The Netherlands has one of the largest Moroccan diaspora communities in Europe, with over 433,000 people of Moroccan origin residing in the country, constituting roughly 2.4% of the total Dutch population. Morocco is also home to a growing number of global freelancers, remote workers, and businesses working with international clients, including those in the Netherlands. These factors explain why it is common for people to send money from the Netherlands to Morocco. They might be supporting family back home in Fez, paying freelancers in Casablanca, or settling invoices with businesses in Marrakech.
It can still be confusing that international payments from the Netherlands to Morocco remain challenging. From transaction costs and conversion complexities to payment delays, Morocco’s proximity to Europe does not fully simplify cross-border payments. This article covers the main payment options for sending money from the Netherlands to Morocco, how each one works, and how to choose the right one for your specific situation.
Also read: How to open US, UK and Euro bank accounts in Netherlands
International wire transfers from traditional banks via the SWIFT network are among the most widely used international payment methods. For a long time, this was the default option. Dutch banks, including ING, ABN AMRO, and Rabobank, all offer international transfers. However, traditional banks are not specifically designed for cost-efficient cross-border payments. When you send money from the Netherlands, it typically passes through multiple intermediary banks before reaching its destination.
By the time the funds arrive, correspondent banks may have deducted intermediary fees, and the amount has been converted to MAD at an exchange rate that is not always clearly visible upfront. While this is a familiar option, it is often one of the more expensive ones on this corridor.
The total cost of a bank transfer typically includes:
Payment processing usually takes 2 to 5 business days because the funds move through multiple banks.
Wise is a cross-border payment platform that offers multi-currency accounts supporting EUR and withdrawals to MAD accounts. It applies the mid-market exchange rate on conversions and displays the fee before you confirm the transfer. For EUR to MAD, the fee has typically ranged from 0.4% to 0.8% of the transfer amount, although the exact figure varies depending on the amount and payment method.
Wise holds local EUR balances and pays out from Moroccan accounts, which means many transfers are completed without using SWIFT. This reduces intermediary bank involvement and potential delays. Transactions are usually completed within one business day, and in some cases on the same day.
Also read: How to receive and convert foreign currencies to USDC in the Netherlands
Remitly is often positioned as a cost-effective option for sending money from the Netherlands to Morocco. New customers may receive promotional offers such as €0 fees or improved exchange rates on their first transfer.
It offers two transfer speed options with different pricing:
Remitly also supports multiple delivery options:
Fees and exchange rates may vary depending on the transfer details.
TransferGo is an FCA-regulated transfer platform operating across Europe, including the Netherlands. It offers both standard and express transfer options to Moroccan bank accounts:
The first transfers for new users are often free, depending on promotions. After that, fees remain competitive, and exchange rate margins are typically lower than those of traditional banks.
Western Union is a widely used option for sending money from the Netherlands to Morocco, especially for cash-based transfers. It is particularly useful if the recipient does not have a bank account.
For urgent transfers, especially cash pickup, Western Union can deliver funds within minutes. It has a large agent network across Morocco, with locations in most cities and towns.
Fees vary significantly depending on the transfer type:
Western Union also applies an exchange rate margin, which can range from around 0.5% to over 3%.
Western Union is available online, via its app, and through physical agent locations across the Netherlands.
Grey is a fintech platform offering multicurrency accounts (USD, EUR, and MAD) and supports payouts to local MAD accounts. It provides competitive exchange rates and structured fees:
Transfers are typically completed within a few hours to a couple of business days, depending on the route used.
Also read: How to get an instant USD debit card in the Netherlands
Managing international payments from the Netherlands to Morocco is now more accessible with digital payment platforms. Grey provides virtual EUR accounts alongside USD and GBP, allowing you to receive funds via SEPA, hold balances in EUR, and convert at a visible rate.
Grey virtual cards allow you to make international payments, manage multiple currencies, and spend directly from your balances without manual top-ups. They can also be added to Google Pay and Apple Pay for contactless payments.
Sending money from the Netherlands to Morocco becomes easier when you choose a setup that fits your needs. You can sign up on Grey or download the app to get started.
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