Corporate Law in Morocco

Corporate Law in Morocco

Morocco provides a well-structured legal framework for the creation and management of commercial companies. From the SARL to the SA and the SAS, each legal form meets specific needs. A specialized lawyer will guide you at every stage of your company's life.

Joint Stock Company Law, LLC Law, Other Company Forms Law Key legislation

Corporate Law Lawyers in Morocco

57 lawyers listed in Corporate Law on AvocatLib

Ayoub El Mansour
5 years of experience

Ayoub El Mansour

Cabinet Me. Ayoub El MansourCasablanca

A member of the Casablanca Bar, Mr. Ayoub El Mansour advises and represents individuals, professionals and businesses in the conduct of their affairs and the protection of their interests in Morocco. He acts both in an advisory and litigation capacity, primarily in business law, with particular experience in commercial law, corporate law, contract law, employment law, real estate and landlord-and-tenant law, as well as white-collar criminal law. His practice includes advising entrepreneurs, incorporating and structuring companies, assisting with day-to-day corporate matters, drafting and negotiating contracts, advising on relationships between shareholders and commercial partners, debt recovery and commercial disputes. He also acts in matters relating to dismissal and employment litigation, leases and real estate disputes, as well as white-collar criminal matters, including fraud, breach of trust and the issuance of cheques without sufficient funds. Having gained experience within business law firms in France, he brings the same level of rigour to his practice in Morocco: a clear assessment of the situation from the outset, practical solutions, negotiation before litigation where it serves the client’s interests, and firm representation before the Moroccan courts where litigation becomes necessary. Each matter is handled with close personal attention, regular updates on its progress and fees agreed in advance on clear and predictable terms.

Business LawBanking LawLabor Law+32
French · Arabic · English · +1
Online booking · no slot in the next 14 daysBook by phone or WhatsApp.
Jaouad Ben Malek
33 years of experience

Jaouad Ben Malek

Cabinet Me. Jaouad Ben MalekFes

Maître Jaouad Ben Malek has been a lawyer at the Bar of Fès since 1993, registered under number 425, and is admitted to practise before the Court of Cassation. The firm is located at 24 rue Mohamed El Alami, in the new town of Fès, near the avenue des Forces Armées Royales. He practises in business and corporate law, labour law, divorce and family law, real estate law, inheritance and estate matters, criminal law, administrative law, contract law and litigation, debt recovery, civil liability and mediation. Moroccans residing abroad may be received remotely, by telephone, Microsoft Teams or Zoom, to open and follow up a case in Morocco: inheritance, real estate, power of attorney, exequatur of a foreign judgment. The firm receives clients from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., in French and Arabic. https://avocatbenmalek.com/

Business LawFamily LawLabor Law+24
French · Arabic · Moroccan Arabic (Darija)
Direct contact only
Sofia Bennis
10 years of experience

Sofia Bennis

Cabinet Me. Sofia BennisCasablanca

A lawyer at the Casablanca Bar, I practise mainly in business law and in high-stakes litigation (commercial, tax, real estate and employment), with a practice geared towards strategy and results. I assist executives, investors and financial institutions at every stage of the case: risk analysis, legal structuring, negotiation and litigation management. My approach is both rigorous and operational, with a clear objective: to secure your interests and optimise your chances of success. What sets me apart: a strong results-driven culture, constant responsiveness and the ability to handle complex cases with an overall strategic vision. I pay particular attention to the quality of drafting and to the construction of the argument, both decisive in the outcome of disputes.

Business LawFamily LawReal Estate Law+15
French · Arabic · English
Direct contact only
Safae Sadki

Safae Sadki

Cabinet Me. Safae SadkiCasablanca

A lawyer registered with the Casablanca Bar, I practise in advisory work and litigation for individuals and companies. I handle family law, real estate law, administrative law, commercial law, civil law and business law, providing rigorous and structured support at every stage of the case.

Business LawFamily LawLabor Law+29
French · Arabic · English · +2
Direct contact only
Berrada Meriem
7 years of experience

Berrada Meriem

Cabinet Me. Berrada MeriemCasablanca

Trained at the Sorbonne Faculty of Law in Paris, she advises and represents a clientele composed of individuals, company directors and businesses, in Morocco as well as in matters with an international dimension. She practises mainly in business law, employment law, family law and criminal law, in advisory matters as well as in litigation. Her practice is based on a strategic approach to the case: in-depth legal analysis, examination of the evidence, anticipation of risks and definition of a line of defence tailored to the interests of each client. Maître Berrada Meriem intervenes at every stage of the dispute, from the prevention of litigation and negotiation through to representation before the courts and the enforcement of court decisions. She also assists her clients in complex matters involving patrimonial, professional, family or cross-border issues, which require precise coordination between legal strategy and litigation strategy. Committed to a relationship founded on confidentiality, availability and rigour, she favours personalised support and clear information for the client on the issues at stake, the risks and the various procedural options available.

Labor LawBusiness LawReal Estate Law+29
French · Arabic · English
Online booking · no slot in the next 14 daysBook by phone or WhatsApp.
Loubna Arrai
5 years of experience

Loubna Arrai

Cabinet Me. Loubna ArraiCasablanca

As a partner attorney at the firm SCP Chtaiba & Arrai - Partners, I assist my clients with a cross-cutting vision of the law, combining strategic advice with defence in litigation. My role is to offer you tailor-made support, whether to secure your projects upstream or to defend your interests tenaciously before the courts. Responsiveness, rigour and transparency are the pillars of my practice, in order to guarantee each case a high level of expertise and a legal solution perfectly suited to your stakes

Business LawCorporate LawAdministrative Law+8
French · Arabic · English
Direct contact only
Jad Berrada
5 years of experience

Jad Berrada

JB Law FirmCasablanca

A lawyer at the Barreau de Casablanca, Jad Berrada heads JB Law Firm, a practice dedicated to strategic legal advice in business law. For the past five years, he has been assisting companies, investors and individuals in securing their transactions, achieving compliance and managing their disputes, both in an advisory and a litigation capacity. Trilingual (French, Arabic, English), he holds consultations by videoconference. His practice covers business law in the broad sense: company law, contract law, employment law, consumer law, land law, liability law and business criminal law. He also handles arbitration and mediation matters, favouring alternative dispute resolution methods whenever possible. The author of several works devoted to the practice of business law — including "The 50 skills your business lawyer must necessarily possess" and "Techniques of legal reading and analysis" — he upholds one conviction: it is skills and strategy, more than knowledge of the texts alone, that make his clients win. Rigour, pragmatism and an understanding of business stakes guide the support he provides. The firm also handles labour law (contracts, employment tribunal litigation, for employees as well as employers), commercial litigation and debt recovery, intellectual and industrial property (trademarks, patents, counterfeiting), real estate law and commercial leases, as well as proceedings before the administrative courts.

Business LawReal Estate LawLabor Law+16
French · Arabic · English
Online booking · no slot in the next 14 daysBook by phone or WhatsApp.
IMAD CHAHBOUNI
19 years of experience

IMAD CHAHBOUNI

Cabinet Me. IMAD CHAHBOUNITetouan

Me Imad Chahbouni, a lawyer at the Tetouan Bar, assists individuals, entrepreneurs and companies with legal advice and with the handling of their litigation. The firm practises in particular in real estate law, family law, business law, commercial law, employment law and contract law. Each case is the subject of careful analysis, with clear and confidential communication. The firm is located at Wilaya Center, in Tetouan. Consultations are offered at the office and by telephone. Discussions may take place in French, Arabic, Darija, Spanish or English. For an initial contact or an appointment request, please contact the firm by telephone, WhatsApp or email, briefly specifying the purpose of your request and your availability.

Immigration LawReal Estate LawFamily Law+23
French · Arabic · Spanish · +2
Direct contact only
Reda Deryany
16 years of experience

Reda Deryany

Cabinet Me. Reda DeryanyCasablanca

Mohamed Reda Deryany is a business lawyer with more than fifteen years of experience. He is also an arbitrator accredited by the Ministry of Justice in Morocco. He holds several law degrees. After training in Business Law at Hassan II University in Casablanca and at the University of Paris II Panthéon-Assas, he was sworn in as a lawyer in March 2010. He is also certified in investment arbitration in Morocco, in human rights in Switzerland and in OHADA law. He leads several seminars in Morocco and abroad, notably at the prestigious University of Paris II- Panthéon Assas. He is also a well-regarded author who has been published in several peer-reviewed legal journals and business magazines. He has also contributed to the publication of a collective law book in France. He is also a member of the Arbitration Committee of AHK Maroc.

Administrative LawLabor LawDismissal & labor disputes+7
French · Arabic · English
Direct contact only
Khalid Chafai
7 years of experience

Khalid Chafai

Cabinet Me. Khalid ChafaiTangier

About the Law Firm Established in 2019 in Tangier, Khalid Chafai Law Firm provides professional legal advice, litigation, and representation to individuals, businesses, and institutions. Our firm is committed to providing strategic and effective legal solutions while protecting our clients’ rights and interests with professionalism, accuracy, and dedication. Areas of Expertise - Business Law - Family Law - Real Estate Law Firm Motto "Your Rights, Our Priority" Contact Managing Partner: Khalid Chafai, Attorney at Law – Tangier Bar Association Address: 1st Floor, Apt. 8, Playa Mar Building, Intersection of Antaki St. & Ibn Abbad St., Tangier 90000, Morocco Phone: +212 6 61 79 74 69 Website: attorneyatlawkhalidchafai.com

Business LawFamily LawReal Estate Law+22
French · Arabic · Moroccan Arabic (Darija)
Direct contact only
Sarah Hamid Eddine
6 years of experience

Sarah Hamid Eddine

Cabinet Me. Sarah Hamid EddineCasablanca

A lawyer at the Casablanca Bar, I have for several years been assisting individuals and companies with their most strategic legal issues. Drawing on recognised expertise in business and corporate law, insurance law and labour law, I act both in preventive advice and in dispute resolution — company formation and restructuring, commercial litigation, insurance contracts, termination of employment contracts, disciplinary proceedings and employer-employee relations. My approach combines legal rigour with pragmatism: every case is handled with the same level of demand, whether it concerns a one-off consultation or long-term support. Available for remote consultations, I place my expertise at the service of my clients throughout Morocco and internationally, providing them with clear answers and concrete solutions.

Labor LawDroit socialBusiness Law+4
French · English · Arabic
Direct contact only
AB
52 years of experience

Azzedine Benkirane

Cabinet Me. Azzedine BenkiraneFes

Maître Azzedine Benkirane has been a lawyer at the Fes Bar for more than 40 years. Drawing on exceptional experience in the legal field, he assists and advises his clients with rigour, availability and determination. A former President of the Fes Bar Association, he enjoys solid professional recognition and a perfect understanding of the challenges of the profession. His career is founded on excellence, integrity and the constant defence of his clients' interests.

Business LawImmigration LawBanking Law+21
French · Arabic
Direct contact only

Corporate law in Morocco: an attractive legal environment

Morocco has made improving its business climate a strategic priority. Successive reforms of corporate law have simplified incorporation procedures, reduced registration timelines, and modernized corporate governance. The country now positions itself as a gateway to the African market, attracting both domestic and international investors seeking a reliable and predictable legal framework.

Moroccan corporate law serves a wide range of stakeholders: the individual entrepreneur looking to structure their business as a company, the family group organizing the transfer of its assets, the foreign investor establishing a subsidiary in Morocco, or partners facing disagreements over the management of their joint venture.

Engaging a lawyer specialized in corporate law in Morocco ensures that every decision -- from choosing the legal form to drafting the articles of association and capital operations -- is made with full knowledge of the implications. Mistakes in this area can prove costly: nullity of corporate acts, deadlock in corporate bodies, personal liability of directors, or even judicial dissolution.

The legal framework: types of companies in Morocco

The limited liability company (SARL) is the most common form in Morocco. Governed by Law 5-96 covering the general partnership, limited partnership, partnership limited by shares, SARL, and undisclosed partnership, it is well-suited to small and medium-sized enterprises. The minimum share capital is freely set by the partners, and each partner's liability is limited to their contributions. The SARL is managed by one or more managers and collective decisions are made at partners' meetings.

The public limited company (SA) is governed by Law 17-95. It is designed for large enterprises and projects requiring public offerings. The minimum share capital is 300,000 dirhams (3,000,000 dirhams for public offerings). The SA may adopt a board of directors structure or a management board with a supervisory board. Its structured governance provides transparency guarantees valued by institutional investors and banking partners.

The simplified joint-stock company (SAS), introduced by Law 20-05, is the most recent addition to Morocco's corporate landscape. It offers great statutory flexibility, giving shareholders considerable freedom in organizing governance. The SAS appeals to startups, joint ventures, and subsidiaries of international groups seeking flexibility without the formal constraints of the SA.

Other forms also exist: the general partnership (SNC), where partners have the status of merchants and bear unlimited joint and several liability for company debts; the limited partnership (SCS), which combines general partners (unlimited liability) and limited partners (limited liability); and the partnership limited by shares (SCA). Each of these forms is governed by Law 5-96 and addresses specific asset or economic situations.

When should you consult a corporate lawyer?

Company formation is the foundational moment that determines the legal framework of your business for years to come. The choice between SARL, SA, SAS, or another form is not random. It depends on the number of shareholders, the capital level, financing needs, desired tax treatment, and governance structure. The lawyer drafts tailor-made articles of association, prepares a shareholders' agreement if needed, and guides you through registration formalities at the commercial register held by the commercial court and filing with OMPIC (Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property).

Company transformation -- converting an SARL to an SA or SAS, for example -- occurs when a business changes in scale or strategy. This operation is strictly regulated by law and requires compliance with quorum, majority, and publicity requirements. The lawyer ensures that the transformation does not create a new legal entity, thereby preserving the continuity of contracts and commitments.

Transfer of shares or partnership interests is a common operation requiring particular legal attention. In an SARL, transfer of interests to third parties requires approval by partners representing at least three-quarters of the share capital. In an SA, share transfers are generally free unless the articles of association provide otherwise. The lawyer drafts the transfer agreement, verifies compliance with the approval procedure, and handles publicity formalities.

Holding general meetings -- both ordinary and extraordinary -- follows precise rules regarding notice, quorum, and majority. Failure to comply with these rules can result in the nullity of resolutions. The lawyer assists you in preparing the agenda, drafting resolutions, and preparing compliant minutes.

Finally, dissolution and liquidation mark the end of the legal entity's life. Whether voluntary (decided by the partners) or judicial (ordered by the court), dissolution opens a liquidation period during which assets are realized and debts settled. The lawyer ensures the regularity of the procedure and the protection of the interests of partners and creditors.

Corporate law procedures in Morocco

The company formation procedure in Morocco involves several mandatory steps. The first is the negative certificate issued by OMPIC, confirming that the chosen name is not already in use. Next come the drafting and signing of the articles of association, the deposit of capital in a bank (for cash contributions), the registration of the articles with the tax authorities, the entry in the commercial register, and the publication of the incorporation notice in a legal announcements journal and the Official Gazette.

Capital increases or reductions require an extraordinary general meeting. Increases can be made through cash contributions, contributions in kind, or the incorporation of reserves. Capital reductions are governed by rules protecting creditors, who have a right of opposition before the court. Each operation requires an amendment to the articles of association, a filing with the commercial register, and a legal publication.

Mergers, demergers, and partial asset contributions follow a complex legal regime provided by the corporate laws. These restructuring operations require the involvement of a contribution auditor (for valuing contributions in kind), the preparation of a merger or demerger plan, approval by the meetings of the companies involved, and compliance with creditors' right of opposition.

In the event of shareholder disputes, judicial recourse offers several options: appointment of a provisional administrator, management audit, liability action against directors, or dissolution for just cause. These proceedings are brought before the competent commercial court. The lawyer evaluates the most suitable strategy based on the severity of the conflict and the client's objectives.

How to choose your corporate lawyer in Morocco

Corporate law is a field where technical rigor combines with strategic advisory. Your lawyer must not only know the texts -- Law 17-95, Law 5-96, Law 20-05, and their implementing decrees -- but also understand the economic realities and governance challenges specific to your situation. A good corporate lawyer anticipates difficulties rather than reacting to them.

Experience in drafting articles of association and shareholders' agreements is a decisive criterion. These foundational documents govern the company's daily operations and the resolution of potential conflicts. An experienced lawyer knows how to insert essential protective clauses: approval clauses, pre-emption rights, tag-along and drag-along clauses, and non-compete provisions.

If your project has an international dimension -- subsidiary of a foreign group, multiple investors, double taxation issues -- favor a lawyer who masters bilateral tax treaties and the rules governing foreign investment in Morocco. The investment charter and various incentive schemes (free zones, Casablanca Finance City) are parameters your counsel must factor into their advice.

Responsiveness and availability matter as much as technical competence. Corporate operations often face tight deadlines: due date for the annual general meeting, deadline for completing a transfer, window of opportunity for a fundraising round. Your lawyer must be able to mobilize their teams quickly to meet these deadlines. On AvocatLib, you can compare profiles, verify specializations, and contact corporate lawyers directly across Morocco.

Find a Lawyer by City

Lawyers specialized in Corporate Law across Morocco

Frequently Asked Questions About Corporate Law in Morocco

What is the difference between an SARL, an SA, and an SAS in Morocco?
The SARL (Law 5-96) is the most common form for SMEs: freely set capital, management by one or more managers, liability limited to contributions. The SA (Law 17-95) is designed for large enterprises: minimum capital of 300,000 MAD, structured governance (board of directors or management board). The SAS (Law 20-05) offers the greatest flexibility: shareholders freely organize governance in the articles of association, making it ideal for startups and joint ventures.
How much does it cost to form a company in Morocco?
Formation costs vary depending on the legal form and complexity of the articles. Budget between 3,000 and 8,000 dirhams for administrative fees (negative certificate, registration, commercial register, legal publication). Lawyer fees for drafting the articles and full incorporation support generally range from 5,000 to 25,000 dirhams depending on the form chosen and the complexity of the shareholders' agreement.
Can a foreigner create a company in Morocco?
Yes, Moroccan law allows foreign nationals to create and hold companies in Morocco without nationality restrictions or the requirement for a local partner in most sectors. However, the foreign investor must complete exchange control formalities with the Exchange Office to ensure the transferability of profits and capital. Certain regulated sectors (agricultural real estate, fishing) may have specific restrictions.
How do you transfer partnership interests in a Moroccan SARL?
Transferring SARL interests to a third party outside the company requires approval from partners representing at least three-quarters of the share capital. The proposed transfer must be notified to the company and to each partner. If there is no response within thirty days, approval is deemed granted. The transfer deed must be registered with the tax authorities and filed with the commercial register.
What should you do in case of a shareholder dispute in Morocco?
Several avenues are available depending on the severity of the conflict. Mediation or conciliation is recommended as a first step to preserve the business relationship. If dialogue has broken down, the lawyer can petition the commercial court for the appointment of a provisional administrator, a management audit, a liability action against directors at fault, or as a last resort, judicial dissolution for just cause. A well-drafted shareholders' agreement often provides built-in dispute resolution mechanisms.

Need a corporate lawyer?

Browse our directory of lawyers specialized in corporate law in Morocco. Formation, transformation, transfers, litigation: find the right counsel for your project.

Find a corporate lawyer

Updated on