Since 1 May 2025, applications for an apostille on French public documents fall to the regional councils or inter-departmental chambers of notaries. This change directly concerns anyone who has to produce in Morocco a civil status record, a notarial document or another French public document subject to apostille.

The new arrangement

The application is first initiated on the dedicated French platform. The applicant selects the competent centre, then submits or sends the documents in accordance with the procedure indicated. The apostille is in principle issued in electronic form, even where a paper document has been provided.

The apostille attests to the authenticity of the signature, the capacity of the signatory and, where applicable, the identity of the seal. It certifies neither the content of the document nor its compliance with the Moroccan procedure in which it will be used.

In practice for a procedure in Morocco

Before applying, it must be confirmed that the document is indeed subject to apostille and that no convention or regulation provides for an exemption. It is also worth checking whether the Moroccan authority requires the original, a sworn translation or a particular form of copy.

For an estate, a gift, a land transfer or a power of attorney, the documentary chain should be organised in advance: issue of the document, apostille by the competent French authority, translation where applicable, then presentation to the Moroccan authority or professional. A correct apostille does not make up for a document that is incomplete or out of date.

Sources

Aurion assists its clients with these procedures. → Contact us

This publication is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute personalised tax or legal advice.