Buying in Morocco by power of attorney
You can buy a home in Morocco without going there. You need a power of attorney, and since 2017 it has to take a specific form. That is where most remote purchases stall.
The short version: a power of attorney to buy property in Morocco must be an authentic deed, or a deed drawn up by a lawyer admitted to Morocco's Court of Cassation. A form with a certified signature is no longer enough. From Europe the simplest routes are a Moroccan consulate, or a notary at home with an apostille.
Why the form matters so much
In 2017, law 69-16 amended article 4 of Morocco's real rights code. Since then, deeds transferring ownership of property, and the powers of attorney used for them, must be drawn up either as an authentic deed (by a notary or an adoul) or as a dated deed written by a lawyer admitted to the Court of Cassation. Otherwise they are void, unless a specific law provides differently.
The reason was fraud: property sold behind its owner's back using forged powers of attorney. The consequence for you is plain. A private power of attorney, even with a certified signature, can be refused when the sale is registered.
It is the most common mistake: sign a form, have the signature certified, and find out three weeks later in Morocco that the document is worthless for this purpose.
Route one: at a Moroccan consulate
Book an appointment at the Moroccan consulate covering where you live, and sign the power of attorney before the consular services as an authentic deed.
The document then goes to the person you have chosen in Morocco. Tell the consulate it is for buying property, so it is drawn up in the right form and not as a simple signature certification.
Route two: through a notary at home
A notary in France, Belgium or elsewhere in Europe can draw up an authentic power of attorney. For Morocco to recognise it, it then needs an apostille from the competent authority in that country. In France, since 1 May 2025, that is the notaries, through their regional councils; it is no longer the parquet général of the court of appeal.
Morocco has applied the Hague Apostille Convention since 14 August 2016. You will still read online that Morocco is not a party, or that you need double legalisation through the foreign ministry and then the consulate. That has been wrong since 2016.
There is a third route, in Morocco itself: a lawyer admitted to the Court of Cassation can draw up the deed. In practice it means arranging the signing with them, which is often easier for someone spending the summer in Morocco than from Europe.
Plan for an Arabic translation by a sworn translator as well, or have the power of attorney drawn up in both languages. Ask your representative in Morocco what will be required before you sign.
What the power of attorney should say
Too vague is a risk. Too broad is a bigger one.
- One specific property: the address, and the land title number if there is one.
- A specific price, or a ceiling.
- Exactly what your representative may do: sign the deed, pay the price, collect the documents. Nothing beyond what they need.
- A short time limit. A power of attorney with no end date stays usable long after the purchase.
Never sign a general power of attorney "for all transactions" over your property. That is the exact tool the 2017 law was written to stop.
Who should represent you
The law does not tell you who. In practice it is often a relative in Morocco, or a lawyer.
Choose someone with no stake in the sale. The seller, the seller's agent, or anyone they recommend should never be your representative. The person signing for you has to defend your interest, not the other side's.
Before you sign anything
Have the property checked before you send the power of attorney, not after. Ask your representative, or a local lawyer, for a recent certificate of ownership from the land registry (ANCFCC). It shows who owns the property and what is registered against it.
Never rely on the seller's word, or on a photocopy of a title.
If you are buying off-plan
The one-month withdrawal period on a reservation contract runs from signature. If your representative signs for you, it runs from their signature, not from the day the paperwork reaches you. Stay in touch through that month.
What the law guarantees you on an off-plan purchase is set out in our guide Buying off-plan in Morocco.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy property in Morocco without travelling?
Yes, by power of attorney. Since 2017 it must be an authentic deed, or a deed drawn up by a lawyer admitted to the Court of Cassation.
Is a power of attorney with a certified signature enough?
Not for buying property. A certified signature is still a private document. You need an authentic deed, made at a Moroccan consulate or before a notary, or a deed drawn up by a lawyer admitted to the Court of Cassation.
Does a power of attorney from a European notary need an apostille?
Yes. Morocco has applied the Hague Apostille Convention since 14 August 2016.
Does it need translating into Arabic?
Usually, by a sworn translator, or by drawing it up in both languages. Ask your representative what will be required locally.
Who can represent me?
Anyone you choose. Avoid anyone connected to the seller.
How long does the power of attorney last?
As long as you set. Keep it short and specific.
Sources: law 69-16 supplementing article 4 of law 39-08, the Code des droits réels (2017); Hague Convention of 5 October 1961, in force for Morocco since 14 August 2016, checked 14 November 2026 on hcch.net; apostilles in France transferred to notaries on 1 May 2025, checked 14 November 2026 on service-public.fr.
General information. This is not legal, tax or financial advice. Have your own situation checked by a professional in Morocco before committing to anything.
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