How to set up a startup in Morocco? A 2026 step-by-step guide

Choosing the legal structure of your company in Morocco

A startup, by definition, is a young, innovative company with high growth potential. It is described as innovative because it brings a new technology or methodology to a specific sector.

How will you operate your startup? When deciding to set up a startup in Morocco, the choice of legal structure should not be overlooked. You have two main options:

• setting up a sole proprietorship in Morocco;
• setting up a commercial company.

However, your choice may be restricted if you operate a regulated activity subject to specific conditions. The choice of legal structure for companies in Morocco is governed by certain provisions, in particular:

• Law No. 17-95 on public limited companies, as amended by Law No. 19-20 of August 19, 2021;
• Law No. 5-96 on general partnerships, limited partnerships, limited partnerships by shares, limited liability companies, and joint ventures, as amended by Law No. 19-20 of August 19, 2021.

Under these provisions, it is notably possible to opt for the incorporation of:

• a limited liability company (SARL);
• a public limited company (SA);
• or a simplified joint-stock company (SAS).

It should be noted that SARLs and SASs may be single-member entities; in other words, they may be constituted by a sole shareholder or partner. It is therefore possible to set up a single-member SARL or SAS in Morocco.

For a deeper understanding of the Moroccan SARL, consult our complete guide: The SARL in Morocco in 2026: a quick and complete overview.

Minimum share capital required to set up a startup in Morocco

Among the steps involved in incorporating a company in Morocco, you will inevitably face the key question of share capital. The minimum capital amount is linked to the legal structure under which the company operates. In addition, specific provisions apply when carrying out a regulated activity.

Legal structure	Minimum capital required	Common practice
SARL	No minimum	1,000 Dirhams (by convention)
SAS	No minimum	Full flexibility
SA	300,000 Dirhams	300,000 Dirhams

What types of contributions may make up the share capital of a startup in Morocco? The following are permitted:

• cash contributions (monetary amounts);
• contributions in kind (real and/or personal property).

What about contributions in industry (know-how)?

SARL shares may not be represented by contributions in industry, unless the corporate purpose relates to the operation of a business or a craft enterprise.

A SAS may, for its part, issue non-transferable shares resulting from contributions in industry.

An SA may not issue shares resulting from contributions in industry.

Paying up capital upon incorporation

To what extent must the share capital be paid up at the time of incorporation?

• In a SARL, shares representing cash contributions must be paid up, at the time of subscription, to at least one quarter (1/4) of their nominal value, if the share capital exceeds 100,000 Dirhams;
• In an SA or SAS, shares representing cash contributions must be paid up, at the time of subscription, to at least one quarter (1/4) of their nominal value.

The remaining capital must be paid up, in one or more instalments, within a maximum period of:

• 3 years for SAs and SASs;
• 5 years for SARLs.

This period begins to run from the registration of the company in the trade register (RC).

Appointing a statutory auditor in certain cases

A statutory auditor must mandatorily be appointed in an SA, while their appointment is optional in SASs and SARLs.

However, it becomes mandatory for a SARL if, at the close of a financial year, the company's turnover exceeds 50,000,000 Dirhams. As for the SAS, this threshold is yet to be determined by regulation.

Completing the prior steps to incorporate a company in Morocco

When thinking about how to set up a startup in Morocco, another key stage involves the prior steps to complete before filing your incorporation file. Before submitting your company formation documents, you must:

Completing the required formalities to incorporate a company in Morocco

Is it possible to incorporate your company in Morocco online? To set up a startup in Morocco, you will need to:

• Submit your incorporation file and book an appointment online at www.casainvest.ma;
• File your incorporation documents at the business creation desk;
• Register the following deeds and agreements: articles of association, minutes, and lease agreement;
• Collect your registration documents (business license, tax identification number, social security registration number);
• Publish a legal notice of the company's incorporation in Morocco, in the Official Bulletin and in a legal notices journal.

Anticipating the cost of incorporating a company in Morocco

Incorporating a company in Morocco comes at a cost that you need to factor into your budget.

Registration fees

• Registration of the articles of association costs 1% of the share capital, with a minimum of 1,000 Dirhams (plus a 15% penalty if the deed is filed more than 30 days late, with a minimum penalty of 200 Dirhams);
• The lease agreement is subject to a fixed fee of 200 Dirhams (plus a 200-Dirham penalty if the deed is filed more than 30 days late);
• Registration of minutes gives rise to payment of a fixed fee of 200 Dirhams (plus a 200-Dirham penalty if the deed is filed more than 30 days late).

Other costs to budget for

Estimating the time needed to set up a startup

Finally, it is important to have an idea of the processing time for your incorporation file, so you know when you will be able to start operating.

It should first be noted that incorporation files are processed by representatives of the various relevant authorities (tax office, commercial court, and CNSS). In practice, processing times vary depending on the volume of applications.

Setting up your company therefore requires careful preparation, and the documents to be provided must not be overlooked. Do not hesitate to seek professional support for drafting your articles of association and setting up your startup in Morocco.