As of January 1, 2026, Morocco has officially rolled out a major update to its General Instruction on Foreign Exchange Operations (IGOC), signaling a decisive step in the country’s gradual shift toward a more flexible exchange rate system. Designed by the Office des Changes, the new IGOC framework introduces sweeping reforms aimed at aligning Morocco’s financial regulations with the growing demands of an increasingly globalized economy.
This latest revision is part of Morocco’s long-term strategy to liberalize its foreign exchange regime. The goal is clear: to offer greater freedom and flexibility to investors, business owners, digital entrepreneurs, students, and even individual citizens. In particular, the changes are expected to boost Morocco’s competitiveness, stimulate innovation, and make it easier for locals and foreign residents alike to navigate international transactions.
One of the most significant updates targets startups. Young tech companies certified by the Digital Development Agency (ADD) can now invest up to 10 million dirhams abroad every year—without any restrictions based on how long they’ve been in operation or how much revenue they generate from exports. This is a clear signal that Morocco is betting on digital innovation as a driver of international relevance.
In the realm of e-commerce, the government has significantly raised the ceiling for international transactions. Businesses can now spend up to 2 million dirhams on cross-border purchases, while individuals are allowed up to 20,000 dirhams. This shift opens the door wider for accessing global goods and services, encouraging greater participation in the digital economy.
Business and personal travel allowances have also been increased. Companies can now allocate between 1 and 1.5 million dirhams annually for business travel expenses, while individuals are allowed up to 500,000 dirhams for personal trips—an increase that reflects both inflation and the expanding global footprint of Moroccan citizens and enterprises.
Students studying abroad will benefit from higher financial support as well. The monthly allocation for Moroccan students overseas has been raised to 15,000 dirhams, a move aimed at helping families cope with the rising cost of international education and living expenses.
The updated IGOC also simplifies the rules for importing and exporting services, streamlines transfer procedures for foreign residents in Morocco, and eases regulations on a number of specialized financial transactions. These include new guidelines for hedging against financial risks, handling guarantees between local and foreign entities, and managing certain cross-border agreements.
Perhaps one of the most awaited changes is aimed at Moroccans living abroad. They can now take out home loans in Morocco for up to 80% of a property’s value, with no restriction on how many properties they can purchase. This policy opens new doors for real estate investment and encourages diaspora engagement with the national economy.
In essence, the 2026 overhaul of Morocco’s exchange regulations reflects a forward-looking vision: to modernize the country’s financial ecosystem in a way that supports openness, adaptability, and international integration—without compromising regulatory oversight. It’s a balancing act between flexibility and control, designed to position Morocco as a more agile player on the global economic stage.
