Residence in Algeria: permits and requirements
Living legally in Algeria is possible through 4 permit types: work, investment, study, family. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Worker resident card
Residence type #1 of 4
Residence for salaried workers with a contract and provisional work authorization (APT); card issued by the DGSN after the consular work visa (Law 08-11).
Requirements
- Work visa (APT and contract with a repatriation commitment)
- Registration with the local police within 30 days and residence certificate
- Medical exam and casier judiciaire from the country of origin
- Report to the competent security services (police station/wilaya) within the 15 days before the visa expires (or within the 8 days following turning 18 for minors)
- Habitual and regular residence for renewal to 10 years: 7 years of continuous and legal residence
- For the 10-year card: additionally, fiscal stamp (30,000 DA), tax roll statement <3 months, CNAS/CASNOS affiliation <3 months
Documentation
- Contract translated and certified and employer letter
- Passport
- Visa
- Photographs
- DGSN administrative fees (DZD 5,000-10,000)
- Official form (obtained in person or downloaded from the Ministry of Interior website)
- Birth certificate of the foreign national
- Five identity photos
- Proof of address
- Employment contract
- Financial proof
Frequently asked questions about residence in Algeria
How many types of residence permits are there in Algeria?
Algeria offers 4 residence permit types, grouped into the categories work, investment, study, family. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Algeria last?
Durations vary by permit type: 2 years renewable, tied to the work permit (Law 08-11 arts. 16-17); 2 years renewable (AAPI; Law 08-11 art. 16); 1 year (renewable during studies); 2 years renewable, same validity as the sponsor (family reunification, art. 19). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Algeria be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Algeria (4 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Algeria?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Justificantes económicos; Contrato de trabajo; Passport; Acta de nacimiento. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Algeria lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 7 years of legal residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Algeria.
Residence and nationality updates
Subscribe to know when a country changes its residence or nationality routes. One email, only when there is news.
Anything to correct or add about Algeria?
If you have spotted incorrect or outdated information, or want to suggest additional details about residence pathways in Algeria, leave us your comment. We review every one personally.