What Is the Police Registration Form and Why Is It Mandatory?
In Morocco, every host — whether a hotel operator or a short-term rental property owner — is legally required to collect and submit to the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) a police registration form for each foreign guest staying in their property. This obligation stems from the 1949 Dahir on territorial surveillance, which remains in force today. The purpose is security-related: enabling authorities to track the movements of foreign nationals within Moroccan territory.
Failure to comply exposes the owner to administrative fines and, in cases of repeat offenses, to criminal prosecution. Since the rise of platforms such as Airbnb and Booking, the DGSN has intensified its inspections of furnished short-term rentals in major tourist cities including Agadir, Marrakech, and Tangier. Mastering this procedure is therefore essential if you manage a vacation rental property in Morocco.
How to Fill Out the Police Registration Form Step by Step
The standard police registration form contains several mandatory fields: the guest's last name, first name, date and place of birth, nationality, passport number, date of entry into Morocco, the property address, and the planned length of stay. The owner or their authorized representative must complete this form upon the guest's arrival, without delay. The form can be obtained from the local police station or downloaded from the DGSN portal. It is recommended to retain a copy for at least two years.
In practice, many property management companies in Morocco have digitized this step by integrating identity document collection into the online booking process. The guest sends a photo of their passport before arrival, allowing the form to be pre-filled. Submission to the authorities then takes place physically at the nearest police station, typically within 24 hours of arrival. Some cities are currently experimenting with electronic submission, but this system is not yet widely available across Morocco.
Practical Tips for Property Owners and Managers in Agadir
In Agadir, the relevant police station for submitting registration forms varies depending on the neighborhood where the property is located. For properties in the marina or on the seafront, it is generally the Hay Mohammadi district police station that has jurisdiction. It is highly advisable to establish direct contact with the relevant office to learn about their hours and preferred handling procedures. Some stations accept weekly batch submissions for managers overseeing multiple properties, which greatly simplifies logistical organization.
To protect your activity, build a standard file for each foreign guest: a copy of the passport, signed police registration form, and proof of the arrival date such as a booking confirmation or signed check-in report. Store these documents in an organized and confidential manner, in compliance with personal data protection rules. In the event of an inspection, you will be able to demonstrate immediate compliance. Using a professional property management service like Nesty in Agadir allows you to fully delegate this administrative obligation while guaranteeing the legal compliance of your property.
