So, you’re thinking about leaving the West. Maybe you’ve had enough of the constant struggle to hold onto your deen, the rising cost of living, or just the feeling that you don’t really belong.
Or it’s all of the above. And more.
You’ve heard about Morocco—maybe you know someone who’s made hijrah there, or you’ve seen people online talking about how it’s a good spot for Muslims looking for a different way of life.
But let’s be real—moving abroad is a big decision, and it’s not all sunshine and cheap tagines.
Is Morocco actually the right place for you? Will it give you the Islamic environment and peace of mind you’re looking for, or will you find yourself struggling with a whole new set of challenges?
I’ve been through this journey myself, leaving the UK and settling in Morocco, and I know what it’s really like—both the highs and the lows. Whilst I love being in Morocco I know it’s not for everyone. And in this post I’ll lay it all out for you.
So let’s get into it: the pros, the cons, and everything in between, so you can decide if Morocco is the right move for you.
Living in Morocco: Pros & Cons
Pros of Living in Morocco
#1 A lower cost of living – your money goes further
Compared to Western countries, Morocco is far more affordable. Rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare cost significantly less.
You can find a decent apartment in a major city for a fraction of what you’d pay in London. Eating out is also cheap—a full Moroccan meal with tagine, salad, and mint tea can cost less than a single takeaway meal back home.
Of course, if you’re earning in Moroccan dirhams, the affordability factor changes.
But for those earning in foreign currency, Morocco offers a much lower cost of living while still maintaining a good quality of life.
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#2 Residency is easy to get (but expect some waiting)
One of the good things about Morocco? Getting residency isn’t as complicated as in some other countries.
You don’t need to be rolling in cash, have a fancy job lined up, or rely on a sponsor.
As long as you’ve got the right documents and can show that you have some savings or a steady income to support yourself (and your family if they’re coming with you), you should be good.
From what I’ve seen, the first residency permit is usually for a year, then it gets extended to two, five, and eventually ten years.
After five years of being a resident, you can even look into applying for citizenship—though that comes with extra requirements, like having good character and conduct and knowing some Arabic or Darija.
That being said, this is Morocco, and things don’t always move at Western speed. Expect multiple trips to different offices, long waits, and the classic “Come back tomorrow, InshaAllah.”
It’s not hard, but you do need patience and persistence. On the flip side, plenty of expats just keep renewing tourist visas and live here for years without ever getting residency (though I don’t recommend this approach).
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#3 A great climate – say goodbye to grey skies
If you’re coming from the UK, Morocco’s weather will feel like a dream. No more endless grey skies, freezing rain, or that depressing, never-ending winter.
Coastal cities like Casablanca and Rabat have mild winters and warm summers, while places like Marrakesh can get seriously hot—but at least the evenings cool down.
And if you’re a fan of snow, the Atlas Mountains and Ifran are just a drive away for a proper winter experience.
For most of the year, you can forget about dragging around a heavy winter coat, and that seasonal depression from lack of sunlight? Gone.
But don’t get too comfortable just yet—Moroccan winters inside the house can be surprisingly cold. Unlike the UK, there’s no central heating, so when it’s chilly, you will feel it. Be prepared with warm clothes, blankets, and maybe even a heater if your budget allows.
And when summer hits? Depending on where you are, the heat can be intense. If you’re in a hotter region, an air conditioner will be your best friend—if you can afford one.
Otherwise, it’s all about keeping the windows open, using fans, and mastering the art of staying cool Moroccan-style.
#4 Close to Europe – easy travel back and forth
One of the biggest perks of living in Morocco? You’re not that far from ex-home. A flight from Casablanca to London takes just over three hours—that’s quicker than some train journeys in the UK!
And with budget airlines offering flights for as little as £36-£50, popping back to see family or take a quick break is super affordable.
Another bonus? The time difference is minimal—either the same as the UK or just one hour ahead—so staying in touch with loved ones is easy. If you work remotely or run a business in the UK, you won’t have to deal with awkward time zone issues.
Whether it’s sorting out paperwork, grabbing a specific product, or just enjoying a family visit, Europe is right on your doorstep.
#5 A Muslim environment – Islam is part of everyday life
For many of us, the biggest reason for making hijrah is simple: we just want to live in a Muslim country.
In Morocco, Islam isn’t something you have to carve out space for—it’s woven into daily life.
The adhan echoes through the streets five times a day, masjids are everywhere, and when Ramadan comes around, it’s not just you fasting while the world carries on as normal.
The entire country shifts—shops close early, the streets come alive at iftar, and night prayers in the masjid are packed.
You’re no longer the odd one out for practicing your deen. Dressing modestly is the norm, and you don’t have to constantly explain yourself or feel out of place for choosing an Islamic lifestyle.
There are no provocative billboards pushing agendas that go against our values, no pressure to conform to an environment that feels increasingly hostile to Muslims, and—one of the biggest reliefs for many families—no fear of social services interfering with how you raise your kids.
Of course, no place is perfect, but compared to the West, Morocco generally has a lower crime rate, a stronger sense of community, and a social fabric that still respects traditional family values.
It’s a place where being Muslim is just normal—and for many of us, that’s exactly what we’ve been searching for.
#6 Strong community and family values
One of the most beautiful things about life in Morocco is the deep sense of community. Here, people actually know their neighbours, families stay close, and looking out for one another is just a way of life.
Whether it’s sharing food, helping each other out, or simply stopping for a chat in the street, there’s a warmth and hospitality that can feel like a breath of fresh air—especially if you’re coming from the more individualistic culture of the West.
If you’re raising a family, this kind of environment can be priceless. Kids grow up surrounded by extended family, elders are respected, and Islamic values are naturally reinforced by the society around them.
You don’t have to constantly shield your children from negative influences or feel like you’re raising them in opposition to the culture around you—because here, family, Islam, and tradition still hold weight.
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# 7 A diverse and beautiful landscape – so much to explore
One of the best things about Morocco is just how much natural beauty it has to offer. This country is huge and incredibly diverse—whether you love mountains, beaches, forests, or the desert, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re looking for cooler weather and European vibes, head to Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” with its alpine-style architecture and snowy winters.
If you love blue-washed streets and a charming mountain town, Chefchaouen is a must-visit. And if you’ve ever dreamed of riding camels through endless golden dunes, the Sahara Desert is an experience like no other.
For nature lovers, Morocco is a goldmine. There are breathtaking waterfalls like Ouzoud, rugged mountains like the Atlas range (which even gets snow in the winter!), and stunning coastlines where you’ll find everything from hidden beaches to lively surf towns.
If you prefer to live somewhere with scenic views, you have plenty of options, from seaside cities like Tangier, Agadir, and Essaouira to mountain villages where life is peaceful and slow.
What’s great is that all of this is within the same country. You can go from snowy peaks to the Sahara in just a few hours, making Morocco an amazing place to explore—whether you love road trips, hiking, or just soaking in the beauty of nature.
Cons of Living in Morocco
Now we covered the main pros, let’s breakdown the cons of living in Morocco.
#1 Healthcare has its gaps – be prepared
I won’t lie to you—healthcare in Morocco isn’t the best. The public system is underfunded, and while private clinics do exist, they can be expensive and are mostly concentrated in bigger cities.
If you’re used to Western-level care (even with its issues) or the high standards in places like the UAE, Morocco will feel like a downgrade.
We’ve had a mix of experiences with healthcare here, but honestly? More bad than good. The quality of care can be hit or miss, and if you don’t speak Darija or French, the language barrier makes things even harder.
If you or a family member have ongoing medical needs or a chronic condition, this is something to seriously think about before making the move. The Gulf, for example, offers much better healthcare infrastructure, especially if you need consistent medical attention.
Another thing to keep in mind—if something goes wrong, it’s very difficult to file complaints or take legal action. Let’s just say accountability isn’t always a priority here. So, while routine checkups and minor treatments might be fine, for anything serious, a lot of people prefer to travel abroad for better care.
Bottom line: If healthcare is a major factor for you, Morocco might not be the best fit. But if you’re generally healthy and just need the occasional doctor visit, private clinics can still get the job done—as long as you’re prepared to pay out of pocket.
#2 The job market is tough – have a plan
Unless you already have remote work, solid savings, or a business idea ready to go, finding a well-paying job in Morocco can be a real challenge. Salaries here are much lower than in the UK for the same roles, and opportunities for expats are quite limited.
Most jobs available to foreigners fall into three main categories: teaching, tourism, or running your own business. If none of those are in your skillset, you’ll need to get creative with your income streams.
If you come from a corporate background or work in fields like finance, IT, law, or engineering, Morocco might not be the best place for career growth.
Unlike the UAE or the Gulf, where there are well-paying expat jobs and structured career paths, Morocco doesn’t have that same kind of market. High-paying jobs are rare, and even if you do land one, the pay often won’t match what you’d earn in the West.
That’s why having a financial strategy before making hijrah is crucial. Many expats here rely on remote work, freelancing, or online businesses to sustain themselves. If you’re considering the move, make sure you have a solid plan—whether that’s savings to give you a cushion, a steady online income, or a business idea that works in the Moroccan market.
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Bottom line? If you’re looking for career growth and high salaries, the Gulf is a much better option. But if you have a way to sustain yourself without the local job market—Morocco can work. Just make sure your income is sorted before you take the plunge.
#3 Poverty and social Issues – a reality check
One thing you’ll notice quickly in Morocco is the visible poverty. It’s not something hidden away—it’s part of daily life. You’ll see beggars in the streets, children selling tissues at traffic lights, and people barely making ends meet.
It’s a humbling experience and can be difficult to adjust to, especially if you’re coming from a more financially stable environment like the UK.
Alongside poverty, there are certain cultural and social issues that might take some getting used to. Superstitious beliefs are quite common, and things like black magic (sihr) and fear of the evil eye (hasad) are taken very seriously by many locals.
While it’s not something that should scare you, it is deeply ingrained in the culture, and you’ll likely hear people talk about it often—whether it’s avoiding certain colors, being cautious about sharing good news, or even seeking out “healers” for provision and protection.
Then there’s the issue of corruption and bureaucracy, which can be frustrating. Whether it’s dealing with government offices, getting paperwork processed, or even simple things like getting a fair price in certain situations, knowing how things really work in Morocco is something you’ll learn over time.
None of this means Morocco isn’t a great place to live—it just means it’s important to come with realistic expectations. If you’re used to a highly organised, structured system, some aspects of life here might feel chaotic. But if you approach it with patience, understanding, and a willingness to adapt, it becomes easier to navigate.
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#4 Online Shopping is limited – say goodbye to next-day delivery
If you’re used to the convenience of Amazon Prime and next-day delivery, Morocco will be a bit of a shock.
There’s no Amazon Morocco, and ordering from international websites can be slow, expensive, and a headache with customs fees.
Even when your package does arrive, there’s a chance you’ll have to make a trip to the post office to collect it—and possibly pay extra charges you weren’t expecting.
There are local online stores, but they’re hit or miss. Some are reliable, but others may not have the best customer service, and things like returns and refunds aren’t always straightforward. Social media marketplaces and WhatsApp sellers are common, but again, quality and reliability can vary.
If you rely heavily on online shopping for everyday essentials, you’ll need to adjust your expectations. In Morocco, shopping is still very much an in-person experience—you’ll find what you need in souqs, malls, and local shops rather than clicking a button and waiting for a package.
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On the plus side, this means you’ll likely support local businesses more and discover hidden gems you wouldn’t have found online.
That said, if you’re planning to move, it’s worth bringing certain hard-to-find items with you—especially if you have specific brand preferences or rely on niche products. Over time, you’ll figure out where to source what you need, but it definitely takes more effort than a quick Amazon order!
#5 Bureaucracy and frustrating customer service – patience is a must
If you’re used to efficiency and clear processes, Morocco will test your patience. Nothing moves fast here. Whether it’s opening a bank account, getting your residency sorted, or handling any kind of official paperwork, be prepared for delays, unclear instructions, and endless back-and-forth trips.
Processes can vary depending on who you speak to, and you’ll hear “Come back tomorrow, InshaAllah” more times than you can count.
And it’s not just government offices—customer service in general can be frustrating. We’ve ordered things online only for them to never arrive, or worse, show up damaged with no real way to get a refund.
When we had internet issues (this was a long time ago), it took months to get it fixed, despite constant nagging. If something isn’t working properly—whether it’s your WiFi, a product you bought, or even a service you’re paying for—you often have to chase people down to actually do their job.
Why? Well, there’s less competition in many industries, and wages are generally low, so there’s not much incentive to provide top-notch service.
Unlike in the UK, where businesses are afraid of bad reviews or losing customers, here, things move at their own pace—whether you like it or not.
The key? Persistence. If you want something done, you’ll need to follow up repeatedly, be firm, and sometimes even show up in person to push things along. It can be exhausting, but once you learn how the system works (or doesn’t work), you’ll start to figure out how to navigate it more efficiently.
#6 Some things can be surprisingly expensive – do you research
Yes, Morocco can be affordable, but don’t assume that everything will be cheap. While daily expenses like rent, food, and public transport are generally lower than in the West, some things will shock you with their prices.
Cars, for example, are ridiculously expensive compared to places like the UAE. Import taxes drive up the cost, so even second-hand vehicles can be overpriced. Electronics are another big one—whether it’s phones, laptops, or gaming consoles, expect to pay significantly more than you would in the UK.
And if you’re thinking of ordering online to get a better deal? International shipping plus customs fees can make it even more expensive.
Imported goods in general—especially anything Western—tend to have a steep markup. That fancy oat milk you love? Those branded cereals? Certain toiletries or baby products? Either hard to find or way pricier than back home.
#7 Moroccan Darija is one of the hardest Arabic dialects
If you’re making hijrah, integrating into the local culture should be part of the plan—and that means learning Moroccan Darija. The challenge? It’s hands down one of the hardest Arabic dialects out there.
Even fluent Arabic speakers from the Middle East can struggle to understand it because Darija isn’t just Arabic—it’s a mix of Amazigh, French, and Spanish all blended into something unique.
This means that even if you’ve studied classical Arabic (fus’ha) or another dialect, you’re still going to have to relearn a lot. Everyday words, sentence structures, and even pronunciation are completely different. It’s fast, it’s slang-heavy, and Moroccans love to shorten words, making it even harder to catch on.
But here’s the good news—it’s not impossible. If you’re serious about integrating, exposure and practice will be your best teachers. Moroccans appreciate it when foreigners make the effort, and even if you don’t speak perfectly, they’ll often help you along.
Plus, the more you hear it—whether in the streets, markets, or on TV—the more it starts to click.
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Is it a good idea to move and live in Morocco?
Morocco is a country full of beauty, culture, and spiritual enrichment, offering a lifestyle that is more affordable and Islamically aligned than the West. The adhan fills the air, masjids are everywhere, and the slower pace of life can be a welcome escape from the hustle of the UK. But like everything else in this dunya—it’s not all picturesque souqs and scenic landscapes.
Living here comes with its own set of challenges. Bureaucracy is slow, customer service can test your patience, and if you’re used to Western efficiency, you might find some aspects of daily life frustrating.
Financial stability is also key—unless you have remote work, a solid business plan, or savings, making ends meet here can be tough, as local salaries don’t compare to what you’d earn back home.
Another important factor to consider is healthcare. Public healthcare is underfunded, and private healthcare—while available in bigger cities—can be costly (plus mixed experiences) If you or a family member have ongoing medical needs, this is something to think about carefully.
So, is Morocco right for you? It really depends on your mindset and expectations. If you’re adaptable, patient, financially secure, and willing to embrace a different way of life, Morocco can be an amazing place to call home.
But if you thrive in a fast-paced, structured environment, need top-tier healthcare, or expect everything to work seamlessly, you might struggle.
Before making the move, visit first.
Spend time in different cities, talk to expats, and get a feel for daily life.
Morocco isn’t for everyone, but if it aligns with your goals and values, and you come with the right expectations, it can be a beautiful and fulfilling place to make hijrah.
Thank you soooooo much for this great and informative website. I am German and plan to leave towards Morocco after retirement. Nowadays I am enjoying Morocco as a great holiday destination and love it. Trying to see it by the eyes of an expat aready but I’m limited so I appreciate every single idea about the issue.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you’re enjoying Morocco and finding the blog helpful. Insha’Allah, it gives you a clearer picture of what life here can be like beyond the holidays!