Thinking of renting out your riad in Marrakech on Airbnb or Booking.com? That’s a smart move — tourism is booming, and traditional Moroccan homes are in high demand. But before welcoming guests, you need to make sure your property is legally registered as a guesthouse.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the legal process, documents required, and how we can help you every step of the way.
What Is a Guesthouse in Morocco?
In Morocco, guesthouses (called “maisons d’hôtes”) are regulated accommodations that must meet specific legal, safety, and administrative standards. If you want to rent your riad legally and professionally, you’ll need to obtain a license from the Ministry of Tourism.
This applies whether you plan to:
- Host tourists regularly
- List your property on platforms like Airbnb or Booking
- Operate as a small-scale hotel or boutique stay
Step-by-Step: How to Register Your Riad as a Guesthouse
1. Own the Property Legally
First, make sure your ownership is properly registered in your name (or your company’s name) at the Conservation Foncière (Land Registry). If you bought through a notary, this should already be done.
If you’re a foreigner and unsure about the legal status of your property, we can help you review it.
2. Hire an Architect or Technician
To begin the guesthouse licensing process, you’ll need an architectural plan of the property to submit with your application. This will include:
- Surface area and layout
- Number of rooms and bathrooms
- Common areas, kitchen, terrace, etc.
We can connect you with licensed local architects familiar with guesthouse standards.
3. Submit a Request to the Wilaya (Governor’s Office)
This request is reviewed by a commission made up of:
- The Ministry of Tourism
- Local authorities
- Fire safety department
- Urban planning officials
They will inspect your riad to make sure it complies with safety, hygiene, and capacity standards.
Key requirements include:
- Fire extinguishers and exit signs
- Emergency lighting
- Sanitary facilities
- Staff and guest rooms clearly separated
4. Apply for the Guesthouse Classification
There are usually three categories:
- Category 1: Luxury, often with more amenities
- Category 2: Mid-range guesthouses
- Category 3: Simple guest stays (often what most riads qualify for)
You must apply for classification through the Ministry of Tourism, after the Wilaya inspection is completed.
5. Register with Local Tax Authorities
Once licensed, your guesthouse must:
- Obtain a tax identification number
- Charge tourist tax (“taxe de séjour”)
- Submit income declarations and pay local business taxes
We offer assistance with this entire process through our legal and fiscal partners.
Bonus: Need Renovation Before You Register?
Many riads need upgrades to meet legal requirements for fire safety, accessibility, or plumbing. At Dar & Riad, we provide:
- Renovation planning and project management
- Interior design tailored for guest stays
- Compliance consulting
Airbnb vs Official Guesthouse License – What’s the Risk?
Many owners rent casually on Airbnb without a license, but this comes with real risks:
– Fines from local authorities
– Removal from platforms if reported
– Legal trouble with neighbors or city officials
Registering your riad legally protects your investment and builds long-term trust with guests.
How We Can Help You
At Dar & Riad, we support homeowners and investors with:
– Legal guesthouse registration
– Architectural & safety compliance
– Renovation and furnishing
– Airbnb/Booking listing setup
– Ongoing property & guest management
Ready to Turn Your Riad Into a Legal Guesthouse?
Let us take the hassle out of the process. Whether you’re already an owner or still looking for the right property, we’ll help you handle everything — from the first inspection to the first guest review.
Contact us today for a free consultation
* Based in Marrakech | Multilingual Team | Local Expertise