1. Choose the right business structure
The SARL requires at least one shareholder (no minimum capital since 2021, but banks may ask for 50,000–100,000 DZD for account opening). The SAS is better for scaling but needs a minimum capital of 500,000 DZD. The auto-entrepreneur status caps revenue at 5 million DZD/year and is best for freelancers or pre-revenue validation.
Pitfall: Banks often demand proof of capital before opening a business account, even if the legal minimum is zero.
2. Reserve your company name
Required:
– Passport copies of all founders.
– Proposed company name (in Arabic and French, if applicable).
– Fees: ~2,000–5,000 DZD (varies by CNRC office).
Pitfall: Delays can occur if the name is too similar to an existing business. Arabic translations must be approved by the CNRC.
3. Draft the articles of association (statutes)
Where to draft:
– Use a notary (~10,000–30,000 DZD) or a lawyer (~50,000–150,000 DZD).
– Templates are available from the Ministry of Commerce but may need adjustments.
Pitfall: Statutes must comply with Commercial Code Article 10—errors can lead to rejection.
4. Register with the CNRC
Processing time: 5–15 days (varies by region). Fees: ~30,000–50,000 DZD for SARL/SAS.
Pitfall: Some CNRC offices require additional documents (e.g., tax registration proof) before issuance.
5. Obtain tax registration (CASNOS)
Tax obligations:
– Corporate tax: 25% (reduced to 10% for first 3 years if eligible under Startup Act 20-16).
– VAT: 19% (mandatory if revenue exceeds 10 million DZD/year).
Pitfall: Late registration can trigger penalties (~5% of unpaid taxes).
6. Open a business bank account
Recommended banks: BNA, BEA, BADR, or foreign banks with Algerian subsidiaries.
Pitfall: Some banks reject accounts if the business is in “high-risk” sectors (e.g., fintech, crypto).
7. Register for social security (CNAS or CASNOS)
Required:
– CNRC extract.
– Employment contracts (if applicable).
– Bank details for salary payments.
Pitfall: Late social security registration can lead to backdated contributions.
8. Apply for permits (if regulated)
Pitfall: Delays can exceed 3–6 months for regulated industries.
9. Hire employees (if scaling)
Pitfall: Unregistered hires risk fines (~20% of unpaid contributions).
FAQ
Q: How long does full registration take?
From name reservation to tax registration, expect 4–8 weeks. Delays depend on CNRC and bank processing times.
Q: Are there grants for Algerian startups?
Yes, programs like ANSEJ (youth entrepreneurship) and Startup Act incentives offer funding. Check the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises for updates.
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.