Becoming an Auto-Entrepreneur in Morocco: A Step-by-Step Guide

 If you're considering starting your own business in Morocco, particularly as an auto-entrepreneur, the following steps will guide you through the process:

1. Learn about the Auto-Entrepreneur Status:

   • Go online to familiarize yourself with the creation process for the auto-entrepreneur profile.

2. Prepare Your Registration Documents:

   • Gather the necessary documents required for your registration. Check the official website for the list of documents to be attached to your registration form.

3. Complete and Print the Registration Form:

   • Follow the online assistant to fill out and print your registration form.
   • Note that you can make modifications until the form is validated by one of the partner banks of Poste Maroc.

4. Submit Your Registration Documents:

   • Visit a designated "Auto-Entrepreneur" counter in one of the partner banks of Poste Maroc to submit your registration documents.

5. Track the Progress of Your Registration:

   • Access your account online to monitor the status of your application and enjoy other services.

   Partner Banks for Auto-Entrepreneur Registration: Al Barid Bank, Attijariwafa Bank, BMCE Bank, Banque Populaire, Crédit Immobilier et Hôtelier, Groupe Crédit Agricole du Maroc, and Société Générale Marocaine des Banques.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from the Official Website:

1. What is the Auto-Entrepreneur Status?

   • It is a simplified status allowing the creation of a micro-enterprise, established by Law 114.13 published in March 2015.

2. Who is an Auto-Entrepreneur?

   • An individual engaging in industrial, commercial, artisanal activities, or service provision with an annual turnover not exceeding specified limits.

3. Advantages of Auto-Entrepreneur Status:

   • Simplified procedures for creation and cessation.
   • Exemption from the obligation to register in the Trade Register.
   • Non-subjection to VAT.
   • Reduced taxation (1% for industrial, commercial, and artisanal activities, 2% for services).
   • Ability to issue invoices.
   • Ability to work from home.
   • Protection of the main residence from seizure.

4. Who is the Target Audience?

   • Prospective entrepreneurs, students, vocational training graduates, unemployed individuals, and those in the informal sector.

5. Criteria for Becoming an Auto-Entrepreneur:

   • Moroccan or legally resident foreigner.
   • Individual engagement in an eligible activity.
   • Adherence to specified turnover limits.
   • Compliance with existing regulations.

6. Can Foreigners Join as Auto-Entrepreneurs?

   • Yes, foreign nationals can join under the same conditions as Moroccan citizens, provided they have a valid residence permit and a tax domicile in Morocco.

7. How to Determine Eligibility for an Activity?

   • The list of eligible activities is defined by decree and can be checked on the official auto-entrepreneur website.
   • Future auto-entrepreneurs can verify eligibility during the registration process.

8. Who Can Join the Auto-Entrepreneur Status?

   • The auto-entrepreneur status is suitable for any individual working individually in an eligible activity, subject to specified turnover limits.

9. Can Public Servants Join as Auto-Entrepreneurs?

   • No, as per the general statute of public servants, it is prohibited for any public servant to engage in private, lucrative activities.

10. Can Entrepreneurs with a Business License Join?

    • Entrepreneurs already subject to the business tax as a legal or natural person are generally not eligible, except for those who have completed the cessation process.

11. Can Shareholders in a Company Join as Auto-Entrepreneurs?

    • A person associated or shareholder in a company without actively engaging in it remains eligible as an auto-entrepreneur.

12. Where to Submit the Auto-Entrepreneur Application?

    • The physical application (Form + ID Copy + Photo) should be submitted to one of the participating bank branches.

13. Address Details During Pre-Registration:

    • Provide two addresses during registration: one matching the ID and another for the business location if different.

14. Timeline for Receiving the Auto-Entrepreneur Card:

    • The regulatory period for obtaining the auto-entrepreneur card is 15 working days. In case of delay, contact the registration agency or the hotline: 0802000005.

15. If My Activity Isn't Listed, What Should I Do?

    • If your activity is not on the list of eligible activities, consider choosing another legal form suitable for your project.

16. Purpose of the Auto-Entrepreneur Card:

    • The auto-entrepreneur card serves as proof of the business for clients and suppliers. It also establishes the economic and social recognition of the auto-entrepreneur.

17. Where Can an Auto-Entrepreneur Domicile Their Activity?

    • In the absence of a professional space, the law allows domiciling the activity at the residence or in a shared space occupied by multiple businesses.

18. Can an Auto-Entrepreneur Have Multiple Activities?

    • An individual can create only one auto-enterprise. However, the auto-entrepreneur can engage in multiple eligible activities under a single status.

19. How is the Turnover Limit Determined for Multiple Activities?

    • The option is valid only when the turnover in each category does not exceed the limit set for each and the total turnover does not exceed the limit for the primary activity.

20. Financing for Auto-Entrepreneurs:

    • Auto-entrepreneurs are recognized by Bank Al-Maghrib as new economic agents and can access financial services like traditional businesses. Various banks offer tailored services for auto-entrepreneurs.

21. Can Auto-Entrepreneurs Invoice for Services?

    • Yes, as recognized by the tax administration, auto-entrepreneurs can issue invoices for their services, and the invoiced amounts are exempt from VAT.

22. Auto-Entrepreneur Invoice Template:

    • While a standard template exists, auto-entrepreneurs can use an alternative template, ensuring compliance with accounting and tax criteria.

23. Can Auto-Entrepreneurs Bid for Public Contracts?

    • Auto-entrepreneurs can collaborate with public establishments based on purchase orders.

24. Switching from Another Legal Status to Auto-Entrepreneur:

    • No, transitioning from one business form to auto-entrepreneur status is not automatic. Entrepreneurs in, for example, an SARL, must complete cessation procedures before registering as auto-entrepreneurs.

25. Switching from Auto-Entrepreneur to Another Legal Status:

    • Yes, an auto-entrepreneur can switch to another legal status. In this case, the auto-entrepreneur must fulfill obligations, request deregistration, and complete formalities for the new status.

26. Can Auto-Entrepreneurs Operate Under a Trade Name?

    • While protection of a trade name is usually through commercial registration, auto-entrepreneurs, exempt from this requirement, can use the trademark system for exclusive usage rights, providing protection against unauthorized usage.

27. Can Auto-Entrepreneurs Rent Commercial Space?

    • Auto-entrepreneurs are not obliged to rent commercial space. The law allows domiciling the activity at the residence or in shared spaces.

28. Auto-Entrepreneur and Social Security:

    • Auto-entrepreneurs benefit from a simplified social security system, with contributions based on turnover and paid quarterly.

29. Can Auto-Entrepreneurs Hire Employees?

    • No, auto-entrepreneurs cannot hire employees. In case of workforce requirements, the entrepreneur must transition to another legal form allowing recruitment.

30. Auto-Entrepreneur Cessation Procedures:

    • Auto-entrepreneurs who wish to cease activity must complete the cessation form, submit it to the registration agency, and update their social security contributions.

Note: This guide is for informational purposes only, and individuals are advised to refer to the official regulations and seek professional advice when needed. Laws and regulations may change, and it's crucial to stay updated on the latest requirements.

For the most accurate and current information, refer to the official auto-entrepreneur website or consult with legal and business professionals.

Disclaimer: This guide is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or business advice. Consult with relevant professionals to ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.

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Please note that the information provided here is based on the knowledge available up to my last training cut-off in January 2022, and there might have been changes in regulations or procedures after this date. Always refer to the latest official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.