Morocco hosts a large number of foreign film, TV and advertising shoots every year, but a successful shoot depends on preparation: permits, partners, crew, equipment and travel. This guide brings together the key facts for foreign productions, with official figures from the Moroccan Cinematographic Center (CCM).
Why foreign productions choose Morocco
Within a few hours of Marrakech you can film a stone desert, mountain villages, kasbahs, an Atlantic port and imperial medinas — which is why Morocco so often doubles for other countries. Add experienced local crews, film studios in Ouarzazate and a financial incentive for eligible productions, and the country becomes a natural choice. Our location scouting page presents the main regions.
The CCM filming permit in brief
Every professional shoot needs a filming permit from the CCM. The request is signed and filed by a Moroccan production company approved for executive production: a foreign company cannot apply on its own. The file includes, among other things, the script and synopsis in Arabic or French, the crew lists and the work schedule.
Official processing times, counted from a complete application, according to the CCM:
| Type of production | CCM processing time |
|---|---|
| Commercials, corporate films | 3 days |
| Music videos, short and medium-length films | 7 days |
| Feature films, docu-fiction | 15 days |
| TV films and series | up to 30 days |
| Documentaries and reports | 21 days |
These are processing times, not preparation times: scouting, crew, logistics and additional authorisations usually need several weeks. Our filming permit guide details the steps and the recommended lead times.
The 30% cash rebate
Since 28 March 2022, the CCM reimburses 30% of eligible expenses incurred in Morocco by qualifying foreign productions. The main conditions published by the CCM:
- at least 10 million dirhams of expenses in Morocco, excluding taxes;
- at least 18 shooting days in Morocco, including set construction days;
- eligible formats: feature films, TV fiction series, TV films, documentaries and docu-fiction, and fiction works made exclusively for the internet;
- eligible expenses are capped at 90% of the film's total expenditure;
- the CCM procedure provides for payment within a maximum of 180 days.
Commercials and music videos are not eligible. The full specifications are published on the CCM website; check them before budgeting.
Local crew rules
According to the CCM, foreign feature films, TV films and series, short films and music videos must respect a quota of at least 25% Moroccan technicians (Law 20-99). Moroccan crews are used to international sets — the country has hosted many foreign productions — so this rule is rarely a constraint: it is also the best way to save on travel and accommodation.
Bringing your equipment
Most foreign crews bring part of their camera, lighting and sound equipment. Prepare a detailed list with brand, model and serial number for every item. Morocco is part of the ATA carnet system for the temporary admission of professional equipment: the carnet is issued by the chamber of commerce in your own country. Renting part of the equipment in Morocco is often simpler and cheaper: professional equipment rental is available locally, notably in Marrakech.
Drones
Drones are a special case: since 2015, importing a drone into Morocco requires prior authorisation, and a drone that has not been declared may be seized on arrival. Plan aerial shots well in advance, or work with a local drone operator who already holds the required authorisations. Each flight is assessed according to the location, altitude and dates.
Visas and entry
Nationals of many countries — including most EU countries, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and the Gulf states — can enter Morocco without a visa for short stays. Rules change and vary by nationality: always check with the Moroccan consulate before travelling. Foreign crew members also appear in the crew lists of the CCM file.
When to shoot
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for most regions. Summer is very hot in the south and the desert; winter brings snow to the High Atlas and cold desert nights. The light is strong all year round. During Ramadan, working hours and daily rhythms change: take it into account in your schedule.
Travel times from Marrakech
Approximate road times, depending on the route, the season and the vehicles:
| Destination | Approximate time |
|---|---|
| Agafay desert | about 45 minutes |
| High Atlas (Ourika valley, Imlil) | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Essaouira | 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Casablanca | 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Ouarzazate | about 4 hours |
| Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes) | 9 to 10 hours |
For multi-region shoots, plan company moves as full days and base the crew close to each location.
Frequently asked questions
Is a commercial eligible for the 30% rebate in Morocco?
No. The CCM rebate covers feature films, TV fiction, TV films, documentaries and docu-fiction, and fiction made for the internet. Commercials and music videos are not eligible.
How long does the CCM take to issue a filming permit?
According to the CCM, a complete application is processed in about 3 days for a commercial, 7 days for a music video, 15 days for a feature film and 21 days for a documentary. Preparation usually takes longer.
Can a foreign company apply for a filming permit directly?
No. The request must be filed by a Moroccan production company approved for executive production. A fixer or production coordinator directs you to the right partner and coordinates the shoot alongside it.
Can we bring our own drone to Morocco?
Only with prior authorisation: importing a drone without it can lead to seizure on arrival. Working with a local, authorised drone operator is often the simplest option.
Do foreign crew members need a visa?
Many nationalities, including most EU countries, the UK, the US, Canada and the Gulf states, are exempt for short stays. Check with the Moroccan consulate for your crew's nationalities.
How we can help
Based in Marrakech, Kaizer Media Productions coordinates foreign shoots across Morocco: fixer and production coordination, location scouting, local crews, casting and logistics, alongside CCM-accredited production companies. Discover our production services in Morocco or contact us with your dates.
Sources: Centre Cinématographique Marocain (ccm.ma) — filming permit and foreign production support pages, consulted in October 2026. Conditions may change: always check the official texts.