A succession in Morocco begins with the drawing up of the deed of inheritance by the adoul notaries, which officially identifies the heirs and their shares. Nothing can be done before it: no sale, no division, no entry in the land register.
Then come the inventory of the assets, the settlement of the debts, and finally the division – by agreement if everyone gets on, by the court if not. How long it takes depends far less on the law than on agreement between the heirs and on where in the world they are.
Documents required
- Death certificateDrawn up by the civil status office of the place of death
- Deed of inheritanceDrawn up by the adoul notaries, on the evidence of witnesses
- The deceased’s family record bookTo establish parentage
- Identity documents of all the heirsIncluding those living abroad
- Title deedsLand title, adoular deeds, vehicle registration certificates
- Powers of attorneyFor the heirs who cannot travel
The procedure, step by step
- Have the death certificate drawn up
If the death occurred abroad, it must be transcribed into the Moroccan civil status registers.
- Draw up the deed of inheritance
Before the adoul notaries, with witnesses who know the family. It is the foundation of everything else.
- Take an inventory of the assets and the liabilities
Property, bank accounts and vehicles, but also debts and outstanding loans.
- Settle the duties and the debts
Before any division: creditors take precedence over heirs.
- Divide the estate and register it
Division by agreement or by the court, then registration of the new rights at the Land Registry.
Pitfalls to avoid
- Letting the deed of inheritance drag on for years: the witnesses grow old, other heirs die and the succession becomes more complicated with every generation.
- Selling jointly owned property without the agreement of all the co-owners - the sale can be challenged.
- Neglecting registration at the Land Registry: without it, the heirs cannot assert their rights against third parties.
- Having powers of attorney signed that are too general or too old, which notaries turn down every time.
Frequently asked questions
Is there inheritance tax in Morocco?
There is no inheritance tax comparable to the one charged in Europe. The cost of a succession comes mainly from the fees for drawing up the deeds, the registration duty at the Land Registry and the professionals’ fees.
Does an heir living abroad have to come?
Not necessarily, provided they give a special power of attorney drawn up before a notary in their country and legalised, or drawn up at the consulate. It must set out precisely which acts are authorised.
Which law applies if the deceased lived in Europe?
Conflict-of-law rules and bilateral conventions come into play, and the regime may differ for property situated in Morocco. A cross-border situation warrants legal advice in both countries.
Last updated: January 2026 · Indicative estimate - check with the relevant administration.