Algeria spouse visa and residence

Algerian missions handle spouses under the family visa. They accept a copy of the consular registration card of the Algerian spouse if they are registered with the mission, or otherwise an invitation certified by the local authorities in Algeria naming the inviting spouse, their address and the relationship. Add a copy of the spouse's ID, proof of the marriage, two forms with photos and a passport valid for six months.

A marriage between an Algerian and a foreigner in Algeria requires a prior administrative authorisation issued by the wali. The couple files it at the Directorate of Regulation and General Affairs of the wilaya where the Algerian partner lives if the foreigner is in Algeria temporarily, or of the wilaya where the foreigner lives if they reside permanently. An absent partner can be represented by an ordinary power of attorney.

The foreign partner provides the form, three photos, a birth certificate, a certificate of non-marriage (or equivalent), a passport copy, proof of where they are staying (accommodation certificate, hotel booking) or a copy of their resident card, a certificate of capacity to marry from their embassy or home authorities, and a criminal record from their country legalised by its consulate with an Arabic copy. For a foreign man the ministry also lists a certificate of conversion to Islam. The authorisation is valid for one year and is not itself a marriage certificate.

To stay longer than the family visa, the foreign spouse applies to the police for a resident card at least 15 days before the visa expires, with the standard file (form, birth certificate, five photos, fiscal stamp, medical certificate, passport copy and tenancy contract). If the spouse will not work, proof of means of subsistence is added; to work, a work authorisation is required as for any foreigner.

A foreigner married to an Algerian for at least two years, under a lawful marriage and actually living together, has 30 days instead of five to challenge an expulsion order, and the appeal suspends it. The judge can also suspend the expulsion of a foreign parent who contributes to the upkeep of a minor Algerian child living in Algeria. For the 10-year resident card, the marriage certificate registered with the Algerian civil registry or consulate is the legal justification the ministry asks for.