Casablanca, known as the 'White House' in French, is Morocco's largest city and economic center. Situated on the Atlantic coast, it boasts a cosmopolitan and multicultural ambiance embraced by locals and expats alike. The city's charm lies in its fusion of central European and North African culture, with bustling streets, colonial architecture, and traditional markets. The climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers.
Tips for expats in Casablanca
Visa requirements
A visa is mandatory for expats wishing to live in Casablanca. The requirements will differ according to your nationality, but for most countries, acquiring a residency visa is relatively straightforward. The visa costs between 1,500 - 5,000 MAD (15-500 USD), depending on the type of visa granted.
Language resources
French is widely spoken and is a common language in Casablanca, with Arabic as the primary official language. Despite this, it is incredibly beneficial for expats to learn basic Moroccan Arabic to help ease communication during daily transactions. Some language learning centers in Casablanca are Alternatives, BLC Language Center, and Alliance Française de Casablanca.
Cost of living for expats in Casablanca
Housing
Accommodation in Casablanca is quite affordable, notably for shared apartments. On average, a room in a shared room in an apartment costs between 4,000 - 6,000 MAD per month, while a one-bedroom apartment would cost around 10,000 MAD, and a two-bedroom apartment could cost up to 16,000 MAD. Renting a three-bedroom house or apartment would start at 25,000 MAD. Keep in mind that furnished properties are often pricier.
Groceries
Grocery shopping in Casablanca is cheap, with fresh produce costing around 50 MAD (0.50 USD) per kilogram. Some inexpensive stores include Fevit, Choice, and Cora, with Marche Central (CCM) providing the best deals on preferred products.
Transportation
Casablanca's transportation system is straightforward, and usage is relatively inexpensive. Public transportation fares for standard-class services vary from 13 MAD (0.13 USD) to 22 MAD (0.22 USD), depending on the distance traveled. Taxis are a convenient travel option, starting with a minimum fare of 70 MAD (0.70 USD) - providing an affordable choice for quick travel options.
Climate in Casablanca
Casablanca has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters and hot summers. From November to March, the temperatures range from 11°C to 18°C, with occasional showers. During the summer months (June to September), temperatures can reach up to 30°C. The city experiences a brief rainy season between October and November.
Job market in Casablanca
Casablanca is home to an diversified economy, with a dynamic job market in various industries. The financial sector is a prominent employer due to the city's status as a business hub, with companies like Attijariwafa, Al Baraka Bank, and Omniea holding prominent positions in the city. The technology and IT sectors are also on the rise, fostering the launch of many startups in recent years, presenting opportunities for tech-savvy expats to find gainful employment.
Healthcare in Casablanca
Casablanca provides excellent healthcare facilities that cater to both expatriates and locals alike. Several private hospitals, like La Maternité Malakia, Maryam Mother and Child Hospital, and MRPC Welcome are available for people who prefer private healthcare services. The government-funded public healthcare system is comprehensively organized such that expats can attend public hospitals equally to locals with well-regulated international clinics such as the AECCM and the renowned Medi Clinic.
Transport in Casablanca
Casablanca's transportation system is a mixture of endearing and efficient commute alternatives. Public transportation networks include trams, buses, and taxis that operate around the city with relative ease and accessibility. The tram system (Tramway Ville Nouvelle, TVN) is the pride of Casablanca, with three lines that transverse the city's less residential areas, suburban areas and coastal neighborhoods as well. The Systeme d'Information et de Mobilité Intelligente (SIMI) application is a modern convenience for travelers, provided as a mobile app or web application that lets passengers monitor public transport schedules and track real-time locations.
Safety in Casablanca
Casablanca's safety record is mostly promising, but residents must be conscious of their surroundings and avoid particular neighborhoods known for petty crimes or violent episodes. Some of the safer neighborhoods popular with expats include Carriere, Anfa and Agadir neighborhoods like Corniche and Merouana, which are touristy and posh districts with public transport systems. Conversely, the less-prominent areas may be relatively hazardous, with heightened cases of theft and robbery.
Neighborhoods in Casablanca
Hanana
Hanana, meaning 'Right' in Arabic, is an ancient neighborhood of Casablanca known for its fascinating history and rich cultural heritage. It is renowned for its traditional souks, artisanal streets and gastronomy. Hanana is expat-friendly, with a social and vibrant community. Properties here are reasonably priced, providing an excellent opportunity for those on a budget.
Carrier
Carrier was originally established as a French military base, which has since transformed into a bustling metropolitan district. Modern architecture alternates with colonial-style buildings, blending perfectly with nurturing green spaces and parks. The centrality of Carrier, combined with its affluence, makes it an exclusive residential district preferred by middle-class expats.
Anfa
Anfa, popularly known as the 'Green Quarter,' is a predominant residential area that retains a significant capacity for the growth of greenery and vegetation. Anfa's expat population is mostly resident scientists, engineers, and senior management practitioners. The residential area hosts a noteworthy number of multinational and high-tech companies, making it a popular area for the tech-savvy.
Attractions in Casablanca
Hassan II Mosque
The Hassan II Mosque's exterior is stunning enough to make your jaw drop, while the interior's beauty and architectural capacity leave a permanent imprint. The mosque, standing at 210 meters, is the tallest minaret in the world, providing more than an architectural marvel for expats, discerning travelers, or local visitors.
Medina of Casablanca
The Medina of Casablanca, dating back to the 7th century, is an integral part of Casablanca's heritage and culture. The souk displays Morocco's time-tested trade traditions, showcasing hand-crafted clothing, jewelry, handmade pottery, and Moroccan spices alongside stalls selling traditional dishes, which highlight Moroccan cuisine.
La Corniche
La Corniche is a 8-kilometer-long coastline promenade that shimmers in the beauty of the Casablanca coast. Organized during the day for picnics, runs, and walks, the beach becomes an active venue at sunset as it morphs into a city-level cheerful, dance party, with bright lights dotting the waterside area.
International Schools in Casablanca
Lycée Amir Abdellaoui, Lycée Amir Abdelkhalek Higher Institute High School
Avenue Haut Commissariat, Rue Kamel Bouhaddou, Jnane Hills District, Commune of Paichi, Commune of Casablanca, Casablanca-Settat.
Lycée Amir Abdellaoui is a well-regarded, high-performance academic institution providing education for all age groups, from learning to walk to primary, secondary and high school curriculum pedagogy. The school system is predominantly bilingual, forging an excellent learning experience for expat students from diverse political and cultural backgrounds.
British International School Casablanca
Sidi Ghanem, Casablanca
British International School Casablanca (BISC) provides an international curriculum and English education for expat students. The school traces its roots back to 1963 when it was first established in Casablanca. The campus utilizes existing facilities like the renowned American School of Casablanca that provides state-of-the-art learning conditions across all ages from kindergarten to high-school years.
Useful expat resources in Casablanca
Morocco World News
A trusted news source for expats in Morocco with a focus on local and international news.
Casablanca Rentals
A website for expatriates searching for accommodation in Casablanca offering apartments, houses, and villas for rent.
Casablanca Clinic
A medical practice with a team of English-speaking doctors offering a range of healthcare services for expats.
