Paying for real estate in cash in Morocco becomes a very bad idea

This is a clear warning to buyers and investors: leave your bundles of banknotes at home. As part of the 2026 Finance Act, the State is tightening the screws on opaque financial transactions. The Directorate General of Taxes has just confirmed the entry into force, this summer, of a new penalty aimed at encouraging payment transparency.

Concretely, any purchase of real estate (apartment, land, house) or a business worth more than 300,000 dirhams will be subject to an additional 2% registration duty if the method of payment is not certified.

This punitive measure applies if:

• The sales contract does not precisely mention the payment references.

• The payment is made in cash.

Example: For the purchase of an apartment at 1 million dirhams paid entirely in cash, the buyer will have to pay an additional 20,000 dirhams in taxes, in addition to the standard registration fees.

How to avoid this tax?

To avoid this penalty, the DGI requires the use of traceable means of payment. The deed of sale must prove that the transaction was settled via:

• Non-endorsable crossed check;

• Bank transfer;

• Commercial paper (bill of exchange);

• Electronic payment method;

• Or by compensation.

Good to know: If you pay part by check and part in cash, the 2% surcharge will only apply to the amount paid in cash.

This provision, which will come into effect for all deeds drawn up from July 1, 2026, aims to fight against the informal economy, money laundering and tax evasion, by forcing the banking of large transactions.