Retiring in Casablanca 2026: Costs, Visa, Healthcare, Community — The Complete Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Why Retire in Casablanca?
2. Retirement Visa Options for Morocco
3. Monthly Budget Breakdown for Retirees

• Rent & Housing
• Food & Groceries
• Healthcare & Insurance

Health insurance for retirees abroad: SafetyWing offers affordable international coverage starting at $45/month — no age limit surprises, covers 180+ countries.

• Utilities & Internet
• Transportation
• Leisure & Entertainment
• Miscellaneous Expenses

1. Healthcare System & Insurance for Retirees

• Public vs. Private Healthcare
• Best Health Insurance Options
• Cost of Common Medical Services

1. Safety for Elderly Expats in Casablanca

• Crime Rates & Safe Neighborhoods
• Emergency Services & Police Response
• Scams & Precautions for Retirees

1. Expat Community & Social Life

• Expat Clubs & Meetup Groups
• Senior-Friendly Activities & Hobbies
• Language Barriers & Integration

1. Banking & Financial Considerations for Retirees

• Opening a Bank Account in Morocco
• Transferring Pensions & Managing Finances
• Currency Exchange & Fees

1. Tax Implications for Retirees in Morocco

• Pension Taxation
• Double Taxation Treaties (US, UK, EU, Australia)
• Wealth & Inheritance Tax

1. Cost Comparison: Casablanca vs. US, UK, Australia

• Housing Costs
• Healthcare Expenses
• Overall Cost of Living

1. Best Neighborhoods for Retirees in Casablanca

• Anfa & Californie (Luxury & Security)
• Ain Diab (Beachfront Living)
• Maarif (Urban Convenience)
• Oasis & Palmiers (Quiet & Affordable)
• Sidi Maarouf (Modern & Well-Connected)

1. Accessibility & Infrastructure for Elderly Expats

• Public Transport & Mobility
• Walkability & Sidewalk Conditions
• Access to Pharmacies & Hospitals

1. Climate Suitability for Retirees

• Seasonal Weather Patterns
• Best Times to Visit & Settle
• Air Quality & Pollution Concerns

1. Final Verdict: Is Casablanca a Good Retirement Destination?
2. Useful Resources & Contacts

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1. Introduction: Why Retire in Casablanca?

Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic hub, has emerged as an increasingly popular retirement destination for Europeans, Americans, and Australians seeking an affordable, culturally rich, and sunny lifestyle. By 2026, the city has seen a 20% increase in foreign retirees compared to 2020, thanks to:

• Low cost of living (30-50% cheaper than Western Europe or North America)
• Excellent healthcare (private hospitals with European standards)
• Strategic location (3-hour flight to Europe, well-connected airport)
• Vibrant expat community (growing social networks for seniors)
• Tax benefits (favorable pension taxation policies)
• Rich culture & cuisine (French-Moroccan fusion, historic sites, coastal living)

However, Casablanca is not for everyone. The city faces challenges like traffic congestion, air pollution, and bureaucratic hurdles. This guide provides a data-driven, honest assessment to help you decide if Casablanca is the right retirement destination for you.

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2. Retirement Visa Options for Morocco

Morocco offers three main visa options for retirees:

A. Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) for Retirees

• Duration: 1 year (renewable)
• Requirements:
• Proof of stable pension income (minimum €1,200/month for singles, €1,800/month for couples)
• Health insurance covering Morocco
• Criminal background check (from home country)
• Passport valid for 6+ months
• Rental agreement or property ownership in Morocco
• Processing Time: 2-4 weeks
• Cost: €60-€100 (visa fee)
• Renewal: Must be done annually at the local police station (Commissariat)

B. Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour)

• After 5 years on a long-stay visa, retirees can apply for a 10-year residence permit.
• Requirements:
• Proof of continuous residence in Morocco
• No criminal record in Morocco
• Financial stability (pension statements)
• Cost: €200-€300 (varies by region)

C. Golden Visa (Investor Visa) – Alternative for Wealthy Retirees

• Investment Requirement: €200,000+ in Moroccan real estate or business
• Benefits:
• 5-year residency (renewable)
• No minimum stay requirement
• Family inclusion (spouse & dependent children)
• Processing Time: 3-6 months
• Cost: €5,000-€10,000 (legal & processing fees)

Best Option for Most Retirees?

• Standard Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) is the most common and affordable.
• Golden Visa is ideal for those who want to invest in property and secure long-term residency.

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3. Monthly Budget Breakdown for Retirees (2026)

Casablanca offers a comfortable retirement on €1,500-€2,500/month, depending on lifestyle. Below is a detailed breakdown based on real 2026 prices.

A. Rent & Housing (€500-€1,500/month)

Type of Housing	Price Range (€/month)	Notes
1-bedroom apartment (city center)	€500-€800	Maarif, Gauthier, Racine
1-bedroom apartment (suburbs)	€350-€600	Oasis, Palmiers, Sidi Maarouf
2-bedroom apartment (luxury)	€800-€1,500	Anfa, Californie, Ain Diab
3-bedroom villa (gated community)	€1,200-€2,500	Dar Bouazza, Bouskoura
Shared apartment (retiree co-living)	€300-€500	Popular in Maarif

Real Example (2026):

• €1,000/month gets you a modern 2-bedroom apartment in Ain Diab (beachfront, security, gym).
• €600/month secures a 1-bedroom in Oasis (quiet, expat-friendly, 15 min from downtown).

B. Food & Groceries (€200-€400/month)

Expense	Cost (€/month)	Notes
Groceries (local markets)	€150-€250	Fresh produce, bread, dairy
Groceries (supermarkets: Marjane, Acima)	€200-€350	Imported goods (cheese, wine, cereal)
Eating out (local cafés)	€5-€10/meal	Tagines, couscous, pastries
Eating out (mid-range restaurants)	€15-€30/meal	French-Moroccan fusion
Eating out (fine dining)	€40-€100/meal	La Sqala, Le Cabestan, Rick’s Café
Wine & alcohol	€5-€20/bottle	Imported wine (€10-€20), local beer (€2)

Sample Grocery List (Monthly for 2 People):

• Fruits & Vegetables: €50
• Meat & Fish: €60
• Dairy & Eggs: €30
• Bread & Grains: €20
• Snacks & Drinks: €40
• Total: €200

C. Healthcare & Insurance (€50-€200/month)

Expense	Cost (€)	Notes
Basic health insurance (local)	€30-€80/month	Covers public hospitals
International health insurance (Cigna, Allianz)	€100-€200/month	Covers private hospitals (e.g., Clinique Internationale)
Doctor visit (general practitioner)	€20-€50	Private clinic
Dentist (cleaning)	€30-€60	Private clinic
Prescription medication	€5-€50/month	Depends on condition
Emergency room visit	€100-€300	Private hospital

Best Insurance Providers for Expats:

1. Allianz Care (€120-€180/month)
2. Cigna Global (€150-€250/month)
3. AXA Assistance (€100-€200/month)
4. Local Moroccan Insurance (CNSS) (€30-€80/month, limited coverage)

D. Utilities & Internet (€80-€150/month)

Utility	Cost (€/month)	Notes
Electricity	€30-€80	High in summer (AC usage)
Water	€10-€20	Included in some rentals
Gas (for cooking)	€5-€15	Bottled gas (€10-€15 per refill)
Internet (fiber optic)	€20-€40	100 Mbps (Maroc Telecom, Inwi)
Mobile phone plan	€5-€15	Unlimited calls + 20GB data
TV & Streaming	€10-€20	Netflix, Amazon Prime, local channels

Total Utilities Estimate: €80-€150/month

E. Transportation (€50-€200/month)

Expense	Cost (€)	Notes
Public bus (monthly pass)	€10-€20	Limited coverage, not senior-friendly
Petit Taxi (short rides)	€2-€10/ride	Negotiate fares in advance
Grand Taxi (longer trips)	€5-€20	Shared or private
Ride-hailing (Careem, Heetch)	€3-€15/ride	More reliable than taxis
Car rental (monthly)	€300-€600	Not recommended (traffic, parking)
Fuel (per liter)	€1.10-€1.30	Gasoline prices fluctuate
Parking (monthly)	€20-€50	Secure parking in city center

Best Option for Retirees?

• Ride-hailing apps (Careem, Heetch) are safest and most convenient.
• Avoid driving due to aggressive traffic and chaotic parking.

F. Leisure & Entertainment (€100-€300/month)

Activity	Cost (€)	Notes
Gym membership	€30-€80/month	Basic (€30), Premium (€80)
Golf club membership	€50-€150/month	Royal Golf Dar Es Salam (€120/month)
Cinema ticket	€5-€10	IMAX (€10), Standard (€5)
Museum entry	€2-€10	Hassan II Mosque (€10), Museum of Moroccan Judaism (€5)
Hammam (spa)	€10-€30	Traditional Moroccan bath
Beach club access	€20-€50/day	Ain Diab, Tamaris
Day trip to Marrakech	€50-€100	Train (€15), guided tour (€50)

G. Miscellaneous Expenses (€100-€200/month)

Expense	Cost (€)	Notes
Housekeeper (part-time)	€50-€100/month	3x per week (€3-€5/hour)
Gardener (if applicable)	€30-€80/month	For villas
Security guard (for villa)	€50-€100/month	Common in gated communities
Language classes (French/Arabic)	€50-€150/month	Private tutor (€10-€20/hour)
Charity donations	€20-€50	Common in Moroccan culture
Gifts & souvenirs	€20-€100	Handicrafts, argan oil, spices

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4. Healthcare System & Insurance for Retirees

A. Public vs. Private Healthcare in Morocco

Public Healthcare	Private Healthcare
Pros: Free/low-cost, widely available	Pros: High-quality, English-speaking doctors, short wait times
Cons: Long wait times, outdated equipment, language barriers	Cons: Expensive without insurance, limited rural coverage
Best for: Minor illnesses, emergencies	Best for: Chronic conditions, surgeries, expats

B. Best Private Hospitals in Casablanca (2026)

1. Clinique Internationale de Casablanca

• Specialties: Cardiology, orthopedics, oncology
• Cost: €50-€200 per consultation
• Insurance Accepted: Allianz, Cigna, AXA

1. Hôpital Cheikh Khalifa

• Specialties: Neurology, pediatrics, maternity
• Cost: €40-€150 per consultation

1. Polyclinique du Littoral

• Specialties: General medicine, dermatology
• Cost: €30-€100 per consultation

C. Health Insurance Options for Expats

Provider	Plan	Cost (€/month)	Coverage
Allianz Care	International Health	€120-€180	Global coverage, €1M limit
Cigna Global	Silver Plan	€150-€250	Worldwide, €2M limit
AXA Assistance	Morocco Plus	€100-€200	Local + EU coverage
CNSS (Moroccan Social Security)	Basic Plan	€30-€80	Public hospitals only

Recommendation:

• For full coverage: Cigna Global or Allianz (€150-€250/month).
• For budget option: AXA Morocco (€100-€200/month).

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5. Safety for Elderly Expats in Casablanca

A. Crime Rates & Safe Neighborhoods

• Violent crime is rare, but petty theft (pickpocketing, scams) is common.
• Safest Neighborhoods for Retirees:
• Anfa & Californie (luxury, gated communities)
• Ain Diab (beachfront, expat-heavy)
• Maarif (central, well-policed)
• Oasis & Palmiers (quiet, family-friendly)
• Areas to Avoid at Night:
• Derb Sultan (high petty crime)
• Hay Mohammadi (industrial, unsafe after dark)

B. Emergency Services & Police Response

• Police: 19 (general emergencies)
• Ambulance: 15 (public), private ambulances available
• Fire Department: 15
• Tourist Police: 0522 43 33 33 (English-speaking)

Response Time:

• Police: 10-30 minutes (urban areas)
• Ambulance: 15-45 minutes (private faster than public)

C. Scams & Precautions for Retirees

Scam	How to Avoid
Fake taxis (overcharging)	Use Careem/Heetch or agree on fare before entering.
Currency exchange scams	Exchange at banks or official bureaus (avoid street vendors).
Fake tour guides	Book through licensed agencies (e.g., Morocco Explorers).
Rental scams	Visit properties in person, never wire money upfront.
Fake charity collectors	Donate only to registered NGOs (e.g., Fondation Zakoura).

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6. Expat Community & Social Life

A. Expat Clubs & Meetup Groups

1. Casablanca Accueil (French expat women’s group)

• Activities: Coffee mornings, cultural tours, language exchanges
• Membership: €50/year

1. Hash House Harriers (International running club)

• Activities: Weekly runs, social events
• Cost: €5-€10 per event

1. Internations Casablanca (Global expat network)

• Activities: Monthly meetups, professional networking
• Membership: €60/year

1. American Women’s Club of Casablanca

• Activities: Book clubs, charity events, holiday parties
• Membership: €40/year

B. Senior-Friendly Activities & Hobbies

Activity	Location	Cost (€)
Golf (Royal Golf Dar Es Salam)	Bouskoura	€50-€100/month
Bridge Club	Anfa	€10-€20 per session
Art Classes (French Institute)	Maarif	€50-€100/month
Yoga & Tai Chi (L’Atelier)	Gauthier	€10-€20 per class
Cooking Classes (La Maison du Couscous)	Ain Diab	€30-€50 per class
Beach Walking (Ain Diab Corniche)	Ain Diab	Free

C. Language Barriers & Integration

• French is widely spoken (business, healthcare, government).
• Arabic (Darija) is useful for daily interactions (taxis, markets).
• English is limited outside expat circles.
• Best Language Schools:
• French Institute (Institut Français) – €200/month
• Darija Dialect Classes (ALIF) – €150/month

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7. Banking & Financial Considerations for Retirees

A. Opening a Bank Account in Morocco

Requirements:

• Passport + long-stay visa
• Proof of address (rental contract or utility bill)
• Proof of income (pension statement)
• Minimum deposit: €100-€500 (varies by bank)

Best Banks for Expats:

1. Attijariwafa Bank (largest, English support)
2. BMCE Bank (good for international transfers)
3. CIH Bank (Islamic banking options)
4. Société Générale Maroc (French expat-friendly)

Fees:

• Account maintenance: €5-€10/month
• ATM withdrawals: €2-€5 (foreign cards)
• International transfers: €10-€30 per transaction

B. Transferring Pensions & Managing Finances

• Best Services for International Transfers:
• Wise (TransferWise) – Low fees (0.5-1%)
• Revolut – Free transfers (up to €6,000/month)
• Western Union – Fast but expensive (3-5% fees)
• Tax Implications:
• Morocco does not tax foreign pensions (if covered by a double taxation treaty).
• US retirees: Must file FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) if holding >$10,000 abroad.

C. Currency Exchange & Fees

• Exchange Rate (2026): 1 EUR = 11 MAD (approx.)
• Best Places to Exchange Money:
• Banks (best rates, but slow)
• Official bureaus (e.g., BMCE Exchange) (good rates, fast)
• Avoid street vendors (scams, poor rates)

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8. Tax Implications for Retirees in Morocco

A. Pension Taxation

• Morocco does not tax foreign pensions if:
• You are a tax resident (spend 183+ days/year in Morocco).
• Your country has a double taxation treaty with Morocco.
• Countries with Tax Treaties:
• US (no tax on US Social Security)
• UK (no tax on UK state pension)
• France (no tax on French pensions)
• Germany, Belgium, Spain, Canada, Australia (check specific treaties)

B. Double Taxation Treaties (Key Countries)

Country	Pension Taxation in Morocco	Notes
United States	Not taxed	US-Morocco treaty (2004)
United Kingdom	Not taxed	UK-Morocco treaty (1991)
France	Not taxed	France-Morocco treaty (1970)
Germany	Not taxed	Germany-Morocco treaty (1972)
Australia	Not taxed	Australia-Morocco treaty (2004)
Canada	Not taxed	Canada-Morocco treaty (1997)

C. Wealth & Inheritance Tax

• Wealth Tax: None (Morocco abolished it in 2018).
• Inheritance Tax:
• 0% for spouses & children (Moroccan law).
• 20-30% for non-relatives (varies by case).

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9. Cost Comparison: Casablanca vs. US, UK, Australia

A. Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

City	1-Bedroom (City Center)	2-Bedroom (Luxury)
Casablanca	€500-€800	€800-€1,500
New York (US)	€3,000-€4,500	€5,000-€8,000
London (UK)	€2,200-€3,500	€3,500-€6,000
Sydney (Australia)	€2,000-€3,000	€3,500-€5,500

Savings: 70-80% cheaper than Western cities.

B. Healthcare Costs (Annual)

Expense	Casablanca	New York	London	Sydney
Health Insurance	€1,200-€2,400	€6,000-€12,000	€3,000-€6,000	€2,500-€5,000
Doctor Visit	€20-€50	€150-€300	€100-€200	€80-€150
Dental Cleaning	€30-€60	€150-€300	€80-€150	€100-€200
Hospital Stay (1 night)	€200-€500	€2,000-€5,000	€1,500-€3,000	€1,200-€2,500

Savings: 80-90% cheaper than the US/UK.

C. Overall Cost of Living (Monthly for Couple)

City	Budget (Comfortable)
Casablanca	€1,800-€2,500
New York	€6,000-€10,000
London	€4,500-€7,000
Sydney	€4,000-€6,500

Savings: 60-75% cheaper than Western cities.

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10. Best Neighborhoods for Retirees in Casablanca

A. Anfa & Californie (Luxury & Security)

✅ Pros:

• Safest area in Casablanca (gated communities, 24/7 security).
• High-end restaurants & cafés (Le Cabestan, La Sqala).
• Close to private hospitals (Clinique Internationale).
• Beach access (Ain Diab Corniche).

❌ Cons:

• Expensive (€1,200-€2,500/month for rent).
• Traffic congestion (main roads get busy).

Best for: Wealthy retirees who want luxury, security, and convenience.

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B. Ain Diab (Beachfront Living)

✅ Pros:

• Stunning ocean views (beachfront apartments).
• Expat-friendly (many French & American retirees).
• Great seafood restaurants (Le Dhow, La Mer).
• Walkable (corniche promenade).

❌ Cons:

• Touristy in summer (crowded beaches).
• Higher crime rate (petty theft on the corniche).

Best for: Retirees who want beach access and a relaxed lifestyle.

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C. Maarif (Urban Convenience)

✅ Pros:

• Central location (close to shops, restaurants, hospitals).
• Good public transport (trams, taxis).
• Affordable (€500-€1,000/month for rent).
• Expat community (many French & Spanish retirees).

❌ Cons:

• Noisy & crowded (busy streets).
• Limited green spaces.

Best for: Retirees who want city life without the high costs of Anfa.

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D. Oasis & Palmiers (Quiet & Affordable)

✅ Pros:

• Peaceful & residential (low crime).
• Affordable (€400-€800/month for rent).
• Good schools & parks (family-friendly).
• Close to Maarif (10-min taxi ride).

❌ Cons:

• Far from the beach (20-min drive).
• Limited nightlife.

Best for: Retirees who want a quiet, budget-friendly lifestyle.

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E. Sidi Maarouf (Modern & Well-Connected)

✅ Pros:

• New developments (modern apartments, gated communities).
• Close to business district (good for part-time work).
• Excellent infrastructure (tram line, highways).
• Affordable (€500-€1,000/month).

❌ Cons:

• Less charm (more commercial than residential).
• Traffic jams (near major roads).

Best for: Retirees who want modern living with good transport links.

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11. Accessibility & Infrastructure for Elderly Expats

A. Public Transport & Mobility

Transport Option	Accessibility	Cost (€)	Notes
Tramway	✅ Wheelchair-friendly	€0.50-€1	Limited coverage
Petit Taxi	❌ Not senior-friendly	€2-€10	Small cars, no ramps
Grand Taxi	❌ Not senior-friendly	€5-€20	Shared, uncomfortable
Ride-hailing (Careem, Heetch)	✅ Senior-friendly	€3-€15	Best option for retirees
Private Driver	✅ Best for seniors	€200-€400/month	Reliable & safe

Recommendation: Use Careem/Heetch or hire a private driver for safety and comfort.

B. Walkability & Sidewalk Conditions

• Best Areas for Walking:
• Ain Diab Corniche (flat, scenic, well-maintained).
• Maarif & Gauthier (sidewalks, but crowded).
• Anfa & Californie (wide sidewalks, gated communities).
• Worst Areas for Walking:
• Derb Sultan (uneven sidewalks, no ramps).
• Hay Mohammadi (poor infrastructure).

C. Access to Pharmacies & Hospitals

• Pharmacies: Every 2-3 blocks (open 24/7 in city center).
• Hospitals:
• Clinique Internationale (best for expats, English-speaking).
• Hôpital Cheikh Khalifa (affordable, good emergency care).
• Polyclinique du Littoral (general medicine).

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12. Climate Suitability for Retirees

A. Seasonal Weather Patterns

Season	Temperature (°C)	Rainfall	Notes
Winter (Dec-Feb)	12-18°C	Moderate	Mild, occasional rain
Spring (Mar-May)	18-25°C	Low	Best time to visit
Summer (Jun-Aug)	25-32°C	Very low	Hot & humid (AC needed)
Autumn (Sep-Nov)	20-28°C	Low	Pleasant, less crowded

B. Best Times to Visit & Settle

• Best for Retirement: October-April (mild, comfortable).
• Worst for Retirement: June-August (hot, humid, crowded).

C. Air Quality & Pollution Concerns

• Air Pollution: Moderate to high (traffic, industrial zones).
• Worst Areas: Derb Sultan, Hay Mohammadi (industrial pollution).
• Best Areas: Anfa, Ain Diab (coastal breeze reduces pollution).
• Health Impact: Retirees with asthma or respiratory issues should avoid high-pollution zones.

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13. Final Verdict: Is Casablanca a Good Retirement Destination?

✅ Pros of Retiring in Casablanca

✔ Affordable cost of living (30-50% cheaper than US/UK).

✔ Excellent private healthcare (European standards).

✔ Favorable tax policies (no tax on foreign pensions).

✔ Sunny climate (mild winters, warm summers).

✔ Growing expat community (social networks for seniors).

✔ Strategic location (3-hour flight to Europe).

❌ Cons of Retiring in Casablanca

✖ Bureaucracy (slow visa renewals, paperwork).

✖ Traffic & pollution (chaotic driving, air quality issues).

✖ Language barrier (French/Arabic needed for daily life).

✖ Limited public transport (not senior-friendly).

✖ Cultural adjustment (different social norms).

Who Should Retire in Casablanca?

✅ Budget-conscious retirees (€1,500-€2,500/month).

✅ Sun-seekers (mild winters, beach access).

✅ Adventurous expats (willing to adapt to local culture).

✅ French/Arabic speakers (easier integration).

Who Should Avoid Casablanca?

❌ Those who dislike big cities (Casablanca is noisy and crowded).

❌ Retirees with severe health issues (public healthcare is limited).

❌ People who need English everywhere (limited English outside expat circles).

❌ Those who hate bureaucracy (visa renewals can be frustrating).

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14. Useful Resources & Contacts

Government & Visa Information

• Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.diplomatie.ma
• Moroccan Embassy (US): www.embassyofmorocco.us
• Moroccan Embassy (UK): www.moroccanembassylondon.org.uk

Expat Communities

• Internations Casablanca: www.internations.org/casablanca
• Facebook Groups:
• Expats in Casablanca
• Americans in Morocco
• French Expats in Casablanca

Healthcare Providers

• Clinique Internationale de Casablanca: www.clinique-internationale.ma
• Hôpital Cheikh Khalifa: www.hck.ma
• Allianz Care Morocco: www.allianz-care.com

Real Estate Agencies

• Century