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Residence & citizenship

Algerian Citizenship by Naturalisation

Acquiring Algerian nationality by naturalisation, available after a qualifying period of lawful residence or through marriage to an Algerian national.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

Specific thresholds (e.g. seven years' residence for standard naturalisation, minimum age of 21, three years of marriage plus two years' residence for spouses, and dual-nationality treatment) are from secondary summaries of the Nationality Code; verify against the current official Nationality Code text before publishing figures.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Algeria government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Naturalisation (acquisition of Algerian nationality)
Route type
Citizenship / naturalisation
Legal basis
Algerian Nationality Code
Decision
Granted by decree following administrative and security review
Residence required
At least 7 years
Lawful residence in Algeria of at least seven years on the day of application (reduced in certain cases - see below).
Where to apply
Ministry of Justice (or an Algerian diplomatic mission if abroad)
Decided by
Presidential decree
Naturalisation is granted at the authorities' discretion by decree published in the Official Journal.

Who it is for

  • Long-term lawful residents of Algeria seeking Algerian nationality
  • Foreign spouses of Algerian nationals (separate, shorter conditions)

Requirements

  • A qualifying period of lawful and continuous residence in Algeria
  • Good character and good health, with a clean criminal record
  • A lawful and sufficient means of support
  • Evidence of integration into Algerian society

How to apply

  • File a complete naturalisation application with the Ministry of Justice (or, if resident abroad, through an Algerian diplomatic mission).
  • The application goes through administrative and security processing.
  • A discretionary decision is taken by presidential decree, published in the Official Journal.

Frequently asked questions

  • Yes. The seven-year residence requirement is reduced to eighteen months for a child born abroad to an Algerian mother and a foreign father. For a foreign national married to an Algerian citizen, acquisition can be sought where the marriage is legal and has been established for three years and the applicant has had lawful residence in Algeria of at least two years, is of good character and can justify a livelihood.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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