Living in Casablanca: the ultimate expat guide

As the commercial heart of Morocco, Casablanca is a hub for finance, manufacturing, logistics, and services. The city is home to many multinational offices and a busy port and industrial zone. Non-citizens require a work permit, which employers usually arrange along with their residence card.

Key industries

The main engines driving Casablanca’s economy are diversified, including finance, manufacturing (notably automotive and textiles), and logistics. This activity generates high demand for foreign expertise, meaning the best places to find job openings are often within multinational firms, shipping companies, and consulting or business advisory firms, as well as the growing IT and services sectors.

Work permits & procedures

Foreign employees must have a signed employment contract, and their employer must submit an application to the relevant Moroccan authorities to obtain a work visa, followed by a residence permit. All procedures and requirements are set by Morocco’s labour and immigration authorities, and processing times can vary depending on the individual case.

Data correct as of November 2025.

Sources: Hespress, Numbeo

Casablanca is home to one of Morocco’s largest public universities, Hassan II University (UH2C), alongside specialized schools that focus on one field such as business, engineering, design and architecture. International students can study Moroccan degrees in French and Arabic, while some private institutions also offer programs with international curricula in English.

Universities and programs

Public university tuition is relatively low — in many cases a few hundred to several hundred euros a year for international students. Fees at private institutions are more varied, and can reach tens of thousands of dirhams annually. Major higher‑education institutions in Casablanca include UH2C, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences (UM6SS), and ESCA School of Management.

Research and innovation

Casablanca supports a growing research and innovation ecosystem, anchored by Hassan II University, which operates nearly 100 research laboratories across fields including health, engineering, social sciences and economics. In addition, Casablanca Technopark is a hub for tech start-ups and innovation in information and green technologies.

Sources: UH2C, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences (UM6SS), ESCA School of Management

Families in Casablanca can choose between Moroccan public schools, bilingual private schools, and fully international institutions. Public schools typically teach in Modern Standard Arabic and French, while private and international schools offer instruction in English or French and provide international diplomas like the IB, an American high school diploma, or the French baccalaureate.

International schools

Casablanca has a number of well-established international institutions, including the Casablanca American School (CAS), American Academy Casablanca (AAC), British International School of Casablanca (BISC), and the International School of Morocco (ISM). Tuition fees at international schools in Casablanca can range from about US $8,600 to US $16,000+ per year, depending on the school and grade level.

Enrollment process

Admission to international or private schools in Casablanca typically involves providing a child’s birth certificate and previous school records. Some schools may also ask for proof of residence.

Sources: American Academy Casablanca, Casablanca American School, International School of Morocco

Casablanca offers a range of housing, from modern high-rise apartments in lively districts to spacious villas in quieter, tree-lined neighborhoods. Some areas feature gardens and wide streets, while others are more urban and bustling. Most districts are well connected by main roads, buses, and the tram system, making it easy to move across the city.

Where expats live

Many expats gravitate toward neighborhoods like Anfa, Gauthier and Californie — areas known for their leafy streets, international schools, and western-style amenities. These districts offer a mix of cosmopolitan apartment buildings and large family homes.

Rental prices and process

Renting in Casablanca usually involves working with a local real-estate agent, signing a formal lease, and paying a security deposit of one to three months’ rent. Landlords may request a passport, proof of income, and sometimes a residency permit for expats.

Data correct as of November 2025.

Source: Numbeo

Casablanca offers a lively urban atmosphere, featuring a bustling waterfront, a thriving contemporary art scene, and active nightlife. The city's notable sites include architectural landmarks and museums, which form the backdrop to a variety of annual festivals and major sports events. Residents can also enjoy the extensive network of coastal promenades and public spaces.

Museums & culture

Highlights include Muhammad V Square and the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, along with smaller contemporary galleries. The Hassan II Mosque on the Corniche welcomes visitors on guided tours and is notable for its towering minaret and intricate architectural details.

Parks, events & nightlife

The promenade and cafés of the Ain Diab Corniche are popular year-round, while parks and sports clubs provide recreational spaces across the city. Popular nightlife spots include the coastal districts, Gauthier, and Racine. Annual events such as the Jazzablanca and the L’Boulevard Festival (urban music) attract visitors from across the region.

Sources: Casablanca municipal site, Museum of Moroccan Judaism, Hassan II Mosque

Life in Casablanca moves quickly but retains a strong sense of tradition. Mornings see office workers heading to high-rises while market vendors set up stalls selling spices, textiles, and fresh produce. Cafés fill with locals sipping espresso or mint tea, and daily tasks—from school runs to municipal errands—take place alongside the city’s bustling streets.

Transport & getting around

The Casa Tramway and bus network serve the city’s main corridors with multiple lines (T1–T4) and dedicated bus lanes. Tickets and passes can be purchased at stations, online, or via authorized retailers. Mohammed V International Airport handles flights to destinations worldwide, while ONCF trains connect Casablanca with other Moroccan cities.

Everyday essentials

Casablanca has a variety of shopping options, from traditional markets (souks) to supermarkets and modern malls. It helps to carry small change and know basic French or Arabic phrases. Most public offices operate Monday to Friday.

The cost of living in Casablanca is lower than most Western European cities but varies by lifestyle. If you want to cut down on daily expenses, consider shopping at local markets, using public transport, and eating at neighborhood cafés.

Monthly expenses for a single person

Data correct as of November 2025.

Monthly expenses for a family of four

Data correct as of November 2025.

Sources: Numbeo, Copound