Algeria has significantly improved its business environment in recent years, thanks to digitalisation. Now, “it’s possible to set up a business in 20 minutes”, says Ramdane Bougouffa, president of the National Chamber of Notaries.
No more waiting in line or making repeated trips to the National Business Registry to open your business. Now, everything can be done at the notary office.
“In recent years, the process of starting a business in Algeria has made great progress. With the digitization of the CNRC and the launch of the Sidjilcom platform, any type of company can be established in 20 minutes through the platform,” explained the president of the National Chamber of Notaries in an interview with Echorouk.
Algeria: How to start a business in 20 minutes
He explained that obtaining a company name and issuing a notarial deed stipulating the articles of association of a new company through the Sidjilcom platform takes only a few minutes.
“The application for the company name is made by a notary public, so the operator does not need to go to the National Communications Commission to go through the formalities,” he explained.
Algeria has made it easier and safer to set up a company by centralizing the process of notarization, which is an important step forward in terms of digitalization and the fight against bureaucracy.
“Obviously, these formalities guarantee contractual security for all parties and reduce disputes between businessmen and contractors.
The president of the National Notary Association added: “Even foreign investors find it very convenient to set up a company with the help of a notary, since the notarized contract contains an enforceable formula that protects the partners in the event of a dispute.
Advice for Chinese companies
🟢 Utilizing Local Notary Resources
Avoid running errands on your own by completing your registration through a notary public in a one-stop shop.It is advisable to contact the National Chamber of Notaries of Algeria (such as the Bougouffa presidency mentioned in the article) or partner law firms in advance for compliance support.
🔵 Prioritize digital platforms
Submitting name applications and charters directly using the Sidjilcom platform at the time of registration can be a significant time saver.Note that the platform language may be French or Arabic and a local translator or agent is recommended.
🟣 Valuing the legal effect of notarized contracts
Notarized documents in Algeria are enforceable and can effectively prevent disputes.Chinese enterprises should ensure that key documents, such as articles of association and shareholding agreements, are notarized and that dispute resolution clauses (e.g., international arbitration) are specified.
🟡 Focus on industry restrictions and foreign investment policies
Despite the ease of registration, Algeria still has foreign shareholding restrictions in some sectors (e.g. energy, retail).It is necessary to consult professional organizations in advance to avoid policy risks.
🟠Bridging China-Arab cooperation
Contact the Economic and Commercial Section of the Chinese Embassy in Algeria, Chinese chambers of commerce (e.g., Association of Chinese Enterprises in Algeria) to get the latest investment guides, or exchange experiences with Chinese enterprises (e.g., Huawei, China Construction) that have already landed in Algeria.
Article source: Meet North Africa
