Investment Charter Grants for a Free Zone Project in Morocco
Beyond the free zone tax regime, Morocco has overhauled its support scheme with the Investment Charter (framework Law 03-22). It provides investment grants that can, under conditions, complement the benefits of a project in an Industrial Acceleration Zone. This article reviews these grants and how they fit with a free zone setup.
The Investment Charter in brief
Enacted at the end of 2022, the Investment Charter (framework Law 03-22) aims to support projects meeting defined criteria and to reduce territorial disparities. It offers a main support mechanism and specific mechanisms, managed notably by the Regional Investment Centers (CRI) and AMDIE.
Which grants for investors?
The Charter provides several investment grants, combinable within certain limits: a common premium, a territorial premium (for the least-favoured provinces and prefectures) and a sectoral premium (for priority sectors: industry, tourism, outsourcing, logistics, renewable energy, etc.). Added to these are a VAT exemption on investment goods for 36 months and an exemption from professional tax for five years, under conditions.
Eligibility conditions
To access the main support, the investor must, as a general rule, either create at least 150 permanent jobs (with no minimum investment threshold) or invest at least MAD 50 million with the creation of at least 50 permanent jobs. The file is processed by the CRI or, for certain projects, directly by AMDIE.
How it fits with the free zone regime
The Charter grants fall under a framework distinct from the Industrial Acceleration Zone tax regime (IS exemption then a reduced rate of 20%, detailed in our ZAI tax benefits). Depending on its situation, a single project may draw on one, the other or a combination — within the no-cumulation rules. Identifying the optimal combination is part of the project’s financial structuring, in connection with our foreign investor guide.
How Cabinet Dami & Associés supports you
Securing the Charter grants requires structuring the project according to the criteria (jobs, amount, sector, territory) and submitting the file to the competent authorities. Since 1991, Cabinet Dami & Associés supports investors in this exercise, in connection with the free zone regime. To study your eligibility, contact our experts.
FAQ — Investment Charter grants
Which grants does the Charter provide?
A common premium, a territorial premium and a sectoral premium, as well as a VAT exemption on investment goods (36 months) and on professional tax (5 years), under conditions.
What are the eligibility criteria?
As a general rule, creating at least 150 permanent jobs, or investing at least MAD 50 million with at least 50 permanent jobs.
Can grants and the free zone regime be combined?
They are two distinct frameworks; their interaction is assessed case by case, within the no-cumulation rules.
Conclusion
The Investment Charter grants can strengthen the profitability of a free zone project, provided the file is structured according to the criteria. To optimise your structuring, talk to the experts at Cabinet Dami & Associés.
Official source: AMDIE — Investment Charter (framework Law 03-22).
Information current as of 2026 and subject to change under the applicable regulations (Investment Charter, framework Law 03-22 and its implementing texts). For an analysis tailored to your situation, contact Cabinet Dami & Associés.
Further reading
