The auto-entrepreneur status: work legally as a freelancer in Algeria

Many Algerian freelancers work without any status, out of habit or because they think the paperwork is complicated. Since 2024, there is a simple way to work legally on your own: the auto-entrepreneur status. Here is what it is, who it is for, what it costs and how to get it.

What the status is

The auto-entrepreneur regime was created by law 22-23 of December 2022 and is managed by the Agence nationale de l'auto-entrepreneur (ANAE). Registration and the auto-entrepreneur card have been available on an online platform since January 2024. By May 2025, more than 30,000 cards had been delivered, according to the Ministry in charge of the knowledge economy and startups.

The status is meant for people who work alone, with a small turnover, in activities listed by the agency. Digital services, training, at-home services, leisure, culture and communication are among the eligible fields. Regulated professions (medical, legal, some crafts) are excluded.

Who it is for

• Designers, developers, marketers, community managers, video editors, translators and other digital freelancers.
• Trainers and coaches who work on their own.
• Anyone whose annual turnover stays under the status ceiling: 5 million dinars per year. Above it for three years in a row, you have to move to another form, such as a company.

What it costs

As reported by the specialised press in 2026, an auto-entrepreneur pays the IFU (impôt forfaitaire unique) at 0.5% of turnover, with a minimum of 10,000 dinars a year. Social security is separate: you are affiliated to the CASNOS, with an annual contribution option of 24,000 dinars set by decree 24-49 of January 2024.

Concretely, a freelancer who invoices 1,200,000 dinars in a year pays 6,000 dinars of IFU, which means the minimum of 10,000 dinars applies, plus the CASNOS contribution. That is far lighter than most people imagine.

How to get it, step by step

• Check that your activity is on the list on the ANAE platform. Each activity has its own code.
• Create your account and apply online with your national ID and proof of residence.
• Receive your auto-entrepreneur card.
• Register with the tax office to get your tax identification number, within the deadline given with the card.
• Join the CASNOS shortly after starting your activity.
• Open a professional bank account if you need one. Auto-entrepreneurs are exempt from the commercial register: the card, an ID and proof of residence are enough.

Clients abroad and foreign currency

Many Algerian freelancers also work for foreign clients. According to TSA, auto-entrepreneurs who export their services can keep 100% of the foreign-currency revenue from these exports, under a Bank of Algeria note from 2021. This is a strong reason to work under the status rather than without one.

When another form makes more sense

If your activity grows beyond the ceiling, if you hire people or if you build a product rather than selling your time, a company or the startup label may suit you better. Labelled startups are exempt from IRG, IBS or IFU for four years, and can apply for funding from the Algerian Startup Fund.

Why it matters for your clients

Businesses increasingly ask for a legal invoice. With a card and a tax number, you can work with companies, schools, agencies and institutions that could not hire you before. It also shows that you take your work seriously.

The rules above come from official texts and specialised press, and they can change. Always check the details with the ANAE, the tax administration (DGI) and the CASNOS before deciding. This article is not legal or tax advice.