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

75 lawyers listed in Corporate Law on AvocatLib

Anouar Sadki
7 years of experience

Anouar Sadki

Cabinet Me. Anouar Sadki•Casablanca

Anouar Sadki has been the founding partner of Sadki Law Firm since September 2023. A doctoral researcher in business law, he is preparing two doctoral theses in parallel: one at the Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, under the supervision of Professor François-Xavier Lucas, on the prospects for the development of company law and insolvency law opened up by Morocco's accession to OHADA; the other at the Faculté polydisciplinaire de Béni Mellal (Université Sultan Moulay Slimane), on the handling of the difficulties of SMEs in times of major crises, from a comparative law perspective. The defence of the Moroccan thesis is scheduled for 30 December 2026, and that of the Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne thesis in 2028. His education combines a Master's degree in banking and financial law (Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne), a Master's degree in business law (FSJES Mohammedia — Université Hassan II, top of his class), a University Diploma (DU) in insolvency law (Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne), the Inter-University Diploma (DIU) "Juriste OHADA" and a certification in Contract Law from Harvard Law School — a background completed by a bachelor's degree in law obtained as top of his class (FSJES Mohammedia). His practice draws on some ten years of experience, in both litigation and advisory work. Before his admission to the Casablanca Bar in 2019, he practised for more than four years as an associate in the family firm IFLAH-SADKI Avocats, founded in 1984 — experience since developed between Casablanca and Paris, working with Moroccan, French and American law firms. This dual legal culture, both academic and professional, sustains a demanding, strategic business law practice with a resolutely international outlook.

Business LawBanking LawReal Estate Law+26
French · Arabic · English · +1
Direct contact only
Berrada Meriem
7 years of experience

Berrada Meriem

Cabinet Me. Berrada Meriem•Casablanca

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.
مروان مرابيط
9 years of experience

مروان مرابيط

Cabinet Me. مروان مرابيط•Nador

A lawyer registered on the Roll of the Nador Bar Association, I practise mainly in the fields of business law, criminal law, family law, real estate law and commercial law. Drawing on experience acquired over several years of professional practice, I provide advice, assistance and representation to my clients before the competent courts, as well as handling the various legal issues falling within my areas of specialisation.

Criminal LawBusiness LawReal Estate Law+12
French · Arabic · English · +2
Online booking · no slot in the next 14 daysBook by phone or WhatsApp.
Hassan El Yazidi
33 years of experience

Hassan El Yazidi

Cabinet Me. Hassan El yazidi•El Jadida

A lawyer since 1993 and a member of the El Jadida Bar since 2015, holder of a doctorate in law and admitted to practise before the Court of Cassation. With more than thirty years of legal practice and representation before the Moroccan courts, I handle civil law, commercial and business law, real estate law, family and matrimonial law, and administrative law. I provide legal advice, representation and the defence of my clients' interests throughout the national territory, favouring effective legal solutions tailored to each situation.

Business LawFamily LawCriminal Law+5
French · Arabic · English · +2
Direct contact only
Oussama Razine
6 years of experience

Oussama Razine

Cabinet Me. Oussama Razine•Casablanca

Mr. Oussama Razine, lawyer at the Casablanca Bar and Doctor of Business Law and Arbitration.

Business LawReal Estate LawTax Law+12
French · English · Arabic
Direct contact only
Aicha Khaled
3 years of experience

Aicha Khaled

Cabinet Me. Aicha Khaled•Casablanca

A lawyer registered with the Barreau de Casablanca, Maitre Aicha Khaled specialises in business law. She advises companies, executives and investors on all the legal issues arising throughout their company's life, with particular expertise in banking law and project finance, acquired within a firm dedicated to this field. Rigorous and pragmatic, she combines a solid technical command with a results-oriented approach, closely attuned to her clients' operational realities. Areas of practice Corporate law — incorporation, governance, capital transactions, restructurings Business law and commercial law — negotiation and drafting of contracts, commercial relations, litigation Trademark law and intellectual property — filing, protection and defence of trademarks Banking law and project finance — structuring and legal securing of financing transactions. Employment law — employment contracts, management of labour relations, litigation before the labour courts

Business LawLabor LawIntellectual Property+9
French · Arabic · English · +1
Direct contact only
fatima ezzahra ztati
6 years of experience

fatima ezzahra ztati

Cabinet Me. fatima ezzahra ztati•Marrakech

Office of Maître Zattati Fatima Ezzahra, lawyer in Marrakech, for legal representation, legal advice and pleading before the courts. We specialise in family cases: divorce, divorce for irreconcilable differences (chiqaq), divorce by mutual consent, custody, maintenance, mixed marriage, kafala, inheritance, as well as administrative, commercial, real estate and civil cases. Lawyer in Marrakech for divorce and family law, mixed marriage, custody, maintenance, and administrative, commercial and civil law

DivorceChild custody & supportAdoption & parentage+46
French · Arabic · Moroccan Arabic (Darija) · +1
Direct contact only
Nassima Semlali El Idrissi
3 years of experience

Nassima Semlali El Idrissi

Cabinet Me. Nassima Semlali El Idrissi•Casablanca

Maître Nassima Semlali El Idrissi, lawyer at the Cabinet d’Avocats SEMLALI, founded in 1989. For more than 35 years, the SEMLALI firm has been assisting individuals, professionals and companies in defending their rights and protecting their interests. This long-standing presence in the legal landscape reflects a constant commitment based on rigour, trust and the quality of legal support. Our practice covers a wide range of legal fields, in particular: Business law and commercial law (commercial contracts, disputes between professionals, commercial leases, etc.). Company law (incorporation of companies, transfers of shares, shareholders’ agreements, amendments to articles of association, etc.). Debt recovery (formal notices, amicable and judicial recovery, enforcement proceedings, etc.). Criminal law (criminal defence, filing of complaints, assistance before the criminal courts, etc.). Family law (divorce, maintenance, child custody, inheritance, etc.). Real estate and land law (property transactions, land disputes, co-ownership, leases, etc.). Air law (flight cancellations and delays, loss of luggage, liability of air carriers, etc.). Digital law (protection of personal data, cybercrime, disputes relating to digital activities, etc.). Committed to a relationship of trust and proximity, we favour a personalised approach combining attentiveness, responsiveness and a legal strategy tailored to the specific features of each case, both in advisory and litigation matters. Our commitment: to place more than three decades of legal practice at the service of your interests, with rigour, availability and determination.

Business LawReal Estate LawLabor Law+35
French · Arabic · English
Direct contact only
Mohammed TAMOURO
6 years of experience

Mohammed TAMOURO

Cabinet Me. Mohammed TAMOURO•Casablanca

A lawyer registered with the Casablanca Bar since 2020 and an international arbitrator, I specialise in Business Law. My firm ‘LPF Counsel’ assists individuals in their litigation and provides advice to multinationals and Moroccan companies as a Business Partner.

Business LawReal Estate LawImmigration Law+33
French · Arabic · English · +1
Direct contact only
MR
6 years of experience

MOHAMMED RAFIAI

Cabinet Me. MOHAMMED RAFIAI•Meknes

​A lawyer at the Bar of Meknès since 2023, I place my expertise and know-how at the service of the success of your legal projects and the resolution of your disputes. Because the law is constantly evolving, I offer you personalised, strategic and pragmatic support. Whether for a preventive consultation or for representation in court, you benefit from attentive listening and absolute responsiveness. Commercial law/Family law/Business law/Inheritance law.

Business LawLabor LawFamily Law+17
French · Arabic · English · +2
Direct contact only
Maitre HANANA ABDERRAHIM

Maitre HANANA ABDERRAHIM

Cabinet Me. Maitre HANANA ABDERRAHIM•Rabat
Droit bancaire & financierReal Estate LawTax Law+15
French · Arabic
Direct contact only
SL
8 years of experience

Safa Larhmich

Cabinet Me. Safa Larhmich•Tangier

A lawyer at the Tangier Bar, I assist individuals, professionals and companies with their legal procedures as well as in the defence of their rights and interests. My approach is based on listening, rigour and tailored legal support, with particular attention paid to a thorough understanding of each case and to the search for strategic and appropriate solutions. Areas of practice: * ⚖️ Family law & family litigation (Divorce in all its forms, separation, maintenance, custody) * 👶 Judicial kafala & civil status (Kafala procedures for abandoned children, filiation, civil status registrations and rectifications) * 🏠 Real estate and land law * 🏢 Commercial and business law * 💼 Labour law and social litigation * 🛡️ Insurance law and compensation * ⚖️ Criminal law * ⚡ Summary proceedings and urgent measures * 📊 Tax litigation and tax law * 📑 Law of contracts and obligations * 🏛️ Civil law and general litigation * 👩‍⚖️ Representation and defence before the courts My commitment is to offer every client support based on seriousness, confidentiality and responsiveness, whether it is a matter of preventing a dispute, securing a legal transaction, negotiating an amicable settlement or ensuring a rigorous defence before the courts. 📍 Address: Rue Abi Dardae, Imm. Tajmil, 7th floor, No. 40, Place des Nations, Tangier – Morocco 📞 Telephone: +212 661-173770 📧 Email: Safaa.larhmich@gmail.com 🌐 Website: https://avocatelarhmich.com/ 💳 Means of payment: Cash, Bank transfer, Cheque

Criminal LawFamily LawLabor Law+32
French · Arabic
Online booking · no slot in the next 14 daysBook by phone or WhatsApp.

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.

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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.

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

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