In brief: The IGOC 2026 (Art. 132-155) sets foreign travel allowances for Moroccan residents: 500,000 MAD ceiling for personal travel, up to 1,500,000 MAD for business travel by categorized operators, and 15,000 MAD/month for studies abroad. Unused foreign currency must be surrendered within 30 days of return. Upsilon Consulting supports you in optimizing your exchange allowances.
Travel allowances are one of the most tangible aspects of exchange control regulations for Moroccan residents. Whether for a business trip, a family vacation, university studies or medical care abroad, each type of travel is subject to specific ceilings and conditions.
The IGOC 2026 (Chapter III, Section 9, Art. 132 to 155) brings significant increases in allowances and clarifies applicable procedures. This article reviews all travel allowance regimes in force.
—
Business Travel (Art. 132-138)
Base Allowance: 50% of Corporate Tax
Moroccan-law companies benefit from an annual allowance for business travel calculated on the basis of 50% of the corporate tax (IS) paid for the last closed fiscal year, with a ceiling of 500,000 MAD.
This allowance covers the travel expenses of executives and employees abroad: transport, accommodation, meals, entertainment costs and related professional expenses.
Increased Allowance for Categorized Operators
Companies classified as categorized operators by the Customs and Indirect Taxes Administration benefit from an increased allowance: 100% of the IS paid, with a ceiling raised to 1,500,000 MAD per year.
This preferential regime rewards companies with an exemplary compliance record in customs and exchange matters.
Conditions of Use
- The allowance is annual and non-transferable
- It must be used via an international payment card or through foreign currency purchase from the bank
- Travel supporting documents (airline tickets, hotel invoices, mission orders) must be retained for 5 years
—
Personal Travel (Art. 139-145)
Personal Allowance Structure
The IGOC 2026 personal travel allowance comprises two tiers:
- Base allowance: 100,000 MAD per person per calendar year, accessible to any adult resident upon presentation of passport and national identity card
- Conditional supplement: an additional 400,000 MAD, bringing the total ceiling to 500,000 MAD, accessible to residents demonstrating taxable income with income tax (IR) of at least 30% of the requested supplement
Supplement Calculation
The 400,000 MAD supplement is accessible provided the applicant demonstrates IR paid of at least 30% of the requested supplement amount. For example:
| Supplement requested | Minimum IR required (30%) |
|---|---|
| 100,000 MAD | 30,000 MAD |
| 200,000 MAD | 60,000 MAD |
| 400,000 MAD | 120,000 MAD |
Minor Children Allowance
Minor children accompanying their parents receive a reduced allowance, set at 50% of the base allowance, i.e., 50,000 MAD per child per year.
Practical Arrangements
Foreign currency purchases are made at the bank or an authorized exchange office upon presentation of:
- A valid passport
- The national identity card
- A travel justification (airline ticket or reservation)
- For the supplement: the IR tax notice for the last fiscal year
—
Studies Abroad (Art. 146-150)
Monthly Allowance: 15,000 MAD
Moroccan students pursuing studies abroad benefit from a monthly allowance of 15,000 MAD, raised from 12,000 MAD under the IGOC 2024. This increase reflects the rising cost of living in major university destinations.
Components of the Study Allowance
The study allowance covers:
- Monthly subsistence costs (15,000 MAD/month)
- Tuition fees: full transfer of registration and tuition fees upon documentation from the educational institution
- Rent: transfer of the rent amount upon presentation of the lease
- Security deposit: transfer equivalent to 3 months’ rent upon initial settlement
Eligibility Conditions
The student must:
- Be enrolled in a recognized educational institution abroad
- Provide an enrollment certificate or pre-enrollment letter
- Present proof of accommodation (lease, university residence certificate)
The transfer is made through the student’s family bank or by the student directly if they have a bank account in Morocco.
—
Medical Care Abroad (Art. 151-152)
Residents requiring medical care abroad may benefit from a specific allowance covering:
- Medical expenses: full transfer upon presentation of the medical estimate from the foreign healthcare facility
- Living expenses: subsistence allowance for the duration of treatment
- Expenses for a companion where applicable
The application must be supported by a medical report from a Moroccan practitioner attesting to the necessity of treatment abroad and by the estimate from the healthcare facility.
—
Public Sector Missions (Art. 153)
Government officials and public sector employees on missions abroad benefit from allowances set by the regulatory texts specific to each administration. These allowances are distinct from private sector business travel allowances and are directly managed by the authorizing officers of the relevant administrations.
—
Surrender of Unused Foreign Currency (Art. 154)
30-Day Surrender Obligation
Upon return from travel, unused foreign currency must be surrendered to a bank or authorized exchange office within 30 days. This obligation applies to both banknotes and unencashed traveler’s checks.
The resident must retain the surrender receipt as supporting documentation for 5 years.
—
Foreign Residents in Morocco (Art. 155)
Foreign residents in Morocco benefit from the same travel allowances as nationals. They may additionally transfer abroad their savings from income within the limit of income declared and taxed in Morocco, upon justification to their bank.
To optimize your travel allowances and ensure compliance, contact our teams.
—
Reference texts: Instruction Générale des Opérations de Change (IGOC) 2026 (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the personal travel allowance ceiling in 2026?
The ceiling is 500,000 MAD per person per calendar year, comprising a base allowance of 100,000 MAD accessible to all and a supplement of 400,000 MAD conditional on demonstrating IR paid of at least 30% of the requested supplement (Art. 139-145 IGOC 2026).
Can the business travel allowance be combined with the personal allowance?
Yes. The business travel allowance (allocated to the company) and the personal travel allowance (allocated to the individual) are independent and cumulative. A director may use the company’s allowance for professional travel and their personal allowance for private trips.
How does the study abroad allowance work?
The student receives 15,000 MAD per month for subsistence costs, plus the full transfer of tuition fees, rent and a security deposit of 3 months’ rent. The allowance is disbursed upon presentation of the enrollment certificate and the lease. The monthly amount was raised from 12,000 MAD (IGOC 2024) to 15,000 MAD (Art. 146-150 IGOC 2026).
What should be done with unused foreign currency upon return from travel?
Unused foreign currency must be surrendered to a bank or authorized exchange office within 30 days of returning to Morocco. The surrender receipt must be kept for 5 years. Non-compliance with this obligation constitutes a violation of exchange control regulations (Art. 154 IGOC 2026).
READ ALSO:
Exchange control regulations in Morocco 2026
Current transfers and exchange in Morocco
