How to Create Your Startup in Morocco? 2026 Guide
Are you planning to launch a startup in Morocco, but unsure which legal structure to choose? Would you like to know the minimum share capital, the required incorporation steps, or even how much it costs to create a company? Here are the essential steps to set up a company in Morocco.
Choosing the Legal Structure of Your Company in Morocco
A startup is, by definition, a young innovative company with high growth potential. It is considered innovative because it introduces a new technology or methodology applied to a specific industry.
How will you operate your startup? When creating a startup in Morocco, choosing the right legal structure is a key decision. You generally have two options:
- creating a sole proprietorship in Morocco; or
- creating a commercial company.
However, your choice may be limited if your business activity is considered a regulated activity subject to specific requirements. The choice of legal structure in Morocco is governed by several laws, including:
- Law No. 17-95 relating to public limited companies, as amended by Law No. 19-20 of August 19, 2021;
- Law No. 5-96 relating to partnerships, limited partnerships, partnerships limited by shares, limited liability companies and joint ventures, as amended by Law No. 19-20 of August 19, 2021.
Under these laws, you may notably choose to incorporate:
- a limited liability company (SARL / LLC);
- a public limited company (SA);
- or a simplified joint-stock company (SAS).
It should be noted that both SARLs and SASs may be incorporated by a single shareholder. In other words, it is possible to create a single-member LLC or SAS in Morocco.
📌 Good to know: the simplified joint-stock company (SAS) was introduced into Moroccan law by Law No. 19-20 published in the Official Gazette on August 19, 2021. However, its implementation remains subject to regulatory texts that have not yet been published.
To learn more about Moroccan LLCs, read our complete guide: Moroccan LLC in 2026: Everything You Need to Know.
Understanding the Minimum Share Capital to Create a Startup in Morocco
One of the key steps when incorporating a company in Morocco is determining the share capital. The minimum capital required depends on the chosen legal structure. Additional rules may also apply for regulated activities.
| Legal Structure | Minimum Capital Required | Common Practice |
|---|---|---|
| SARL / LLC | No minimum | 1,000 MAD (common practice) |
| SAS | No minimum | Full flexibility |
| SA | 300,000 MAD | 300,000 MAD |
What types of contributions can form the company’s share capital in Morocco?
- cash contributions (money);
- contributions in kind (movable or immovable assets).
📌 Good to know: in the case of contributions in kind, it is mandatory to appoint a contribution auditor to assess the value of these assets. For LLCs, this rule only applies where the value of a contribution exceeds 100,000 MAD, or where the total value of contributions in kind exceeds half of the share capital.
What About Industry Contributions?
LLC shares cannot generally be issued in exchange for industry contributions, except where the company’s purpose relates to the operation of a business or craft activity.
A SAS may issue non-transferable shares resulting from industry contributions.
A SA may not issue shares resulting from industry contributions.
Paying Up Part of the Share Capital Upon Incorporation
To what extent must the share capital be paid upon incorporation?
- For an LLC, cash contributions must be paid up to at least one quarter (1/4) of their nominal value if the share capital exceeds 100,000 MAD;
- For an SA or SAS, shares subscribed in cash must also be paid up to at least one quarter (1/4) of their nominal value.
The remaining balance must be paid within:
- 3 years for SA and SAS companies;
- 5 years for LLCs.
This period starts from the company’s registration with the Trade Register (RC).
