How can I live and work in Marocco for 1/2 years?

I would like to use my professional skills as project manager and filmmaker to live in Marocco for 1 or two years --- any ideas ?

Do you want to work for a company, work as a freelancer, or set up your own business?

For all options, you will definitely need to be fluent in at least French. Arabic would be even better. If you do not speak French, your chances of working in Morocco are very, ver small.

--WORK FOR A COMPANY--
Unemployment is high in Morocco, so you will need to have very specific skills and solid experience to be able to beat Moroccans to a job.

Do some research. Search Google in French for companies in your field. Also have a look at what kind of jobs are in demand, for instance at www.bourseemploimaroc.com, www.emploi.ma or www.menara.ma/emploi

Industries that are in rapid development in Morocco, are hospitality, tourism and French language customer service (call centers). You could try the international hotel chains, such as Golden Tulip, Barcelo, Meridien, Sheraton and Accor.

If you do manage to get on a payroll in Morocco, your employer will help you get your residency documents.

--WORK AS A FREELANCER--
You can go to Morocco and try your luck there. I don't think you will have much luck getting projects, though. This is only an option if you're an adventurous person, do not mind failing and have enough money at hand to last a couple of months without income.

This route would involve a lot of research, as you need to know where your possible clients are, visit them, smooth talk them and ultimately convince them to hire you.

One place that could work for you as a film maker, is Ouarzazate, where you will find Atlas Studios. Quite an impressive series of Hollywood blockbusters were shot here. Find out more at www.atlastudios.com

The paperwork for a freelancer is more complicated.

You can enter the country on a three-month tourism visa, which does not allow you to work, by the way. You can then apply for a visa extension or a residence permit through the Surete Nationale police force. You will have to have proof of sufficient funds to be able to stay in the country.

An alternative is to leave Morocco for a day, visiting the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, and then return to get another three-month tourism visa.

--SET UP YOUR OWN BUSINESS--
Morocco encourages foreign investment and the creation of new businesses. There are foreign chambers of commerce that can help you research opportunities and assist you with Morocco's dreadful bureaucracy.

Try the websites of the American Chamber of Commerce in Morocco (www.amcham-morocco.com) or the British Chamber of Commerce in Morocco (www.bccm.co.ma). If you are not from the US or Britain, contact your local chamber of commerce for more information.

The Moroccan government has a website dedicated to investment, but it's currently being revamped. The new version will be online at www.invest-in-morocco.gov.ma

Another source for information is www.moroccanamericantrade.com

As an investor, you will get a lot of help from the Moroccan authorities in getting the residency permit.

I was just there for a month in Casablanca,Marrakach,and Fez. Most companies are foreign. You will need French. Good Luck

do you speak moroccan or french, otherwise contact the american embassy in Rabat, Morocco, and there you will be able to find the american community in Morocco and they may can help with your questions.