometers further,

past Tamaris, that is Dar Bouazza begins. A chic
ocean front suburb that is populated with young
professionals and families that offers a wide array
Upstream of the urban project Anfaplace and of amenities to fulfill all your needs: restaurants,
its shopping mall, you can find the Lalla Meryem hip pubs, clubs with private beaches, surf school,
beach and enjoy an iodine-filled break. horseback riding, jet-skiing, hotels, etc… The
choice is yours!
At the far south of the Lalla Meryem beach is the
Corniche, a developed area offering visitors, in Another seaside pleasure in Dar Bouazza is to
addition to a breathtaking ocean view, a plethora await the return of the fishermen and buy their
of entertainment, cafés, restaurants and clubs catch of fresh fish and have it prepared in one of
the many restaurants of the village.

Sablette
Mannesmann

Zenata

Lalla Meryem Ain Sebaa

Aïn Diab

Dar Bouazza
Tamaris
47
casa expat guide
 CULTURE
GUIDED TOUR OF
THE HASSAN II MOSQUE

Living in Morocco gives you the opportunity to

discover the Islamic culture. Casablanca has the
privilege of being home to the grand Hassan II
Mosque. Its 210-meter high minaret is the highest in
the world. Designed by the architect Michel Pinseau,
it overlooks the ocean in the north of the city and
can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers.
A must-see monument in your journey through
Casablanca, the site also comprises a Quran school
and a museum. Even if the entry to Muslim places THE VILLA DES ARTS
of worship is generally forbidden to non-Muslims, OF CASABLANCA
the Hassan II Mosque has allocated specific hours
to sightseeing tours. So find out about the visiting
hours! The Villa des Arts of Casablanca is at the intersection
of the Roudani and Zerktouni boulevards in an Art
Deco villa erected in 1934: one can contemplate the
THE ABDERRAHMAN SLAOUI permanent collections and temporary exhibition of
Moroccan and foreign contemporary artists, as well
FOUNDATION MUSEUM as sign up for art initiation workshops…

The foundation’s museum, established in a CULTURAL CENTERS

1940s villa in the historical center of the city, was
inaugurated in 2012. There you can see unique
collections (ancient jewelry, illuminations, chests, Casablanca is full of places to go and take a cultural
showcase of curiosities) and especially the famous break: the Cervantès Institute (Spanish cultural
collection of orientalist posters owned by the center), the Goethe Institute (German cultural
foundation. The museum also curates temporary center), the French Institute of Casablanca (French
exhibits and organizes events outside the museum. cultural center) and its 121 Theater, Dar America.

THE MOROCCAN ART GALLERIES

JEWISH MUSEUM
The white city is full of prestigious galleries
Created by the foundation for Jewish-Moroccan celebrating paintings, sculptures, photographs…
Cultural Heritage, officially recognized to be of For great artistic getaways, go visit one of them!
public utility, it is the only museum in the Arab You can choose from: Cultures Interfaces, l’Atelier
world dedicated to the Jewish culture. From Jewish- 21, Loft and Art Gallery, Bassma Art Gallery,
Moroccan crafts to sacred art elements, the museum Galerie Nadar, Galerie Shart, Galerie 38, Galerie
offers a tour of the daily life and history of Jews in Venise Cadre, Villa Delaporte, So Art Gallery,
Morocco. It should be noted that the Moroccan Galerie H, Espace Art Actua..
constitution acknowledges the plural cultural identity
of the country, namely the Hebrew contribution.

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casa expat guide
 CINEMAS AND THEATRES

The main cinemas in the city are the Megarama

complex on the Corniche and the IMAX Cinema
at the Morocco Mall, the Lynx Cinema in the Mers
CASA FESTIVAL
Sultan neighborhood, the splendid ABC Cinema
on the Mohammed V boulevard (that namely An event that no one should miss! The objective
shows live broadcasts of ballets of the national of the Casa Festival that is organized in July
opera of Paris), the Ritz Cinema located by the is to reveal and illustrate the cultural wealth
of Casablanca across the entire territory. This
United Nations Square, the Rif Cinema on the
event showcases the positioning of the city
FAR Avenue (shows the “Ballet at the cinema”
as a cultural melting-pot. During the ten-day
with a broadcast of the Bolshoi ballets and “The festivities, various national and international
theater at the cinema” with a live broadcast of the artists perform on the different stages: dance,
Comédie-Française). screenings, performance art for children, street
For its magic, we recommend that you visit the will art…for the people of Casablanca who will
Rialto cinema theater, an architectural gem built get to enjoy the shows in the different neighbo-
in 1930 on the same street as the Ritz Cinema. rhoods of the metropolis.
Casablanca also has great theaters: the
Mohammed VI National Theater in the Belvédère
neighborhood, the FOL theater (Fédération
des Œuvres Laïques - Federation of Secular
Productions) in the Gauthier neighborhood, the Useful
Sidi Belyout cultural complex, as well as the Studio
info
des Arts Vivants and its Galerie 38 (performing arts
auditorium, exhibition hall and multidisciplinary
teaching center: singing, dance, etc…).
CasArts, the grand theater of Casablanca, will Wecasablanca
www.wecasablanca.com/city-guide/culture/
be one of the greatest cultural centers in Africa. événements
It is located on the Mohammed V Square and its
Conseil Régional du Tourisme de Casablanca
construction will be completed at the end of 2018. www.visitcasablanca.ma
Of an international caliber, this multidisciplinary
space shall be dedicated to performance arts Institut Cervantès
www.casablanca.cervantes.es
(drama, dance, music, etc…), the promotion of
art and Moroccan artists, and the organization of Goethe Institut
residencies for artists from around the world. www.goethe.de

Institut français de Casablanca

www.if-maroc.org/casablanca/
festivals
Musée du Judaïsme
www.casajewishmuseum.com
Casablanca is also the city of festivals: the
international theater festival of Casablanca, Villa des arts
Jazzablanca at the Anfa Hippodrome, Casa www.fondationona.ma
Festival (concerts, performing arts, street
Casa Festival
art, dance and screening of films), Shop’in www.wecasablanca.com/festival
Casablanca, The Casablanca Shopping Festival,
L’Boulevard (contemporary music and urban
culture festival), etc…

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casa expat guide
 LARGE-SCALE
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Casablanca is a city that is undergoing a complete transformation, its urban
development plan provides for large-scale projects that aim to improve the daily
lives of the inhabitants of Casablanca: upgrading the public road system, set-up
of urban one-stop-shop, restructuring of the peri-urban neighborhoods, etc… To
keep you up to date, in this guide we have selected a few pilot projects led by SDL
Casa Aménagement, which will be of interest to you. For further information, visit the
website www.casa-amenagement.ma.

the marina

The Marina is the flagship project of Casablanca:

the metropolis built a marina which includes a yacht
harbor, nine office building towers, a shopping mall,
hotels and luxury residences. Located in the heart
of the city, a stone’s throw away from the Hassan
II Mosque, 47 hectares are fully equipped to re-
energize the area.

THE REDEVELOPMENT
OF THE AIN SEBAA ZOO

Spread over 10 hectares, the redevelopment of

the zoo provides for a zoo and scenic tour, an
educational farm, wooded areas for picnics and
relaxation, as well as a playground, restaurants
and kiosks. A tribute is paid to the lion, given the
name of the neighborhood (Aïn Sebaa means
the “lion’s spring”).

THE BOUSKOURA-MERCHICH
FOREST

You need some fresh air? You will love the eucalyptus
forest of Bouskoura-Merchich, which extends over
3,000 hectares in a peri-urban area in Casablanca. It
is the ideal location for families to come and relax, and
for athletes to come play sports. The city is currently
developing its forest estate to improve its recreational
and scenic layout plans. The project therefore includes
an eco-lodge, a “sensorial path” and other activities
combining the love for nature and knowledge of the
forest ecosystem.

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casa expat guide
THE SIDI ABDERRAHMANE
ARCHEOLOGICAL PARK

Because leisure is also synonymous of

culture, Casablanca wishes to showcase
its archeological findings in the Sidi
Abderrahmane Archeological Park
project, named after its location, where
just a skip away from the Morocco Mall,
human remnants dating back to 200,000
years ago were found in the 1950s (“the
man from Sidi Abderrahmane”). This
integrated cultural project comprises a
research and excavations component,
educational trails, initiation workshops
(archeological excavations, size of
prehistoric tools, etc…), an exhibition
room and a multimedia room.

THE REHABILITATION OF THE

ARAB LEAGUE PARK

At the heart of the City Center, the

largest green space of the city got a
new look to welcome you: the end of
the rehabilitation works of this historic
garden in Casablanca (plantations,
basic infrastructures, playgrounds and
restaurants) is scheduled for 2018.
Therefore you will soon be able to enjoy
the alleyways for a pleasant stroll, a
refreshing pause or an educational
activity.

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casa expat guide
52
casa expat guide
step
6
PARTIE
I am from 5
Casablanca
JE DECOUVRE CASABLANCA

1- Groceries
Supermarkets, markets, local products,
delicatessen stores, organic products
stores, organic farms

2- Going out
Restaurants, tea rooms, clubs, lounges and night
clubs

3- Sports activities
Disciplines, offering, public facilities

4- Amusement parks & playgrounds

Activities for all ages

5- Shopping
Casablanca, the ideal shopping destination for
all budgets and styles

6- Beauty salons
Hammams, spas, beauty institutes and other
cosmetic procedures

7- Getaways
Day trip: Mohammedia, Rabat, El Jadida;
Weekend trip: Marrakech, Essaouira, Agadir,
Tangier, Dakhla…

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casa expat guide
 GROCERIES
Grab your basket, we’re going grocery shopping! A newcomer in town, with its first store opening
Watch out: since 2016, Morocco has adopted the in Casablanca is Bô Marché, a Moroccan
‘’zero mika’’ (zero plastic bags) law. Reusable bags grocery store that is positioned between a
are available for sale (1 MAD for a small-sized neighborhood grocery store and a delicatessen
fabric bag from the grocery store and 5 MAD for shop. Other delicatessen shops are also
the large shopping bag available in supermarkets) available in Casablanca (Ô Gourmet, F. Kabbaj,
or you can bring your own shopping bags or Fun and Foods, etc.), each with their specialties.
baskets. Specialized organic stores are also available
and offer excellent Moroccan products such
For your daily groceries (a carton of milk, water, as Les Domaines Agricoles, Carrefour Gourmet
gas cylinders or batteries) you can go to your and La Vie Claire. For weekly deliveries of organic
neighborhood grocery store. products, contact organic farms in the outskirts
of Casablanca (le Potager Bio, la Ferme d’Ayla,
The major supermarket chains in Morocco are Permacoop and Dar Slaouia)...
Marjane, Acima, Carrefour and BIM; they each
have many locations open all over Casablanca. For your household appliances, do note that
These are conventional supermarkets, that you can find every appliance and all types of
generally include parking lots and a shopping mall. brands, either in hyper markets or specialized
You will find all you need in terms of food products, stores.
cleaning supplies, personal care. Marjane and
Acima do not sell alcoholic beverages. Bim,
the neighborhood minimart chain is also very
convenient!

You can also go grocery shopping in your

neighborhood markets (Central Market, Maârif,
Badr Market, Derb Ghallef, Bab Marrakech, Souk
Jemaâ in Derb Sultan, etc.), where you will find
a great variety of fresh products: fruits and
vegetables, meat, fish and seafood will enchant
you!

For local products, go to the Solidarity Market

right across from the Oasis train station: the
Mohammed V Foundation opened the market
and collaborates with Moroccan cooperatives.
You no longer have to go on a quest for Argan
oil (food and cosmetic), grenadine vinegar, dates
syrup, various types of honey and products made
from prickly pears, you will find everything at the
Solidarity Market!

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casa expat guide
 GOING OUT
There is an endless choice of places to go
out in Casablanca! Moroccan or international
restaurants, specialty restaurants, tea rooms,
lounges, clubs, all you have to do is choose.
Moving to Casablanca is an opportunity to
discover Moroccan cuisine and its wide variety of
flavors and recipes. You will savor the countless
tajines (meat or fish and vegetable ragout with
vegetables or with vegetables alone, prepared
and served in a single dish of the same name:
start with the classic chicken and preserved
lemons tajine or the unforgettable lamb and
dried prunes tajine), pigeons or fish and seafood
pastillas, or ‘’bestella’’ as Moroccans pronounce
it, the delicious 7-vegetables couscous, widely
consumed and served everywhere on Fridays
(and no, Moroccan couscous is not prepared
with merguez sausage; however it is served with
a cup of buttermilk, or ‘’lben’’ as Moroccans say
and a bowl of ‘’tfaya’’, raisins and caramelized
onions that will enchant your palate). There are
many Moroccan restaurants available for every
budgets.

For breakfast, lunch or an afternoon snack, the

mahlaba (dairy shop) is a little neighborhood
store where you can stop by for affordable
dairy products, fresh fruit juices, hot beverages,
sandwiches, all sorts of crepes and pancakes
(mlawi, rghaïf, harcha) available in sweet and
savory versions. Treat yourself to a juice at
the famous Jus de Bordeaux (Bourgogne
neighborhood, there is no other juice like it!)
To enjoy international cuisine: French, Chinese,
Thai, Japanese, Lebanese, Brazilian, vegetarian,
burger restaurants, etc… are plentiful. Make your
choice using the Casa Break app that lists a great
number of restaurants in Casablanca.

If you like going to cafés, ice cream shops

and tea houses, Casablanca is the place for
you: there are hundreds here. From the small
neighborhood café to the boutique tea house

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casa expat guide
in posh neighborhoods, there is something for
everyone. For a break in the city center, stop by
the Café Impérial, at the entrance of the Habous
neighborhood, check the Bennis bakery, renowned
for their delicious sweets and pastries.
At night, clubs and lounges welcome the people
of Casablanca: yet again you will have an endless
choice. From rooftop bars to terrace lounges or
jazz clubs, you’ll find the right spot that suits your
groove. Keep in mind that clubs close at 11 p.m. or
midnight.

A multitude of nightclubs await the night owls! The

Corniche is home to renowned clubs that feature
a dimmed and sultry atmosphere to clubs with
loud music and flashing disco lights, so go out to
discover the Casablanca nightlife!

Tips
A decent tip would be to leave the waiter the
equivalent of 10% of your check. If you are very
satisfied with the service, by all means leave a more
generous tip.

Ramadan
During Ramadan the ‘’ftour’’ (literally means
breakfast, as in breaking of the fast) starts out by a
having a bowl of ‘’harira’’, a thick flour-based soup
made of tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, onions and
meat (with a few variations), accompanied with milk,
dates and traditional honey-dipped pastries. The
table will also be adorned with salads, breads with
cheeses and other delicacies, as well as fruit juices.
However in the evening, a larger meal is served even
if in the big cities, there is a growing tendency to
serve a single balanced meal to break the fast.

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casa expat guide
 SPORTS
ACTIVITIES

Whether you are a sports fanatic or an amateur,

life in Casablanca will be to your liking. Almost all
disciplines and all types of options are available:
ball and racket sports, water sports, swimming, Useful
athletics, gymnastics, golf, horseback riding, dance, info
yoga, climbing, cycling, combat sports and martial
arts, and speed walking at the beach.

In a multi-sports complex or a family club, whether it

is a small neighborhood fitness club or a big swanky Ministry for Youth and Sports
gym, in public or private facilities, word-of-mouth www.mjs.gov.ma
or visits will help you make your choice.
The city offers you the Mohammed V sports website of sports clubs in morocco
www.clubs.ma
complex in the Maârif neighborhood, as well as
the Bourgogne sports center (in the eponymous Casablanca International Marathon
neighborhood) and three public swimming pools. www.wecasablanca.com/marathon
The nautical club in the Mohammed V complex
even offers initiation to scuba diving classes, highly Application CasaMarathon
appreciated by seabed aficionados. www.wecasablanca.com/casamarathon/app

For golfers, do note that the Casablanca and

Mohammedia golf courses meet the highest
international standards. The Casablanca-Settat Casablanca
region offers no less than 10 golf courses to fulfill International
the needs of golfers of all levels and also offers a
great variety of courses. Marathon
Solidarity, perseverance, surpassing oneself
Sports activities in Casablanca are also practiced and endurance… These are the values of the
in public spaces. To go for a jog, the Corniche, the Casablanca International Marathon. Since 2008,
Isesco garden or the Bouskoura forest offer many the city of Casablanca has marked its name on
trails. Soccer games are played all day long in the the international marathon agenda. Held at the
beaches of Casablanca. Open-air yoga classes end of October, the event blends sports to the
discovery of the urban wealth of the white city.
are also offered at many gyms. Water sports
The Casablanca International Marathon offers a
fans can go to the surf clubs or the nautical base transgenerational sports program and different
in Mohammedia, which offers sailing classes for sporting trails including: a marathon, a semi-
people of all ages. marathon, and a 10 km race.

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casa expat guide
 AMUSEMENT PARKS
PLAYGROUNDS

Looking for strong emotions and fun? Distract

yourself at one of the numerous amusement
parks in Casablanca.

Sindibad Park

For children and adults, the Sindibad Park in

Aïn Diab, upgraded and reopened in 2015,
revisiting the theme of the seven marvelous
journeys of the sailor Sindbad, the hero from
the Sheherazade fairy tale: attractions and
rides, animal park, restaurants (sandwiches,
salads and desserts) and souvenir shop.

Tamaris Aquapark

The 7.5-hectare Tamaris Aquapark in Dar

Bouazza is open every day from 10 a.m. to
6:30 p.m. The village includes a wave pool,
water rides, an indoor game room, and
restaurants. And you can even play bowling
over there!

Adventureland

Adventureland is an indoor theme park

in the Morocco Mall. Leisure and family
entertainment is offered in the 5,000-m2
park which includes a skating rink, a climbing
wall, a 3-level games area, learning activities,
birthday rooms, restaurants and a musical
train.

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casa expat guide
VGK
For karting fans, the VGK village located in the
middle of nature, between Casablanca and
Rabat, welcomes you from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in
the winter and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the summer.
Spreading over its 9 hectares, in addition to
karting, VGK also offers paintball, soccer, mini-
quad, tennis, accrobranche and playgrounds for
the younger patrons.

The Tamaris Paintball Club

Here is another fun address for paintball! The

club also offers other activities which include
four-wheelers, horseback riding, giant football,
and everybody gets to play games. Every day
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., make a reservation and
come on over to enjoy nature and the many
others activities the complex has to offer.

Le Barry Club

The Le Barry Club in Dar Bouazza is open to

children and adults from Tuesday to Sunday
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Around the facilities
dedicated to horseback riding, the club has
developed an educational farm, playgrounds, a
soccer field and a swimming pool. You can also
have lunch at the club’s small restaurant.

Useful
Royal Aviation Club of Casablanca info

You feel like going for a “first flight” or getting

your license to become a private pilot? The
Royal Aviation Club of Casablanca has been
since 1950 safely serving aeronautics fans.
www.parcsindibad.ma
www.tamaris-aquaparc.com
Tit Mellil Aviation Club www.adventurelandmaroc.com
www.vgk.ma
www.paintballmorocco.centerblog.net
Another aviation club in the region of
www.clublebarry.e-monsite.com
Casablanca is the Tit Mellil Aviation Club, which
www.acrc.ma
offers leisure aviation activities and a flying www.titmellilaviation.ma
school.

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casa expat guide
 SHOPPING

Casablanca is the ideal destination to go shopping

whatever your style may be!

Vast shopping centers are home to great

international brands. At the edge of the Corniche,
inaugurated in 2011, you will find the Morocco Mall,
the first retailtainment mall in Africa spreading
across 250,000 m2 and overlooking the ocean. It
offers more than 600 brands for all budgets (H&M
to Dior), entertainment, a huge food court, a giant
aquarium and a musical fountain. In the 1st and 2nd
floors of the mall, the Miraj zone brings together
prestigious brands and tailor-made services. The For traditional clothing or Moroccan crafts, the
Morocco Mall also proposes a “souk” area that Habous neighborhood is the best place to go.
features Moroccan know-how represented through For your athletic equipment, the Décathlon
four authentic worlds: the Marrakchi souk, the Fassi brand has opened a big store in Aïn Sebaa. Also,
souk, the Berber souk and the Gold souk. The top there are many surf shops open around the city
floor is dedicated to food, with 62 restaurants, (Rip Curl, Casablanca Surf Shop, etc.).
snack bars, cafés and tea rooms.
To help you find the store you are looking
Another shopping temple under the Casablanca for, check out the Casa Shopping Guide
skies is the Anfaplace Shopping Center, located online: www.wecasablanca.com/casablanca-
in the north of Aïn Diab. Open since 2013, with 90 shoppingguide-2018.
clothing, fashion accessories, cosmetics brands for
women, men and children, the site also offers a food
area, a daycare, a supermarket and direct access to
the beach with its own surf club and surf shop.

Maârif is the neighborhood where you can find

anything and everything! Between the Twin Center
and its shopping center, its concept stores and
modern international and Moroccan franchises on
the famous Massira El Khadra Boulevard, and the
small stores where you can browse away for good Shopping Festival
deals, not to mention the bazaars where you can Casablanca is now imposing itself as a full-fledged
come across some great finds on your way to the shopping destination with stores and brands
Maârif mosque. meeting everyone’s needs and desires, going from
international franchises to local concept stores
You will come across luxury paradise in the Golden to young designer workshops. The economic
Triangle, which offers a trendy shopping offering in capital hosts the very first shopping festival in
the most prestigious boutiques in town (Yves Saint Morocco! Up and coming designers, passionate
Laurent, Furla, Bulgari, Chopard, etc.), selective craftsmen, famous brands and small avant-garde
concept-stores (TO Concept Store, La Fabrique, boutiques: all are mobilized during this period to
Wobo Concept Store, Jungle Concept Store) and offer the people of Casablanca and the visitors an
international brands (Maje, Belair, Sud Express, Petit unforgettable experience.
bateau, Jacadi, etc.).
www.wecasablanca.com/shopping

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casa expat guide
 BEAUTY SALONS

After having to run all around the city, it is now time Clair, Dessange, Maison d’Asa, 5 Mondes, etc.).
to pamper yourself! Hammam, spa, beauty institute
and other cosmetic procedures, Casablanca has it Saunas and massages are also offered in most
all! hotels and beauty centers in Casablanca, as
well as all the classic cosmetic treatments:
Morocco is the country of hammams, and hair removal, body and facial treatments, hair
Casablanca offers you a wide array of them. You can treatments, hair salons, etc.
enjoy a traditional Hammam for an affordable price So don’t wait a second longer to treat yourself
at the Gauthier Turkish Bath or the Ziani Hammam to a well-deserved moment of relaxation!
in Benjdia. To pamper yourself a little more, you
can also go to the Pacha Hammam on the Ghandi
Boulevard for MAD 200. The Topkapi Hammam is
a notch higher with several offerings. In the Racine
neighborhood, there is the L’Entrecop’IN, which is
the place to go if you want to go for a Hammam
followed by a quick snack or meal, since they have
Useful
a “fast food” joint in the ground floor that is open info
to all, and the upper level is exclusively reserved for
the pampering of women.

Please note that spas at major hotels (So Spa by

Sofitel Casablanca, the Spa at the Four Seasons,
etc.), the international brands (Carita) and modern www.wecasablanca.com
beauty institutes generally offer a hammam service www.madeinmedina.com
(Institut Sawadi, L’Atelier de Coiffure, Lucie Saint- www.plurielle.ma
www.madamemaroc.ma

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casa expat guide
 GETAWAYS

Morocco is a splendid country with many cities

to discover through a day trip or a long weekend
For a weekend or a little longer
getaway.
So let’s head to Assilah, Tangier or Tetouan in the
north region of Morocco; further to the east, you
For a day of relaxation can visit Fes, Mekenes and Ifrane; and Marrakech,
Essaouira and Agadir or Dakhla further down
Go snoop around Mohammedia, the close by in the south. Inland, you can visit Taroudant,
“human” scale city, famous for its many little Ouarzazate, Zagora or the Ziz Valley. These are
fish restaurants. An urgent must see! You will all great destinations to discover the thousand of
also enjoy its pleasant golf course, the VGK, the landscapes of Morocco.
Asana store for some quality crafts shopping and The Moroccan road network that is perpetually
the Kasbah that is home to a nice market and being developed is properly maintained and is
popular restaurants. among the best in Africa. It includes almost 1,800
km of motorways and more than 40,000 km of
Whether you drive and take the motorway or paved roads.
the train, in just an hour you will arrive to Rabat,
the administrative capital of the Kingdom. The If you prefer traveling by bus to enjoy the beautiful
slower pace of this city is conducive to visiting landscapes, the CTM (Moroccan Transport
museums that are keeping up with international Company) offers a premium service with its
standards (the MMVI – museum of modern and comfortable vehicles servicing the main cities of
contemporary art), the History and Civilizations the Kingdom for reasonable prices.
Museum that was recently renovated, the Bank
Al Maghrib Museum, and many art galleries. At The rail network is also very well developed,
the southeast of the ramparts you can admire connecting the entire country through the ONCF
the antique Chellah site, the majestic Merinides network (Moroccan National Railways Office).
necropolis with its Roman origins overlooking the
Bouregreg river. To the north of the city center, at Casablanca has an international airport, the
the mouth of the river is the Kasbah des Oudayas, Mohammad V Airport (Nouaceur), meeting the
a small town in the city and home to a splendid highest international standards. Departing from
garden that you will have to walk through to Casablanca, you can also travel to the following
take a look at the first Alaouite royal residences national destinations: Al Hoceima, Tangier,
(beautifully restored to accommodate the Marrakech, Agadir or Dakhla.
national jewelry museum), then go have a cup of
mint tea in the famous Café Maure.

In the opposite direction of Rabat, an hour south

of Casablanca is El Jadida (“the new one”). You will
love just being able to relax and walk around the
Useful
lively markets in the city: fruits and vegetables, info
fish, crafts, spices…Take your time in El Jadida.
And visit the old Portuguese fortress town called
Mazagan, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage
List since 2004. The Portuguese town, built in
1514, is part of the oldest elements of the site. It is
an underground vaulted room with an incredible www.adm.co.ma
architecture which effect is strengthened by a www.mtpnet.gov.ma
thin layer of water that permanently covers the
www.ctm.ma
ground and shows a reflection of the ceiling.
www.oncf.ma
www.onda.ma
www.royalairmaroc.com
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casa expat guide
 Appendix 1 Appendix 2 – Documents required for
Entry visas the customs clearance of your vehicle
Documents to provide when applying for an entry visa
• Visa entry application • Registration card of the vehicle “Carte grise”
• 2 recent color ID-photos with a white background (original + photocopy)
(4x3 cm) clearly showing facial features • ID (national identification card or residence card) •
• National Identification Card or residence card or any Original invoice for automobiles purchased in the last
other valid equivalent document 3 months or less
• Valid passport or travel document (validity of more • Duly notarized proxy by the competent authorities
than 90 days and more than the length of stay abroad and issued by the owner of the vehicle if the
• Photocopy of the pages of the passport indicating import is handled by a third party.
your identity and the validity period
• Round trip travel ticket with a confirmed reservation
• One of the following supporting documents :
- hotel reservation
- presentation of a voucher
Annexe 3 - residence permit
- notarized statement of financial responsibility in Documents required to obtain your
the case of a family visit, with a guarantee of financial
responsibility over medical costs and possible residence permit
repatriation
• Request from an accredited travel agency or • Copies of the pages of your passport that contain
recommendation from the Ministry of Tourism or your identity ; -Stamp of the border police with your
delegation from the Moroccan National Tourist Office date of entry in Morocco; - Your entry visa to Morocco,
if applicable;
Documents to provide when applying for an investor visa
• Visa entry application • 2 copies of the completed application
• 2 recent color ID-photos with a white background • 6 ID-photos
(4x3 cm) clearly showing facial features • Proof of permanent residence of the applicant in
• National Identification Card or residence card or any Morocco (lease, title certificate, other)
other valid equivalent document • criminal record
• Valid passport or travel document (validity of more
• Medical certificate
than 90 days and more than the length of stay
• Photocopy of the pages of the passport indicating • Proof of livelihood
your identity and the validity period • Proof of the nature of the activity being undertaken,
• Recommendation of the Directorate of Foreign if applicable
Investments or a professional federation or another
competent supervisory authority or Regional
Investment Centers (CRI) or from a Moroccan partner
or foreign investor established in Morocco Documents required to obtain a residence
Documents to provide when applying for a business visa card for your spouse and/or your
• Visa entry application
• 2 recent color ID-photos with a white background underage children of 16 years and over
(4x3 cm) clearly showing facial features
• National Identification Card or residence card or any
• Copies of the pages of the passport of the interested
other valid equivalent document
• Valid passport or travel document (validity of more party: -His/her identity; -Stamp of the border police
than 90 days and more than the length of stay with the date of entry in Morocco; - His/her entry visa
• Photocopy of the pages of the passport indicating to Morocco, if applicable;
your identity and the validity period •2 copies of the completed application
• One of the following supporting documents: • 6 ID-photos
Recommendation of the supervising ministry in the
case of public procurement contracts • criminal record
• Written recommendation of professional chambers • Medical certificate
in the case of private contracts • Copy of the residence card of the spouse or parent
• invitation addressed to the visa applicant in the case that is already a residence card holder
of the participation in an exhibit or trade show from • proof of the marital or filial link
the organizing company
• Written invitation from an industrial, commercial or
services operator

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casa expat guide
 Appendix 4 – Documents required Appendix 5 – Documents required for
to obtain a first settlement visa a request for the exchange of
a foreign driver’s license
• 2 copies of the completed CTE visa application • Completed application form for the request for the
• 5 completed CTE copies, signed and notarized by both exchange of a foreign driver’s license
parties and with a stamp from the company specifying its •Certified copy of the valid registration certificate (or
contact information deposit slip of the request issued less than 3 months ago)
• Certified copy of your diplomas and/or work certificates •Receipt of payment of the stamp duties and payment of
issued by your former employers the service
• Copy of the pages of your passport (currently valid) with • 2 recent color ID-photos facing forward, 45 x 35 mm, on
your identity a white background
• Stamp of the border police with your date of entry in • Valid foreign driver’s license (along with its sworn
Morocco and your visa if applicable translation into Arabic or French if your driver’s license is
• Original copy of the certificate of activity issued by in another language)
the National Agency for the Promotion of Employment
and Skills (ANAPEC), certifying the absence of national
candidates to hold the position that is offered to you
• Copy of the documents relating to the legal form of the
company (provided by the employer)
•Delegated authority for signature by the principals in
case the contracts are signed by agents IMPORTANT
If you are a citizen of one of these countries, you can
request the exchange of your driver’s license for a

IMPORTANT
Moroccan driver’s license :
- South Korea
- France
The categories that are exempted from the ANAPEC - Japan
statement of activity are: - Poland
• foreigners born in Morocco, residing continuously for at - Romania
least 6 months; - Hungary
• Spouses of nationals; - Bahrain
• Owners, shareholders, proxy holders and/or company
- Belgium
administrators;
- Benin
• Seconded officers for a limited period, to foreign
- Egypt
companies that are awarded public tenders or subsidiaries
of parent companies; - Spain
• Delegates or representatives in the framework of - Italy
cooperation for a period equal to or less than 6 months; - Jordan
• Athletic coaches and athletes; - Oman
• Political refugees and stateless persons; - Countries of the Arab Maghreb Union
• Citizens of countries with whom Morocco has entered into - Portugal
a settlement agreement (Algeria, Tunisia and Senegal); - Switzerland
- Syria
• Employees who work for companies with a Casablanca
Finance City (CFC) status; • Young French professionals
who come to work in Morocco in the framework of the
French-Moroccan agreement of May 24, 2001 relating to
the exchange of young professionals; • Migrant employees
who have benefited from the exceptional regularization
operation in 2014.
The list of supporting documents required for each of
these situations is available on the website of the Ministry
of Labor and Professional Inclusion (www.emploi.gov.ma).
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casa expat guide
What to d o i n Ca s a b l a n c a ?

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