Algiers: what to see and whether to move there

Is it worth moving to Algiers in 2026

Algiers is the capital of Africa's largest country by area, a white city on hills above the Mediterranean with an Ottoman casbah, French boulevards and one of the lowest costs of living on the coast. Rent, transport and fuel cost a fraction of European prices, and Marseille and Paris are about two hours away by plane. The country is closed, though: Russian citizens need a visa, there is no investor residence, and the dinar cannot be freely exchanged or taken abroad. The city suits those invited to work by a local or foreign company, those opening a business, people with family ties to Algeria and specialists in oil and gas or construction.

There are few foreigners compared with neighbouring Tunisia and Morocco, so there is hardly any established newcomer community: things get done through the employer, partners and personal connections. For those with such a project, life is much cheaper, and demand for foreign specialists in energy, construction and medicine has held for years.

Cost of living in Algiers

Prices come from two independent price databases for 2026 and are shown at the official rate, about 134.5 dinars per dollar in early October 2026. A square metre in the centre costs about $2,510. These are city averages: apartments for foreigners in Hydra, El Biar and Ben Aknoun with security, furniture and a generator rent for several times more, usually $600 to $1,100 a month.

Where to live in Algiers: neighbourhoods

• Hydra - green district of embassies and villas on the hills, the main choice of foreigners and the highest prices.
• El Biar - quiet streets next to Hydra with shops, cafés and schools.
• Ben Aknoun and Dely Ibrahim - residential areas in the west with newer buildings and the university.
• Chéraga - western suburb closer to the sea with new residential complexes and malls.
• Bab Ezzouar - business district near the airport with offices, hotels and a mall.
• Centre - Didouche Mourad street and French boulevards by the port, atmospheric but noisy and congested.

The city sits on steep hills, so a rush-hour trip between districts can take over an hour. Those working in Bab Ezzouar are better off in the east of the city, and families with children in international schools in Hydra or El Biar.

Entry and residence

Russian citizens need a visa to enter Algeria, issued in advance by a consulate on the basis of an invitation from a company or partner or a tourist booking. For long-term living, residence is obtained through an employment contract with a work permit, as a manager or founder of a company, through marriage to an Algerian citizen or as a family member of a foreign resident. Documents are filed at the place of residence, and renewal depends on the job or business continuing.

Algeria has no separate residence for remote workers, retirees or investors, and buying property does not grant the right to live in the country either. The route almost always goes through a job or your own company, so it starts with choosing the basis and checking the documents.

Taxes in Algeria

Income tax is progressive and withheld from salary by the employer. Residents pay tax on worldwide income, non-residents only on Algerian income. Corporate tax depends on the activity: 19% for manufacturing, 23% for construction and tourism and 26% for the rest. The standard VAT rate is 19%, the reduced rate 9%. Since 2020 foreigners may fully own a company in all sectors except strategic ones such as oil and gas, mining, defence and pharmaceutical industries, ports and railways.

Buying and renting property

Foreigners can buy apartments and houses in Algeria, the deal is executed by a notary and registered in the land register, so the property must have a clean title. Agricultural land is not sold to foreigners. Payment goes through a bank in dinars, so it is important to know in advance how you will bring money in and whether you will be able to take sale proceeds out later.

Leases usually run for a year, and landlords often ask for several months or even a year upfront. Apartments for foreigners are found through companies and acquaintances: good housing in Hydra and El Biar rarely reaches open listings. Before signing, check the title, water supply, the generator and the building's condition.

Climate and daily life

Mediterranean climate: hot dry summers around 30-33 degrees and mild rainy winters around 10-17 degrees. The official languages are Arabic and Berber, French is widely used in business, documents and medicine, and English is spoken mainly by young professionals. The city has a metro, tram, cable cars up the hills, buses and taxis, but many drive: petrol costs about $0.32-0.34 a litre. There are private clinics and French and international schools, and many go abroad for complex treatment. Alcohol is sold in limited places, and life is more conservative than in Tunisia.

Pitfalls

• A visa is required and is issued in advance by a consulate.
• No residence for investors, remote workers or retirees.
• The dinar is not freely convertible, and the street rate is well above the official one.
• Banks tightly control bringing money in and taking it out.
• Bureaucracy and documents in Arabic or French.
• Housing for foreigners costs far more than city averages.

Murblz specialists choose the basis for residence and help with the company, work permit and property checks. A consultant in the chat will calculate the cost of support.