Scheaffer & Alpha Partner Advisors

We can support you with doing business in Algeria:

1. Business registration in Algeria. Guidance through company formation and registration, from choosing the entity type to tax and social-security enrolment.
2. Finding a local joint-venture partner. Help identifying and vetting a suitable local partner where one is required or advisable.
3. Corporate bank account opening in Algeria. Support with the documents and process for opening a company bank account.
4. Employee recruitment. Sourcing and hiring local staff, including contracts and onboarding.
5. Visa strategies. Advice on business, investor and work visa routes for you and your team.
6. Office rental solutions. Finding and leasing suitable office space, including serviced and virtual options.

1. Research demand and competition for your product.
2. Confirm your product meets Algerian import rules and standards.
3. Line up a local distributor or partner.
4. Prepare documents: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, bill of lading or airway bill, and any goods-specific certificates.
5. Study customs procedures.
6. Meet labelling requirements (language and content).
7. Book a freight forwarder experienced with Algeria.
8. Work out duties and VAT so pricing is right.
9. Insure the goods in transit.
10. Track the shipment and keep documents ready for clearance.

Key contacts

• ALGEX – trade promotion · +213 023 83 87 89
• Algerian Customs · +213 23 50 11 80/86
• Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CACI) · +213 21 96 77 77
• Ministry of Commerce

1. Register your business with the Algerian authorities.
2. Obtain an import licence from the Ministry of Commerce.
3. Classify goods under the correct HS code.
4. Check the prohibited and restricted items list.
5. Arrange shipping through a forwarder.
6. Prepare invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, certificate of origin, import licence and any special certificates.
7. Submit a customs declaration through the online system.
8. Pay duties and VAT (rates vary by goods).
9. Expect possible inspection; accurate paperwork avoids delays.
10. Take delivery once cleared.

Key contacts

• Ministry of Commerce – import licences and trade rules
• Algerian Customs – procedures, tariffs, prohibited items
• Ministry of Finance – tax and financial rules

Methods of payment (most to least secure for you)

1. Cash in advance – safest for you and fast by wire transfer, but buyers often resist it and may go to competitors who offer terms.
2. Documentary letter of credit – the buyer’s bank promises to pay against agreed documents. Choose an irrevocable credit and ask a bank in your own country to confirm it, which adds a second promise to pay.
3. Documentary collection / draft – banks hand over shipping documents only against payment or acceptance.
4. Open account – ship first, get paid later. Use it only with buyers you have checked and trust.

Run a credit check on every new buyer through your bank or an international credit-reporting agency, and consider export credit insurance.

Pricing and quotations

• Send a pro forma invoice stating the price, currency (local currency: Algerian dinar (DZD)), validity period and payment terms.
• Use Incoterms (EXW, FOB, CFR, CIF, DAP, DDP) and name the exact port or place so both sides know who pays freight, insurance and duties. Use the current edition, Incoterms 2020.
• Add the costs people forget: freight, insurance, duties, port charges, documentation and exchange-rate risk.

Shipping

• Hire a freight forwarder with experience in Algeria.
• Insure the cargo for the full journey.
• Typical documents: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of origin and any product certificates.
• Pack for long transit and label cartons clearly.

Agents and distributors

• Find candidates through trade fairs, chambers of commerce, your government’s trade office and embassy commercial section, and banks.
• Check references and financial standing before signing.
• Put it in writing: territory, exclusivity, targets, term, payment, and how either side can end the agreement.

Licensing and franchising

• You allow a local firm to use your patents, trademarks or know-how for a lump sum or a royalty on volume.
• Upside: quick entry, less capital and risk than owning a factory, and a way around some trade barriers.
• Downside: less control, lower profit than selling goods, and a risk that the technology is copied.

Joint ventures

• A local partner shares the risk, capital and market knowledge; choose and vet the partner carefully.
• Agree who controls decisions, how profits are shared and how the partnership can be unwound.

Protect your IP first. Patents and trademarks are territorial, so register them in Algeria (or the relevant regional system) before you start marketing, since someone else can register them first.

• Book appointments well ahead and confirm them before you travel.
• Check visa, health and insurance requirements early.
• Learn local business customs; a first visit is often about building trust.
• Carry printed materials and samples; confirm what can be brought through customs.
• Follow up promptly after each meeting and keep the relationship active.

1. Choose a structure, such as a limited liability company (SARL) or joint-stock company (SPA).
2. Check the name is available with the national commercial register (CNRC).
3. Draft the Articles of Association with a legal adviser.
4. Have them notarised.
5. Open a company bank account, deposit the minimum capital and get a deposit certificate.
6. Register with CNRC and pay the fee.
7. Publish a legal notice in a national journal.
8. Obtain a tax identification number (NIF).
9. Enrol with social security (CNAS).
10. Obtain any licences or permits your activity needs.

Estimated costs

• Notary fees – depend on document complexity
• Registration fees – depend on capital and company type
• Legal notice publication

Key contacts

• CNRC – registration and name checks
• Ministry of Finance – tax registration
• CNAS – social security

1. Analyse demand, competition and feasibility.
2. Choose an industrial zone or site with infrastructure.
3. Incorporate the company (see Investing / Incorporating).
4. Obtain construction and operating permits from local authorities.
5. Secure financing and look at local manufacturing incentives.
6. Hire architects and engineers to design the plant to regulations.
7. Oversee construction and install equipment.
8. Meet environmental and safety standards.
9. Recruit and train staff.
10. Register for NIF and CNAS.
11. Start production and monitor quality.

Key contacts

• CNRC
• Ministry of Industry – industrial policy
• Ministry of Environment – compliance guidelines
• CNAS

1. Search to confirm your mark is unique (INAPI can guide you).
2. Prepare the application: mark representation, goods/services list and applicant details.
3. File with INAPI, online or in person, with documents and fee.
4. INAPI examines the application.
5. Approved marks are published in the official bulletin for an opposition period.
6. If no one opposes, the mark is registered and a certificate issued.

Estimated costs

• Application fee – varies by number of classes and trademark specifics

Key contacts

• INAPI – trademark resources and support

1. Try to settle directly through negotiation.
2. Consider mediation or arbitration; CACI offers both.
3. Hire a lawyer experienced in Algerian commercial law.
4. File in the competent commercial court with evidence ready.
5. Attend hearings; the court weighs evidence and witnesses.
6. Enforce a favourable judgment through legal channels.

Estimated costs

• Legal fees – depend on case complexity and lawyer rates
• Court fees – generally based on the value in dispute

Key contacts

• CACI – mediation and arbitration
• Ministry of Justice – legal system and court procedures

Social & cultural

• Arabic is official; French is widely used in business.
• Personal relationships matter; meetings often start with casual conversation.
• Islam shapes business practice – respect prayer times and holidays.

Political environment

• Presidential system; generally stable, but policy can change.
• Local regulations can be complex.

Economic factors

• Currency: Algerian dinar (DZD); exchange rates can fluctuate.
• Government encourages foreign investment, especially energy and infrastructure.

Rule of law

• Legal system based on French civil law; contract enforcement can be slow, so get legal support.
• Register intellectual property with INAPI.

Other considerations

• Infrastructure varies by region; major cities are better served.
• Corruption is rated moderate – do due diligence.