1. Determine eligibility and business scope
The Ministry of Commerce and CNRC (National Centre for Company Registration) do not publish a public list of approved activities. Consultants should confirm with the Chamber of Commerce if their service falls under the auto-entrepreneur category (limited to micro-activities) or requires full company registration.
Pitfall: Some services (e.g., marketing, HR) may trigger local provider obligations under Algerian trade laws.
2. Choose legal status: auto-entrepreneur vs. full registration
Who qualifies?
– Non-residents (foreigners) can register if they have an Algerian bank account and a local tax representative (mandataire fiscal).
Option 2: Full company registration (SARL or EURL)
Pitfall: The auto-entrepreneur status cannot be converted to a full company later without re-registering.
3. Open a bank account in Algeria
Recommended banks: BNA, BEA, BNA-DZ, or CIH (procedures vary; confirm with the bank first).
Pitfall: Some banks require an Algerian guarantor for non-resident accounts.
4. Register with the tax authority (DGI)
Steps:
1. Submit an application at the DGI office (in person or via an authorized representative).
2. Provide:
– Passport copy
– Bank account details
– Proof of address
– Signed declaration of activity (déclaration d’activité)
3. Receive the tax number within 5–15 days (varies by DGI office).
Pitfall: Without a tax number, invoicing clients is illegal.
5. Register with the CNRC (National Company Centre)
Required documents:
– Completed CNRC registration form (available online or at CNRC offices)
– Passport copy
– Tax number (from DGI)
– Bank account details
– Proof of professional liability insurance (if required by sector)
– Deed of mandate (if using a local representative)
Fees:
– Registration fee: ~5,000–10,000 DZD (confirm with CNRC).
– Annual renewal fee: ~3,000–5,000 DZD.
Processing time: 7–30 days (varies by CNRC office).
Pitfall: Some CNRC offices require a notarized translation of foreign documents.
6. Obtain professional cards (if applicable)
Pitfall: Operating without a required card can lead to fines or forced closure.
7. Register with social security (CNAS or CASNOS)
Steps:
1. Submit an application at the CNAS/CASNOS office.
2. Provide:
– CNRC registration certificate
– Tax number
– Bank account details
3. Contributions are ~10–15% of declared income (rates vary; confirm with CNAS).
Pitfall: Late registration may result in backdated contributions and penalties.
8. Issue compliant invoices
Pitfall: Invoices without a tax number are invalid and may trigger audits.
9. Annual compliance and renewals
Pitfall: Missing deadlines can lead to suspension of activity or legal action.
FAQ
Q: How long does freelance registration take?
From 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on bank, DGI, and CNRC processing times.
Q: Are there restrictions on foreign ownership in consulting?
No, but some sectors (e.g., security, media) have local partnership requirements. Always verify with the Ministry of Commerce.
What to do next
Sources
💡 Starting a business in Algeria? GlobalStart guides you step by step: procedures, real costs, company forms (SARL, EURL, SPA) and CNRC registration.