Algeria Work Permit Guide for Employers (2026)
End-to-end: 1–3 months. Work permit: Wilaya Employment Directorate. APT minimum: 15 days processing. Minimum wage: DZD 24,000/month from 1 January 2026.
- Algeria’s work permit process is a two-stage sequence that must be completed entirely before the foreign national travels. The employer first obtains an Agréement de Principe (Approval in Principle) from the Ministry of Labour through the Wilaya Employment Directorate.
- This unlocks the second stage: the APT (Autorisation Préalable de Travail), also issued by the Wilaya Directorate, which is the mandatory document for the work visa application at the Algerian consulate.
- Foreign companies operating in Algeria under a work or service contract must also include a binding commitment to train the Algerian national workforce, this is not optional. No stage of this process can be skipped or resequenced.
Quick answer
Employer submits Agréement de Principe to Wilaya Employment Directorate → forwarded to Ministry of Labour → APT issued by Wilaya Directorate (minimum 15 days) → employee applies for work visa at Algerian consulate with APT + repatriation letter → employee enters Algeria → employer applies for final work permit from Wilaya Directorate (USD 60; French/Tunisian: free) → employee applies for residence permit (DGSN). Permit validity matches contract, max 2 years. All documents in French or Arabic; diplomas authenticated by Algerian consulate in country of origin. Minimum wage: DZD 24,000/month from 1 January 2026. Employer contributions: Social Security 26% + Health 12.5% + Pension 17%.
Legal framework governing foreign employment in Algeria
- Law No. 81-10 of 11 July 1981 — conditions of employment of foreign labour in Algeria (primary legislation)
- Decree No. 82-510 of 25 December 1982 — modalities for work permit and temporary work authorisation for foreign workers
- Law No. 08-11 of 25 June 2008 — conditions of entry, stay and movement of foreigners in Algeria
- Executive Decree No. 06-454 of 11 December 2006 — professional card for foreigners exercising commercial, industrial, artisanal, or liberal activities
- Presidential Decree No. 03-251 of 19 July 2003 — situation of foreigners in Algeria
The two-stage employer process: Agréement de Principe, APT
Both stages are employer-led and must be completed before the employee travels. The APT cannot be obtained without the Agréement de Principe. The work visa cannot be applied for without the APT.
Stage 1: Agréement de Principe
- Submitted to: Wilaya Employment Directorate
- Forwarded to: Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security
- Includes: workforce forecast table (national + foreign), company documents, training obligation commitment (for foreign companies on work/service contracts)
- Outlines: projected needs by professional qualification and job category
- Submitted in duplicate.
Stage 2: APT (Autorisation Préalable de Travail)
- Issued by: Wilaya Employment Directorate (after Approval in Principle granted)
- Minimum processing: 15 days
- Required for: work visa application at Algerian consulate
- For temporary assignments ≤ 3 months: separate Temporary Work Permit issued; one renewal per year permitted
- Must be presented at consulate with repatriation commitment letter.
Work permit types in Algeria
Regular Work Permit (Permis de Travail)
For foreign nationals in regular salaried employment. Validity matches the employment contract — maximum 2 years. Issued by the Wilaya Employment Directorate. Fee: USD 60.
Temporary Work Permit (APT — Permis de Travail Temporaire)
For non-resident foreigners in temporary professional activities of up to 3 months. One renewal permitted within the same calendar year. Issued by Wilaya Employment Directorate. APT takes minimum 15 days.
Annex 10 Work Permit
Exclusive to French and Tunisian nationals under bilateral agreements between Algeria and those countries. Same process as the regular work permit but free of charge instead of USD 60.
The training obligation — mandatory for foreign companies on work or service contracts
Foreign companies that operate in Algeria under a work or service contract (covering construction, engineering, oil and gas, infrastructure, and similar project-based work) must submit a formal commitment to train the Algerian national workforce as part of the Approval in Principle application. This obligation — known as transfert de compétences — requires the employer to include a structured plan for progressively transferring skills and knowledge to Algerian employees during the contract.
This is not an administrative formality. The Ministry of Labour uses it to assess the justification for bringing in foreign expertise and the employer’s commitment to building local capacity. The commitment must be substantive and linked to the specific roles and qualifications involved. In cases where the progress of the Algerian assistant’s development is referenced at renewal (as required in renewal documentation), the employer must be able to demonstrate that training has actually occurred.
The repatriation commitment — a legal obligation
Under Algerian law, the employer must provide a written repatriation commitment letter pledging to bear the full cost of returning the foreign worker to their country of residence upon termination or expiry of the employment contract.
This letter is a mandatory enclosure in the work visa application package submitted at the Algerian consulate — without it, the consulate will not process the application. The letter must identify the employer and employee by name, state the job position, and contain an explicit commitment to cover all repatriation costs. Employers who fail to fulfil repatriation obligations when employment ends face regulatory consequences.
Fees, minimum wage, and employer contributions
| Category | Rate / Amount | Notes & Details |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit fee | USD 60 | Standard permit; Annex 10 (French/Tunisian): free |
| Minimum wage | DZD 24,000 | Per month — from 1 January 2026 (SNMG) |
| Social security | 26% | Employer contribution on gross salary |
| Health & Pension | 29.50% | Health insurance 12.5% + Pension 17% — employer contributions |
All employees in Algeria, including foreign workers, are covered by the full Algerian social protection regime regardless of nationality. This includes sickness, maternity, invalidity, and death insurance; retirement pension; workplace accident and occupational disease coverage; family allowances; and unemployment insurance.
How to hire a foreign national in Algeria
Employer prepares and submits Agréement de Principe to Wilaya Employment Directorate
The employer submits the Approval in Principle file to the Directorate of Employment of the Wilaya covering the employer’s location. The Directorate forwards the file to the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security.
The file must be submitted in duplicate and include:
- Application outlining projected workforce needs by:
- Professional qualification
- Job category
- National workers
- Foreign workers
- Recruitment forecast table detailing:
- Positions
- Required qualifications
- Required experience
- Employment conditions
- Company statutes
- Legalised copy of the trade register
- Tax documents, including:
- Tax registration card
- Tax roll extract dated within the last 3 months
- Copy of the work or service contract
- For foreign companies operating under works or service contracts:
- Training obligation commitment
APT issued by Wilaya Employment Directorate
After the Approval in Principle is granted by the Ministry, the Wilaya Employment Directorate issues the APT (Autorisation Préalable de Travail). Processing takes a minimum of 15 days. The APT serves as proof that the employer is authorised to hire the specific foreign national for the role. It is a mandatory document for the work visa application and must be given to the employee.
The work permit application at this stage also requires: the repatriation commitment letter from the employer; copies of diplomas certified in French or Arabic and authenticated by the Algerian consulate in the country of origin; copies of the employment contract in triplicate with a provisional start date; company identification card; and where applicable, a certificate from the contracting authority confirming the necessity of the foreign hire.
Employee applies for work visa at Algerian consulate in country of origin
Using the APT, the employee applies for a work visa at the Algerian consulate in their country of origin, not the country of residence if different from country of nationality.
The work visa application must include: the APT; a copy of the signed employment contract; the repatriation commitment letter from the employer; a completed visa application form (two copies); valid passport (minimum 6 months validity, minimum 2 blank pages); two passport photographs; highest educational certificate (legalised, two copies); proof of travel/repatriation insurance; proof of accommodation in Algeria; employer letter confirming job position and obligation to cover living expenses until contract expiration.
Visa application methods vary by consulate — in person, by proxy with notarised authorisation, or via an authorised visa agency.
Employee enters Algeria and registers address within 8 days of arrival
After receiving the work visa, the employee enters Algeria. Any foreigner entering Algeria must register their address with local authorities within 8 days of arrival. Failure to register promptly creates a compliance gap that can affect the residence permit application.
Final work permit issued by Wilaya Employment Directorate
After the employee arrives in Algeria, the employer applies for the final work permit from the Wilaya Employment Directorate. The work permit fee is USD 60 for standard permits (paid in foreign currency through a commercial bank if required by the directorate); free for French and Tunisian nationals (Annex 10).
The work permit validity corresponds to the duration of the fixed-term employment contract, not exceeding 2 years. A report on progress of the Algerian assistant’s development must be submitted at renewal for employers using foreign experts or technicians.
Residence permit issued by DGSN
The employee applies for the residence permit (carte de résidence temporaire) at the national police authority (DGSN — Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale). The medical certificate (chest X-ray and blood tests, issued by an Algerian doctor confirming good health) must be submitted along with the consular registration proof and proof of accommodation.
The residence permit duration cannot exceed the employment contract period. Crucially, the permit is revoked if the holder leaves Algeria for an uninterrupted period of 1 year, employers managing multi-country assignments should factor this in.
| Stage / Requirement | Timeline | Authority / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Agréement de Principe | Weeks to months | Wilaya → Ministry of Labour |
| APT | Min. 15 days | Wilaya Employment Directorate |
| Work visa | Weeks | Algerian consulate in country of origin |
| Work permit + Residence | After arrival | Wilaya + DGSN |
| Total end-to-end | 1–3 months | Agréement to residence permit |
Documents required for an Algeria work permit and visa
Employer documents — submitted to Wilaya Employment Directorate
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Approval in Principle application | Submitted in duplicate; outlines projected workforce needs (national and foreign) by qualification and job category |
| Table of recruitment forecasts | Detailing positions, required qualifications, experience, and conditions for both nationals and foreigners; includes work execution schedules with recruitment timelines at each project stage where applicable |
| Company statutes | Of the employing entity |
| Legalised trade register copy | Confirming the employer’s legal registration in Algeria |
| Tax documents | Registration card; tax roll extract dated within the last 3 months |
| Copy of work or service contract (for foreign companies) Required where applicable | Including partnership or management agreement where relevant |
| Training obligation commitment Required — foreign companies on contracts | Formal commitment to transfer skills to Algerian national workforce; must be substantive and linked to specific roles |
| Employment contract — signed, 3 copies, provisional start date | Signed by both parties; provisional effective date; three copies submitted with APT application |
| Repatriation commitment letter Required | Employer’s pledge to bear all repatriation costs upon contract termination or expiry; mandatory for visa application |
| Certificate from contracting authority | For works contracts — confirming the necessity of the foreign worker’s recruitment for project execution |
Employee documents, submitted at Algerian consulate
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| APT (Autorisation Préalable de Travail) | Original; issued by Wilaya Employment Directorate; mandatory prerequisite for visa application |
| Valid passport | Original; minimum 6 months validity; at least 2 blank pages; scanned copy of first page |
| 2 passport photographs 3.5cm × 4.5cm | Colour; face forward; no hat or glasses |
| Completed visa application form — 2 copies | Signed; submitted to Algerian consulate in country of nationality |
| Highest educational certificate — legalised, 2 certified copies | Certified copies in French or Arabic; authenticated by Algerian consulate in the country of origin — not merely apostilled |
| CV / Résumé | Demonstrating relevant professional experience and education |
| Repatriation commitment letter from employer | Without this, the consulate will not process the application |
| Proof of accommodation in Algeria | Legalised invitation letter or accommodation certificate |
| Employer letter | Stating job position and the employer’s obligation to cover all living expenses until contract expiration |
| Travel/repatriation insurance certificate | Proof of insurance coverage for the duration of the stay in Algeria |
| Evidence of legal immigration status in country of application | Required if applicant holds a passport from a different country than where the application is being made |
Post-arrival documents — residence permit (DGSN)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Copy of visa page with entry stamp Required | Clear copy of passport page with granted visa and entry stamp to Algeria |
| Residence permit application form Required | Completed and signed at the police station (DGSN) |
| Medical certificate Required | Issued by an Algerian doctor; confirms good health; includes chest X-ray results; blood tests (not required in all jurisdictions) |
| Consular registration proof Required | Proof of registration at the consulate representing the applicant’s country of nationality |
| Proof of accommodation in Algeria Required | Legalised invitation letter or accommodation certificate |
Algeria work permit — at a glance (2026)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary legislation | Law No. 81-10 of 11 July 1981 + Decree No. 82-510 of 25 December 1982 |
| Stage 1 — Agréement de Principe | Submitted to Wilaya Employment Directorate; forwarded to Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security |
| Stage 2 — APT | Issued by Wilaya Employment Directorate; minimum 15 days processing; mandatory for work visa application |
| Work visa application location | Algerian consulate in the employee’s country of nationality (not country of current residence if different) |
| Work permit issuing authority | Wilaya Employment Directorate (Direction de l’Emploi de la Wilaya) |
| Residence permit issuing authority | DGSN — Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale (national police) |
| Work permit fee | USD 60 (standard); free for French and Tunisian nationals (Annex 10) |
| Permit validity | Matches employment contract; maximum 2 years |
| Temporary work permit (short-term) | Up to 3 months; one renewal per calendar year |
| Repatriation commitment | Mandatory legal obligation — employer bears full repatriation cost; letter required for visa application |
| Training obligation | Mandatory for foreign companies on work/service contracts — must commit to training Algerian national workforce |
| Document language | French or Arabic; diplomas certified + authenticated by Algerian consulate in country of origin |
| Residence permit — 1-year absence rule | Permit revoked if holder leaves Algeria for 1 uninterrupted year |
| Address registration after arrival | Within 8 days of entering Algeria |
| Minimum wage (SNMG) | DZD 24,000/month — effective 1 January 2026 |
| Employer social contributions | Social Security: 26% | Health Insurance: 12.5% | Pension: 17% — all on gross salary |
| End-to-end timeline | 1–3 months depending on permit type and document preparation lead time |
Official government resources
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Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security — mtss.gov.dzwww.mtss.gov.dz
The primary authority for work permits, the Approval in Principle process, and foreign employment authorisation in Algeria. Applications for the Agréement de Principe are forwarded to this Ministry by the Wilaya Employment Directorates.
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Ministry of the Interior — interieur.gov.dzwww.interieur.gov.dz
Manages residency and identity documents for foreigners in Algeria, administered through the DGSN (Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale). Online services portal: services.interieur.gov.dz
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs — mfa.gov.dzwww.mfa.gov.dz
Work visa applications are directed to the Directorate General of Legal and Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, via the Algerian consulate in the employee’s country of nationality. The Ministry oversees all entry visa procedures for foreigners.
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AAPI — Agency for the Promotion of Industry and Innovationaapi.dz
Publishes official guidance on the employment of foreigners in Algeria, including the full Agréement de Principe file requirements, APT process, and document checklists for both regular and temporary work permits.
Why partner with Acumen International as your Employer of Record in Algeria
Hiring in Algeria requires more than issuing a contract and running payroll. Foreign worker employment is closely tied to local sponsorship, workforce planning, labour authorisation, tax registration, social security compliance and documentary evidence showing why the role cannot be filled locally.
Acumen International helps companies employ talent in Algeria without setting up a local entity, using a compliant Employer of Record model.
With Acumen International, employers can access support with:
- Local employment through a compliant Algerian employer infrastructure
- Employment contract preparation aligned with Algerian labour requirements
- Work authorisation and residence-related coordination for eligible foreign hires
- Preparation of employer-side documentation required for foreign worker applications
- Support with workforce projection files, recruitment forecast tables and role justification materials
- Payroll administration, statutory deductions and social security registration
- Ongoing compliance with local employment, tax and payroll obligations
- Guidance on foreign worker limits, local hiring expectations and training-related commitments
- Renewal, amendment and offboarding coordination where employment status changes
- A faster route to hiring in Algeria before committing to full local incorporation
For international employers, this reduces the administrative burden of entering Algeria directly while keeping employment, payroll and immigration-linked obligations managed through a structured local model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreign company hire employees directly in Algeria without a local entity?
In most cases, direct local employment requires a registered Algerian employer. A foreign company that has no local presence will usually need either its own entity or a compliant local employment structure, such as an Employer of Record, to employ staff legally in Algeria.
When is an Employer of Record useful in Algeria?
An EOR is useful when a company needs to hire in Algeria before setting up an entity, support a time-sensitive project, employ a specialist locally, or manage payroll and employment compliance without building internal Algerian HR, tax and labour administration capacity.
Does Algeria require justification for hiring foreign workers?
Yes. Foreign worker applications are usually assessed against local labour availability and the employer’s stated workforce needs. The role, qualification requirements and recruitment rationale should be clearly documented before the application is submitted.
What documents should employers prepare before hiring a foreign worker in Algeria?
Employers should expect to prepare corporate documents, tax registration evidence, role information, workforce forecasts, the employment or service contract, and supporting materials showing the need for the foreign hire. Exact requirements depend on the employment structure and the nature of the assignment.
Can work authorisation be treated separately from payroll and employment compliance?
No. Work authorisation, employment contract terms, payroll, tax and social security obligations need to align. A foreign national may have immigration approval, but the local employment setup must also be compliant from a labour and payroll perspective.
Hiring foreign nationals in Algeria?
Acumen International’s Global EOR solution gives your business a compliant route to employ eligible workers in Algeria without setting up a local entity. We manage the local employment structure, payroll, statutory administration and work authorisation, so you can hire with greater speed, control and compliance confidence.
Important: Acumen International operates as a Global Employer of Record and supports businesses deploying their own expatriate employees in Algeria. Our involvement flows from our role as the registered Algerian employing entity — specifically, Approval in Principle and APT applications to the Wilaya Employment Directorate, and employment compliance under Algerian labour law. We do not provide standalone immigration legal advice and do not assist individuals seeking employment in Algeria independently.