RETURNING TO ALGERIA – CERTIFICATE OF CHANGE OF RESIDENCY (CCR)
If you are planning to return permanently to Algeria, you may import your personal belongings, including a new vehicle, free of customs duties and taxes, by applying for a Certificate of Change of Residency (CCR).
📝 What is the CCR?
The CCR is a special certificate issued to Algerian citizens residing abroad who are returning to Algeria permanently. It allows you to bring your personal effects and one new vehicle without incurring customs duties or undergoing foreign trade procedures.
✅ Who is Eligible?
To apply for the CCR:
- You must be registered with the Embassy
- You must prove at least 3 years of continuous legal residency in the U.S.
- You must not have received a CCR before, as it is issued only once and exclusively to the head of the family.
⏳ Validity
- The CCR is valid for 6 months from the date it is issued.
- Extensions are not allowed unless approved by Algerian Customs.
💸 Value Limits
- Students & trainees: Up to 8,000,000 DZD
- All others: Up to 10,000,000 DZD
- The equivalent value in foreign currency can be found on the Bank of Algeria's website
🚗 What Type of Vehicle Can You Bring with a CCR?
If you have a Certificate of Change of Residence (CCR), you are allowed to import only one vehicle, under the following conditions:
🚗 Gasoline/Hybrid:
✅ No fees (≤1.8L) | 🟡 20% (1.8–2.0L) | 🟠 50% (2.0–2.5L) | 🔴 100% (>2.5L)
🔧 Diesel/Hybrid:
✅ No fees (≤2.0L) | 🟡 20% (2.0–2.5L) | 🟠 50% (2.5–3.0L) | 🔴 100% (>3.0L)
🚛 Commercial:
✅ No fees (≤5,950 kg) | 🔴 100% (>5,950 kg)
⚡ Electric / 🏍️ Motorcycles & Quads:
✅ No fees
🚫 Not allowed: Boats, inflatables, or recreational watercraft (applicant is fully responsible if included)
📬 How to Apply
- Applications can be submitted in person or by mail
- No appointment is required
📂 Required Documents
- CCR Application Form
- Inventory list of personal belongings
- Original Consular Registration Card
- Copy of all Algerian passport pages
- Copy of proof of legal U.S. residency
- Original and a copy of the vehicle registration documents
- Original and a copy of the car invoice
- Proof of employment or student status
- Applicable fees: $50 + 400 DA per 10,000 DA declared (50% discount for students). Contact us for the exact total.
⚠️ Important Notes
- The CCR holder must be present for customs clearance in Algeria
- Power of Attorney is not allowed
- Once the CCR is issued, your consular registration will be canceled & to register again, you must wait 6 months and submit a new registration file
CHANGE OF RESIDENCE WITH BUSINESS TRANSFER OR NEW ACTIVITY IN ALGERIA
Algerian nationals returning to Algeria for professional reasons, whether to transfer an existing business or create a new one, may benefit from customs exemptions and foreign trade formalities waivers.
This exemption allows for the duty-free import of materials and equipment intended for the approved activity, as long as the activity is authorized under Algerian law.
🛠️ Eligible Equipment
- All materials and equipment must be either new or refurbished with a warranty valid on the day they arrive in Algeria.
- Transport vehicles (e.g., trucks, trailers, concrete mixers, or other special-purpose vehicles) must be brand new and intended for a registered commercial activity in Algeria.
📑 Required Documents
- Proof of registration with:
- The National Center of Commerce Registry
- The Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Business license issued by the competent Algerian authorities
- Proof of business activity abroad during the last 3 years before your return
- A sworn statement committing not to sell, lend, or transfer the imported materials or equipment for three (03) years, unless all customs duties and taxes are paid
⚖️ Legal Reference
This right is granted under Executive Decree No. 99-188 dated August 10, 1999, governing the importation of personal property during a change of residence.