Starting January 1, 2026, Moroccans will enjoy greater freedom when it comes to spending abroad and shopping online. The Foreign Exchange Office has unveiled its updated General Instruction for Foreign Exchange Operations (IGOC), raising multiple spending limits as part of its broader 2025–2029 strategy aimed at modernizing Morocco’s financial landscape.
Among the most notable changes is the increase in the annual allowance for online purchases, which now reaches 20,000 dirhams. This new limit applies to all individuals, including Moroccans living abroad, and reflects the rising trend of international digital consumption.
Personal travel budgets have also received a substantial boost. The new annual limit is set at 500,000 dirhams, consisting of a base amount of 100,000 dirhams, plus an additional allowance that depends on the beneficiary’s income tax payments. This complementary portion can reach up to 400,000 dirhams, equivalent to 30% of the income tax paid during the previous year.
Another key update targets Moroccan students studying overseas. Their monthly living allowance has been raised from 12,000 to 15,000 dirhams. This adjustment is designed to better reflect the cost of living in host countries and ease the financial burden on families.
The revised framework doesn’t just benefit individuals—businesses stand to gain as well. Tech startups certified by the Digital Development Agency are now permitted to invest up to 10 million dirhams abroad each year, without needing to meet previous requirements like years in operation or certified financial statements. These startups will also benefit from a significantly increased annual online spending cap of 2 million dirhams.
Foreign residents in Morocco are also included in the overhaul. They now qualify for the same spending allowances as Moroccan citizens when it comes to healthcare and personal travel expenses. Additionally, members of the Moroccan diaspora will gain expanded access to local mortgage credit, with loans in dirhams now covering up to 80% of a property’s value.
This major update to Morocco’s foreign exchange regulations was developed in close collaboration with economic stakeholders and key institutions. The 2026 IGOC aims to offer a clearer, more streamlined regulatory framework, delivering increased flexibility while maintaining prudent oversight. The new system reflects a deliberate move toward a more open, adaptive, and user-friendly financial environment.
