Remote Work in Morocco: Legal Framework and Model Policy | Upsilon Consulting

Salaheddine Yatim

Salaheddine Yatim

Managing Partner

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Remote Work in Morocco: Legal Framework and Model Policy | Upsilon Consulting

Key takeaways: Remote work in Morocco relies on a still incomplete legal framework: the Labor Code (Art 6 and 8) authorizes working from home without specifically regulating it. In the absence of dedicated legislation, employers must formalize remote work through a contract amendment, an internal policy, and comply with CNSS, health/safety, and data protection (CNDP) obligations. The remote work allowance benefits from a favorable tax treatment under certain conditions.

What the Labor Code Says

The Moroccan Labor Code (Law No. 65-99) does not contain a specific chapter on remote work. However, several provisions allow for the regulation of this work arrangement:

Article 6: Defines an employee as any person who agrees to perform work under the direction of an employer, regardless of the place of performance. This wording opens the door to remote work, as the subordination link does not depend on the physical workplace.

Article 8: Lists the essential conditions of the employment contract (nature of work, compensation, duration, location). The workplace is a contractual element that can only be modified by mutual agreement.

Article 24: Provides that working conditions may be arranged through a collective agreement, internal regulations, or individual contract, allowing remote work arrangements to be integrated into these documents.

Unlike France (ANI 2005, 2017 ordinances) or Belgium (2022 law), Morocco does not have specific remote work legislation. Draft Decree No. 2-23-1065, announced in 2023, had not yet been enacted as of the writing of this article (March 2026).

This legal gap has several consequences:

AspectCurrent SituationRecommendation
Legal definition of remote workNon-existentDefine in the internal policy
Right to remote workNot guaranteedFormalize through a contract amendment
Remote work allowanceNo legal obligationInclude in the contract
Work-from-home accidentCovered if work-relatedSpecify working hours in the amendment
Data protectionLaw 09-08 (CNDP) applicableGDPR/CNDP clause in the policy

Collective Agreements and Case Law

Certain sectors have incorporated remote work into their collective agreements, notably banking (GPBM agreement) and call centers (ANAPEC). In the absence of an applicable collective agreement, the employer must refer to general employment contract law and the general principles of the Labor Code.

Moroccan case law remains limited on this subject. The few rulings issued confirm that the workplace is an essential element of the contract and that its unilateral modification by the employer may constitute unfair dismissal under Article 36 of the Labor Code.

Employer Obligations

Contractual Formalization

An employer implementing remote work must:

  1. Draft a contract amendment specifying:

    • The number of remote work days per week
    • Mandatory availability time slots
    • The declared remote work location (home, coworking space)
    • Activity monitoring procedures
    • Reversibility clause (return to on-site work)
  2. Update the internal regulations to incorporate remote work provisions

  3. Establish a remote work policy distributed to all employees (see model below)

Equipment Provision

The employer is required to provide the tools necessary for remote work:

EquipmentEmployer ObligationNotes
LaptopMandatoryCompany property
Internet connectionCoverage or allowanceFlat rate or reimbursement on receipts
Professional phoneDepending on the positionDedicated line or softphone
Ergonomic furnitureRecommendedChair, desk, screen
Software and licensesMandatoryVPN, office suite, collaboration tools
SuppliesCoveragePaper, printer cartridges

Occupational Health and Safety

The employer’s safety obligation (Art 281-303 Labor Code) extends to the remote workplace. Specifically:

  • The employer must ensure that the home workstation meets ergonomic standards
  • Accidents occurring during remote work hours at the declared location are presumed to be occupational accidents
  • The occupational physician must be informed of the list of remote workers
  • The employer may request a compliance visit of the workplace (with employee consent)

CNSS Declarations

Remote work does not change the employer’s CNSS obligations:

  • CNSS contributions are calculated on the same basis as on-site work
  • The remote work allowance, if it does not exceed actual expenses, is not subject to social contributions
  • The employer contribution rate remains at 21.09% (CNSS 12.11% + AMO 4.48% + Vocational Training 1.60% + Training Tax 1.60% + Social Benefits 1.30%)
  • Remote workers receive the same social benefits (family allowances, daily allowances, retirement)

Employee Obligations

Availability and Reachability

Remote workers must:

  • Respect the working hours defined in the amendment (generally aligned with office hours)
  • Be reachable through the provided communication tools (phone, messaging, video conferencing)
  • Inform their manager in case of temporary unavailability (medical appointment, absence)
  • Clock in or out on the time tracking system if the company has one

Confidentiality and Data Security

Remote workers are subject to the same confidentiality obligations as on-site employees:

  • Do not work in public places without visual protection
  • Use a VPN to access company systems
  • Lock the workstation when away, even briefly
  • Do not store professional data on personal devices
  • Immediately report any security incident (loss, theft, intrusion attempt)

Workplace

Employees must:

  • Declare the remote work location in the contract amendment
  • Inform the employer of any change of location
  • Have a workspace that meets safety and ergonomic requirements
  • Subscribe to home insurance covering remote work (or verify that the existing policy covers it)

Taxation of Remote Work

Remote Work Allowance

The allowance paid by the employer to compensate for remote work expenses benefits from a favorable tax treatment under certain conditions:

Tax TreatmentConditionCap
IR exemptionAllowance covers actual, justified expensesNo statutory cap, but reasonable amount
CNSS exemptionAllowance is flat-rate and reasonablePractice: 300-500 DH/month
IS deductibility for the employerExpense incurred in the company’s interestFull amount of the allowance

In the absence of specific legislation, the DGI applies the general principle that reimbursements of professional expenses do not constitute a taxable benefit if they correspond to actual expenses incurred in the employer’s interest.

Deductibility of Expenses for the Employer

Expenses incurred by the company for remote work are deductible from corporate tax:

  • IT equipment: Depreciable over 3-5 years
  • Internet/phone plan: Deductible expense
  • Remote work allowance: Deductible salary expense
  • Digital tools training: Deductible expense

VAT on Equipment

VAT on equipment purchased for remote work (computers, furniture, software) is recoverable under standard conditions, provided the company is subject to VAT in Morocco and the assets are used for professional purposes.

For independent remote workers, VAT does not apply if turnover does not exceed the registration threshold.

Model Remote Work Policy

Here is the detailed structure of a remote work policy compliant with Moroccan law. This document should be appended to the internal regulations and communicated to all employees.

Policy Structure

Article 1: Purpose This policy defines the remote work arrangements within [COMPANY NAME], in accordance with Articles 6, 8, and 24 of the Labor Code and the internal regulations in effect.

Article 2: Definition Remote work refers to any form of work organization in which work that could have been performed at the employer’s premises is carried out by an employee outside those premises, on a voluntary basis, using information and communication technologies.

Article 3: Eligibility The following employees are eligible for remote work:

  • Permanent or fixed-term contract of at least 6 months
  • Minimum seniority of [3/6] months
  • Position compatible with remote work (list appended)
  • Proficiency in digital tools
  • Adequate home workspace

Article 4: Remote Work Organization

  • Number of days: [1 to 3] days per week maximum
  • Fixed or flexible days by manager agreement
  • Mandatory availability slots: [9am-12pm] and [2pm-5pm]
  • Mandatory in-office day: [Tuesday/Thursday]
  • Team meetings: physical presence required

Article 5: Equipment and Resources The company provides: laptop, VPN access, professional phone or softphone. The employee must have a stable internet connection (minimum speed [10 Mbps]).

Article 6: Expense Coverage The company pays a monthly flat-rate allowance of [XXX] DH to cover internet, electricity, and supply costs. This allowance is prorated based on actual remote work days.

Article 7: Health and Safety Remote workers receive the same occupational accident coverage as on-site employees during defined working hours. The workspace must meet the ergonomic standards recommended by the occupational physician.

Article 8: Data Protection (CNDP/Law 09-08) The employee agrees to:

  • Use exclusively the IT tools provided by the company for processing professional data
  • Not transfer personal data to unsecured media
  • Comply with the company’s IT security policy
  • Immediately report any data breach in accordance with Law 09-08 and CNDP directives

Article 9: Reversibility Either party may terminate the remote work arrangement with [15/30] days’ notice. The employee then returns to their position at the company’s premises under the same conditions.

Article 10: Effective Date This policy takes effect from [DATE] and applies for an indefinite period. It may be amended after consultation with employee representatives.

Model Contract Amendment

Essential Clauses of the Remote Work Amendment

A contract amendment is essential to formalize the transition to remote work. Here are the minimum clauses to include:

Clause 1: Purpose and Duration “This amendment defines the employee’s remote work arrangements. It is entered into for a [fixed/indefinite] period starting from [DATE].”

Clause 2: Remote Work Location “The remote work location is set at the employee’s home located at [FULL ADDRESS]. Any change of location must be notified to the employer with 15 days’ notice.”

Clause 3: Working Time Organization “The employee works remotely [X] day(s) per week, on [DAYS]. The weekly working time remains set at 44 hours in accordance with the Labor Code.”

Clause 4: Availability Slots “The employee must be reachable during the following time slots: [9:00am-12:30pm] and [2:00pm-6:00pm]. Outside these slots, the employee benefits from the right to disconnect.”

Clause 5: Equipment “The employer provides the employee with the following equipment: [LIST]. This equipment remains the property of the company and must be returned upon cessation of remote work.”

Clause 6: Remote Work Allowance “The employer pays the employee a monthly flat-rate allowance of [AMOUNT] DH to cover remote work-related expenses (internet, electricity, supplies).”

Clause 7: Confidentiality “The employee agrees to maintain the confidentiality of company information and data under the same conditions as on-site work. The employee ensures the security of their workstation and uses the IT security tools provided.”

Clause 8: Reversibility “Either party may terminate remote work with [DURATION] notice. The employee then returns to a position at the company’s premises consistent with their qualifications and compensation.”

Clause 9: General Provisions “This amendment does not modify the other provisions of the original employment contract, which continue to apply.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the employer impose remote work?

No, except in exceptional circumstances (epidemic, natural disaster, force majeure). Under normal conditions, remote work is based on voluntariness and mutual agreement between employer and employee. The employee’s refusal does not constitute grounds for dismissal.

Does the remote worker retain all their rights?

Yes. Remote workers enjoy the same rights as on-site employees: compensation, career advancement, training, employee representation, SMIG/SMAG, paid leave, and severance pay.

How to handle an occupational accident during remote work?

An accident occurring during working hours at the declared remote work location is presumed to be an occupational accident. The employee must inform the employer within 24 hours and provide a medical certificate.

Can the employer monitor the remote worker?

The employer may implement activity tracking tools (time-tracking software, reporting) provided they respect proportionality, inform the employee, and comply with Law 09-08 on the protection of individuals with regard to personal data processing (CNDP authorization).

What is the impact of remote work on the payslip?

The payslip must show:

  • Base salary (unchanged)
  • Remote work allowance (separate line, exempt if compliant)
  • CNSS contributions (unchanged basis)
  • Income tax (calculated on the same basis, excluding exempt allowance)

To simulate the impact on your net salary, use our net and gross salary simulator.

Conclusion

Remote work in Morocco is a growing reality that requires rigorous legal structuring despite the absence of specific legislation. The combination of a remote work policy, a contract amendment, and a data security policy compliant with Law 09-08 secures the employer-employee relationship.

Upsilon Consulting assists companies in drafting their remote work policies, contract amendments, and in achieving social and tax compliance. Contact our team for tailored support.

Upsilon

Consulting

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Upsilon Consulting is a chartered accounting, audit and tax advisory firm, member of the Moroccan Institute of Chartered Accountants. Our team of 40+ professionals has been supporting Moroccan and multinational companies for over 15 years. Our multidisciplinary approach and client proximity allow us to support you with rigour and responsiveness.

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