Nationality of Algeria: all obtaining pathways
Algeria requires seven years of residence for ordinary naturalization, with a reduced period of three years of marriage for those married to Algerian citizens. Nationality is transmitted automatically both by birth in the national territory and by descent, with no residence requirement for either route of origin.
1Nationality by birth in the territory (ius soli)
Nationality by birth in the territory (ius soli)
Requirements
- Birth on Algerian territory to parents originating from Algeria
- Children of unknown or stateless parents born in Algeria
- Foundlings found on Algerian territory are presumed born in Algeria
Documentation
- Algerian birth certificate
- Parents' identity documents
- In case of unknown parents: foundling certificate
2Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- Child of a Algerian father or a Algerian mother
- Nationality is transmitted by filiation regardless of place of birth
- An Algerian who has acquired another nationality keeps the Algerian one
Documentation
- Algerian parent's birth certificate
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Proof of filiation
3Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- 7 years of legal and habitual residence in Algeria
- Legal age of majority
- Good conduct and no criminal record
- Sufficient means of subsistence
- Assimilation into the Algerian community
- Knowledge of the Arabic language
Documentation
- Valid passport or identity document
- Certificate of residence of at least 7 years
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of means of subsistence
- Certificate of proficiency in the Arabic language
- Medical certificate
4Marriage to an Algerian national (no special regime in force)
Marriage to an Algerian national (no special regime in force)
Requirements
- Marriage to an Algerian citizen does NOT grant or accelerate nationality: the former art. 19 (acquisition by the wife) was ABROGATED by the 2005 reform
- The foreign spouse follows the ordinary art. 10 route: 7 years of residence + general requirements
- Art. 11 exceptions apply to the spouse: exceptional services to Algeria, infirmity contracted in the service of the country, or exceptional interest
- An Algerian woman marrying a foreigner keeps Algerian nationality unless renounced by decree (art. 18.3)
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Algerian spouse's passport
- Certificate of residence
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical certificate
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Algeria
How many years of residence does Algeria require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Algeria (Naturalization by residence), the term is 7 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Algeria be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Marriage to an Algerian national pathway (No matrimonial regime — 7 years of residence as the general route). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Algeria require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Valid passport or identity document; Certificate of residence of at least 7 years; Criminal record certificate; Proof of means of subsistence; Certificate of proficiency in the Arabic language; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Algeria?
Algeria provides 4 pathways: Nationality by birth in the territory, Nationality by descent, Naturalization by residence, Marriage to an Algerian national.
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