How to create a business in Morocco in the IT field (SSII or ESN)?

A SSII (Computer Engineering Services Company), composed of engineers, developers, a project manager and at least one integrator, also called ESN (Digital Services Company) is a company that offers IT solutions for businesses. To estimate the number of clients

This sector of activity is growing rapidly in Morocco. It offers many opportunities for entrepreneurs, both on the local market and for export.

Do you want to create a web agency, a software development company, a consulting or training company, or even an innovative start-up? This article tells you the steps to follow to create your business peacefully in Morocco.

How to do ? What is the most suitable legal status? What level of qualification is required?

Step 1: Define your business project

Before launching into business creation, it is essential to clearly define your project. This includes determining your area of ​​business, conducting market research, developing a solid business plan, and seeking financing if necessary. This initial step will help you establish the foundation of your business and ensure you are ready for the challenges ahead.

In this context, it is also important to determine your areas of expertise and your advantages compared to your potential competitors.

Step 2: Choose the legal form

In Morocco, several legal forms are available for businesses, including the limited liability company (SARL), the simplified joint stock company (SAS) and the general partnership (SNC). Each legal form has its own characteristics in terms of liability, minimum share capital required and governance structure. It is important to choose the legal form that best suits your business project and your objectives.

We have excluded from this comparison public limited companies (SA) which are generally not suitable for a start-up company in this sector of activity.

Step 3: Reserve the business name 

Once you have determined the legal form of your company, you must reserve the name of your company with the Commercial Register. This will allow you to ensure that your chosen name is available and protect it legally.

In practice, this involves requesting a negative certificate from the OMPIC (Moroccan Office of Intellectual and Commercial Property).

Step 4: Write the statutes and register the company

Drafting your company's statutes is a crucial step. The statutes define the internal rules for the operation of your company, including its governance structure, profit distribution, responsibilities of partners, etc. Once the statutes have been drawn up, you must have them registered with the competent Commercial Court and proceed with the registration of your company.

Step 5: Identify the tax advantages you could benefit from

The SSI sector of activity benefits from a certain number of aid and tax advantages.

Depending on your exact activity and your market (local or export), you could benefit from aid or in certain cases tax exemptions.

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Step 6: Obtain permissions and licenses

Depending on your industry, you may need to obtain specific authorizations and licenses to legally operate your business in Morocco. For example, companies in the IT field may require authorizations for the processing of personal data, online services, etc. It is important to inquire with the relevant authorities to identify the necessary authorizations and follow the appropriate procedures to obtain them.

Step 7: Register the company fiscally and socially 

Any company in Morocco must register with the Tax Administration and the National Social Security Fund (CNSS). This involves declaring your activity, choosing your tax regime which will determine the corresponding taxes and social security contributions.

Step 8: Identify an accountant to support you

All these steps are crucial for the future of your business. It is recommended to be accompanied by an accountant, both in the process of creating your business and in the context of bookkeeping and the management of tax declarations.