The verdict in three sentences
A trilingual FR / EN / Arabic corporate website in Casablanca costs between 40,000 and 120,000 MAD in 2026, depending on page count and the complexity of RTL handling for Arabic. The real cost is not technical but editorial: every language adds translation, SEO and lifelong maintenance. For international SEO, favour a subdirectory structure (/fr/, /en/, /ar/) with hreflang tags over subdomains, unless you have a specific brand strategy.
The surcharge per language, quantified
Adding a language is not free: it multiplies content, translation and testing. Here is the 2026 order of magnitude for a mid-sized exporting company.
| Configuration | 2026 price (MAD) | Languages | Lead time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bilingual FR/EN | 40,000 - 65,000 | 2 | 6 weeks |
| Trilingual FR/EN/Arabic | 65,000 - 95,000 | 3 (incl. RTL) | 8 weeks |
| Trilingual + multi-market SEO | 95,000 - 120,000 | 3 + advanced hreflang | 10 weeks |
Adding Arabic costs roughly 15,000 to 25,000 MAD more: right-to-left (RTL) layout, adapted fonts, mirrored UI components and native-speaker proofreading. It is not a simple translate button.
Subdomain or subdirectory: the SEO choice
This is the most structural and most misunderstood decision. It determines how Google perceives and ranks your language versions.
| Criterion | Subdirectory (/en/) | Subdomain (en.site.ma) |
|---|---|---|
| SEO authority | Consolidated on one domain | Diluted across domains |
| Setup cost | Low | Medium to high |
| EU/CDN hosting | Simple | Multiple configs |
| 2026 recommendation | Default | Very distinct brands/markets |
| hreflang management | Centralised | More complex |
For 90% of Moroccan exporters, the subdirectory with correct hreflang is the right call: it concentrates SEO authority, costs less and is easier to maintain.
Mini case study
Karim is the marketing lead at a Casablanca component manufacturer that exports to Morocco, France and the Gulf. He commissions a trilingual FR/EN/Arabic site at 88,000 MAD, structured in subdirectories with hreflang and EU-side CDN hosting. Before, his Gulf prospects bounced for lack of an Arabic version: a 72% bounce rate on that segment. Six months later, the RTL Arabic version cuts bounce to 41% and generates 11 qualified quote requests from the Gulf. With an average contract of 250,000 MAD, a single signature covers almost three times the site's cost.
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FAQ
How much does a trilingual site cost in Casablanca in 2026?
Between 65,000 and 120,000 MAD for FR/EN/Arabic, depending on page count and international SEO level. Bilingual FR/EN starts around 40,000 MAD.
Why does Arabic cost more?
Because RTL (right to left) requires mirroring the layout, adapting fonts and native proofreading. Expect 15,000 to 25,000 MAD extra versus a Latin-script language.
Subdomain or subdirectory for my languages?
In the vast majority of cases the subdirectory (/fr/, /en/, /ar/) with hreflang is preferable: it consolidates SEO authority and costs less to maintain.
Can I use machine translation?
To draft, yes, but never in production without human review. Literal translation destroys your B2B credibility and penalises your SEO on every market.
Do I need hosting in Europe?
To serve France and the Gulf quickly, EU hosting with a CDN is recommended. It improves Core Web Vitals on your target markets and therefore your rankings.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your target languages, your markets (Morocco, Europe, Gulf) and an indicative MAD budget, and we will define the SEO architecture, RTL handling and timeline. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
