Algerian nationality law is regulated by the
Constitution of Algeria
An Algerian Constitution was first adopted by a referendum in 1963, following the Algerian War of Independence (1954–62); originally, it was to be drafted by a constitutional assembly led by Ferhat Abbas, but this body was sidelined by Algeria' ...
, as amended; the Algerian Nationality Code, and its revisions; and various international agreements to which the country is a signatory. These laws determine who is, or is eligible to be, a national of Algeria. The legal means to acquire
nationality
Nationality is a legal identification of a person in international law, establishing the person as a subject, a ''national'', of a sovereign state. It affords the state jurisdiction over the person and affords the person the protection of the ...
, formal legal membership in a nation, differ from the domestic relationship of rights and obligations between a national and the nation, known as
citizenship
Citizenship is a "relationship between an individual and a state to which the individual owes allegiance and in turn is entitled to its protection".
Each state determines the conditions under which it will recognize persons as its citizens, and ...
. Algerian nationality is typically obtained under the principle of
jus sanguinis, i.e. by birth in Algeria or abroad to parents with Algerian nationality. It can be granted to persons with an affiliation to the country, or to a permanent resident who has lived in the country for a given period of time through naturalisation.
Acquisition of nationality
Nationality can be acquired in Algeria through birth or naturalization.
By birth
* Persons born to at least one parent with Algerian nationality; or
*
Foundlings
Child abandonment is the practice of relinquishing interests and claims over one's offspring in an illegal way, with the intent of never resuming or reasserting guardianship. The phrase is typically used to describe the physical abandonment of a ...
born in the territory of unknown parentage.
By naturalization
Naturalization can be granted to persons who have resided in the territory for a sufficient period of time, seven years, to confirm they understand the customs and traditions of the society. General provisions are that applicants be of good character and in good health, have no criminal history, and are able to support themselves. If nationality is being considered for exceptional service to the nation, there can be no limiting conditions. In the case of a foreign spouse, a couple must have been married for three years and have established a two year residency to apply for naturalization. Muslim law in Algeria prevents full adoption of children. This lack of a
legal parent-child relationship means that children who have been assigned guardians under the
Islamic adoptional jurisprudence, known as ''kafala'', are unable to inherit from a guardian and thus cannot derive parental nationality.
Loss of nationality
Algerians are allowed to