Moroccan Production Incentives

Incentives

How to Apply for Moroccan Production Incentives

Morocco is a world-renowned destination for filmmakers and commercial producers — and it’s not just because of its epic landscapes, historic architecture, and cinematic light. In recent years, the Moroccan government has introduced financial incentives to attract international productions, making it even more appealing to shoot in this North African hotspot.

If you’re planning to bring a production to Morocco, you may be eligible for a rebate of up to 30% of your qualified local spend. This guide breaks down what these incentives include, who qualifies, and — most importantly — how to apply.

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What Are the Moroccan Production Incentives?

In 2017, Morocco launched a cash rebate program offering a 30% reimbursement on eligible local expenditures to foreign film and TV productions.

Key Highlights:

      • Rebate Rate: 30% of eligible expenses
      • Minimum Spend: 10 million MAD (approx. €900,000 or $950,000)
      • Minimum Shooting Days: 18 days in Morocco
      • Eligible Projects: Feature films, TV series, documentaries, animation, and streaming content
      • Cap: The annual budget allocated by the CCM (Centre Cinématographique Marocain)
        may limit availability, so early application is key.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for Morocco’s production incentives, your project must meet the following requirements:

  1. Minimum Local Spend: 10 million Moroccan dirhams within the country.
  2. Shoot Duration: Minimum of 18 days of shooting in Moroccan territory (can be split across regions).
  3. Local Collaboration: You must partner with a Moroccan production service company or co-producer who is registered with the CCM.
  4. Cultural Assessment: The project must pass a points-based “cultural test”, similar to systems used in the UK and other countries. This evaluates elements like:
    • Use of Moroccan locations
    • Local crew and cast
    • Representation of Moroccan culture, language, or themes

What Expenses Qualify?

The rebate covers Morocco-based expenses, including:

  • Crew salaries and per diems (Moroccan residents)
  • Equipment rentals (hired locally)
  • Accommodations and catering
  • Location fees and permits
  • Post-production if done in Morocco
  • Set construction, costumes, transport

Non-qualifying expenses include international flights, foreign talent salaries, and overseas post-production.

 

 

 

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Partner with a Local Production Company

You must collaborate with a registered Moroccan company that will act as your liaison with the CCM.

2. Prepare Your Application Dossier

This typically includes:

      • Script or project synopsis (French or Arabic translation recommended)
      • Budget breakdown (clearly showing Moroccan spend)
      • Production schedule
      • Cultural test documentation
      • Shooting plan (locations, number of days per region)
      • Contracts or agreements with local partners

3. Submit to the CCM

Applications are submitted to the Centre Cinématographique Marocain (CCM) — Morocco’s official film commission based in Rabat.

It’s advisable to submit your application well before your shoot, as incentives are approved on a rolling basis until the annual budget is exhausted.

4. Receive Approval

Once your project is approved, the CCM will issue a pre-approval letter confirming your eligibility and expected rebate.

5. Shoot and Track Expenses

During the shoot, maintain thorough accounting records, invoices, contracts, and crew lists. These will be audited after production.

6. Submit Post-Production Report

Once the shoot wraps, you’ll submit:

      • Final budget and spending documentation
      • Proof of payments
      • Local employment breakdown
      • On-screen credits acknowledging CCM support

7. Receive Your Rebate

After reviewing and approving your final report, the Moroccan government will issue a rebate (up to 30% of eligible spending).

Should You Work with a Fixer or Service Producer?

Yes. A local production service company is not only required for the rebate but is essential for:

      • Navigating the CCM bureaucracy
      • Providing Moroccan crew, locations, and logistics
      • Managing compliance with incentive requirements

Final Thoughts

With its competitive incentives, diverse landscapes, and experienced crews, Morocco continues to rise as a top-tier global production destination. However, the key to unlocking those benefits is planning ahead, especially when it comes to paperwork, partnerships, and timing your application with the CCM’s funding cycle.

If your project meets the requirements and you build the right local relationships, Morocco’s production rebate can provide significant budget relief and creative flexibility.

Incentives

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