Set up a startup in Algeria: label, criteria, steps

Setting up a startup in Algeria and getting the 'start-up' label

In Algeria, a startup is first an ordinary company under Algerian law (SARL, EURL or SPA) that then obtains the 'start-up' label from the national labelling committee, through the national startup portal. Executive Decree No. 20-254 of 15 September 2020 sets the criteria: a company under eight years old, an innovative business model, no more than 250 employees, and at least 50% of the capital held by natural persons or recognised investors. The label opens access to tax benefits and to the simplified joint-stock company (SPAS).

Content checked on30 October 2026

maximum age to apply for the label: 8 years
employees at most: 250
of capital at least held by natural persons, approved funds or other labelled startups: 50%
label duration, renewable once: 4 years
labels created in 2020: start-up, innovative project, incubator: 3

A startup: a company first, then a label

Algerian law does not create a separate 'startup' legal form. You first set up a standard company, usually a SARL, an EURL or a SPA, following the usual steps (name, articles at the notary, trade register, tax, CASNOS). You then apply for the 'start-up' label to the national labelling committee.

If your project is not yet a company, the 'innovative project' label exists for project founders. Organisations that support young companies can apply for the 'incubator' label.

What the texts say

Label	For whom	What it opens
Start-up	Company under Algerian law, under 8 years old, meeting the art. 11 criteria	Tax benefits set by finance laws, access to the SPAS, dedicated public schemes
Innovative project	Founder whose company is not yet formed	Recognition of the project and access to support schemes
Incubator	Organisation supporting young companies	Official recognition of the organisation
Scale-up	Fast-growing start-up (Decree 25-311)	Scheme set by the 2025 decree

The labels provided for by the texts

What the label brings

Article 69 of the 2020 Finance Law, as worded by article 100 of the 2026 Finance Law, exempts individuals and companies holding the "start-up" label from IRG (income tax), IBS (corporate tax) or IFU (single flat-rate tax), as applicable, for four years from the date the label is granted, extended by two years if the label is renewed. Check with your tax centre how it applies to your case before building it into your financial plan.

The label also gives access to the SPAS, designed for bringing in investors, and to the public financing and support schemes reserved for labelled start-ups.

The steps

1
Choose the legal form
EURL if you are alone, SARL with partners, SPA if you expect many investors. Once labelled, the company can take the SPAS form.
2
Set up the company
Name at the CNRC, registered office, articles at the notary, trade register, NIF, declaration of existence (G No. 8), NIS and CASNOS. Neuron domiciles the registered office in Dely Brahim for 6,000 DA per month.
3
Prepare the label application
Describe the product or service, what makes it innovative, the target market, the team, the capital split and the growth potential. Gather the company documents.
4
Apply on the national startup portal
The application is made online. The portal lists the exact documents to upload.
5
Go before the national labelling committee
The committee reviews the file against the decree's criteria and decides whether to grant the label.
6
Use and renew the label
The label is granted for four years, renewable once, on application through the same portal. Claim the tax benefits with your tax centre.

Documents to prepare

6 documents0 / 6

Which legal form fits your project?

Three questions. You get a recommendation and your starting budget.

Question 1 of 3

Are you starting alone or with others?

Three ways to get it done

Do it yourself with this guide, have your setup forms filled in, or hand us the whole file.

1I do it myself
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Everything you need is on this page: documents, deadlines, a filled-in example.
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2We fill them in for you
Setup form filling
We fill in your business setup forms, for one price. You submit them yourself.
- Beneficial owner declaration
- Trade register, legal person
- G n°8
- NIS application
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Name reservation, articles, trade register, NIF, NIS, CASNOS: we follow the file with you.

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From abroad: 70,000 or 80,000 DA

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Frequently asked questions

What is a start-up under Algerian law?

A company under Algerian law, no more than eight years old, with an innovative business model, employing at most 250 people, with at least 50% of its capital held by natural persons, approved investment funds or other labelled start-ups, and holding the national committee's label (Executive Decree No. 20-254, art. 11).

Must the company exist before applying for the label?

Yes for the 'start-up' label, which targets an existing company. If the company does not exist yet, you can apply for the 'innovative project' label.

How long does the label last?

Four years, renewable once. Renewal is requested on the national startup portal.

What tax benefits does the label bring?

An exemption from IRG, IBS or IFU, as applicable, for four years from the date the label is granted, extended by two years if it is renewed (article 69 of the 2020 Finance Law, as worded by the 2026 Finance Law, art. 100). Confirm with your tax centre what applies to your case.

Which legal form should a startup choose?

An EURL or a SARL to start simply, a SPA if there are many investors. Once labelled, the company can take the SPAS form, which is more flexible for fundraising.

What is the 'Scale-up' label?

A label created by Executive Decree No. 25-311 of 1 December 2025 for fast-growing start-ups. Its conditions are set by that decree.

Can Neuron help me?

Neuron supports the formation of the company and domiciles its registered office in Dely Brahim for 6,000 DA per month. Full support costs 60,000 DA, or 50,000 DA if the company is domiciled at Neuron (official fees excluded).