Practical Guide for the Algerian Diaspora to Buy Property in Algeria with a Passport

For Algerians living abroad who wish to purchase real estate in Algeria, the process can be streamlined by following clear steps, making informed choices, and understanding financial aspects, including prices in Algerian dinars (DZD) and euros (EUR). This practical guide outlines how to successfully buy property in Algeria using a passport as identification.

Steps to Buy Property in Algeria

1. Define Your Project and Budget
   Start by clarifying your needs: type of property (apartment, house, land), location (Algiers, Oran, Tizi-Ouzou, etc.), and purpose (vacation home, rental investment, or relocation). Set a budget that includes property prices, additional costs (notary fees, taxes), and financing options. Check platforms like J’achète en Algérie or PAP.fr for price insights.

2. Search for a Property
   Browse listings on specialized websites like DZ-immobilier, PAP.fr, or through developers like Bessa Promotion. You can also appoint a trusted relative or a real estate agency specializing in diaspora clients. If possible, visit properties in person or request detailed reports (photos, videos, certificates).

3. Verify Property Documents
   Ensure the property is legally sound by requesting:

   • Title deed and land registry record for existing properties.

   • Building permit and certificate of compliance for off-plan projects.

   • Avoid properties under co-ownership (shared inheritance) to minimize legal risks. Engage a notary to validate the transaction.

4. Use a Passport as Identification
   While the national ID card is preferred in Algeria, the Algerian passport is theoretically accepted for real estate transactions, as it contains the same biometric data and proves nationality. However, acceptance depends on the institution (notary, bank). Confirm with the notary or agency beforehand. If you cannot be present, grant a power of attorney through the Algerian consulate in your country of residence.

5. Finance the Purchase
   Several financing options are available:

   • Self-financing: Pay via bank transfer from a foreign currency account (e.g., Crédit Populaire d’Algérie - CPA). Since 2025, cash payments are prohibited for real estate transactions.

   • Bank loan: Non-resident Algerians can access mortgages from banks like CPA, BNA, or CNEP-Banque, provided they have a monthly income of at least 2,000 EUR (approximately 288,000 DZD at the official rate of 144 DZD/EUR). Loans can cover up to 90% of the property price, with repayment terms of 20 to 40 years and interest rates of 5–7%. A guarantor residing in Algeria may increase the loan amount.

   • Payment plans: Some developers, like Bessa Promotion, offer interest-free installment plans with an initial 30% deposit and payments spread over years.

   • Islamic finance: Since 2025, certain banks offer Sharia-compliant loans for the diaspora, subject to conditions (Algerian nationality, legal capacity, sufficient income).

6. Sign the Sales Contract
   Finalize the transaction with a certified notary, who verifies the property’s legality and registers the deed. Notary fees (registration tax: 5%, land registry tax: 1%) are borne by the buyer. A power of attorney can be used if you cannot attend in person.

7. Post-Purchase Steps

   • Move-in or rental management: If not occupying the property, consider hiring a management agency for rental income.

   • Taxes: Pay property tax and declare rental income if applicable. Tax exemptions may be available for foreign investors.

Property Choices

• Type of Property:

  • Public Promotional Housing (LPP): Reserved for Algerians (including diaspora) who do not own property in Algeria. Available in 24 wilayas with a quota of 2,000 units.

  • New or off-plan properties: Offered by developers like Bessa Promotion or Aymen Promotion. Off-plan purchases carry risks if the developer is unreliable.

  • Second-hand properties: Available through individuals or PAP.fr. Verify documents to avoid disputes.

  • Land for self-build: Ideal for custom projects but requires careful oversight of construction.

• Location:

  • Algiers: High prices (150,000–424,841 DZD/m², or 1,031–2,922 EUR/m²). Suitable for rental investments due to strong demand.

  • Oran: Prices range from 3.81 million DZD (26,500 EUR) for a 3-room apartment to 39 million DZD (270,000 EUR) for a duplex.

  • Tizi-Ouzou, Tlemcen, Tipaza: More affordable, with 3-room apartments starting at 47,000 EUR (6.8 million DZD).

  • Choose areas with amenities (transport, schools, hospitals) for better returns.

• Developer or Seller: Opt for reputable developers (e.g., Bessa Promotion, Aymen Promotion) and avoid lesser-known operators. For private sellers, verify their credibility through a notary.

Prices in DZD and EUR

Prices vary by city, property type, and quality:

• Algiers: 150,000–424,841 DZD/m² (1,031–2,922 EUR/m²). A 65 m² 3-room apartment in Algiers-Centre costs around 88,000 EUR (12.7 million DZD).

• Oran: 3.81 million DZD (26,500 EUR) for a 3-room apartment, up to 39 million DZD (270,000 EUR) for a duplex.

• Tizi-Ouzou: 3-room apartment of 65 m² at 47,000 EUR (6.8 million DZD).

• Tlemcen, Tipaza: 3-room apartments from 47,000–66,000 EUR (6.8–9.5 million DZD).

• Additional costs: Allow 6% of the property price for registration and land registry taxes.

Exchange rate: In 2025, the official rate is approximately 144 DZD/EUR, though the parallel market may offer less favorable rates (up to 190 DZD/EUR). Transactions must be in DZD via official banking channels.

Practical Tips

• Avoid scams: Beware of sellers without a title deed or land registry record. Prioritize notarized transactions.

• Proxy or agency: If you cannot travel, use a notarized power of attorney or hire a diaspora-specialized agency (e.g., Bessa Promotion).

• Fund transfers: Use bank transfers via foreign currency accounts (e.g., CPA) and comply with anti-money laundering regulations.

• Local research: Attend events like the Batimatec expo in Algiers to meet developers and gather up-to-date information.

Conclusion

Purchasing property in Algeria from abroad is achievable with proper planning. The passport can serve as identification, though its acceptance varies by institution. By following these steps, selecting a property suited to your needs, and securing the transaction through a notary, you can invest confidently. Prices remain competitive compared to Europe, and financing options like bank loans or installment plans make property ownership accessible for the diaspora.

Sources

• TSA-Algérie, “Algerian Diaspora: What You Need to Know to Buy Property in Algeria,” May 7, 2024.

• ObservAlgerie, “Buying Property in Algeria: New Measures for the Diaspora in 2025,” December 1, 2024.

• PAP.fr, “Real Estate Listings in Algeria,” 2025.

• J’achète en Algérie, “How to Buy Property in Algeria from Abroad,” May 13, 2025.

• Bessa Promotion, “Tailored Real Estate Solutions for the Diaspora,” May 20, 2025.

• TSA-Algérie, “Buying Property in Algeria: Can a Passport Replace the National ID for the Diaspora?” July 4, 2025.

• TSA-Algérie, X post, March 3, 2025.