How much does a notary really cost in Algeria for a real estate purchase? The question sounds simple but hides a complex reality: notary fees are not a single line item. They actually bundle fees, registration duties, land registry inscription and various taxes. Here is the full breakdown for 2026, with a worked example on a 30 million DZD purchase.
The 4 items making up "notary fees"
When an Algerian buyer talks about "notary fees", they actually refer to four distinct items, of which only the first really goes to the notary:
- The notary's fees (office compensation)
- Registration duties (tax paid to the State)
- Land registry inscription (paid to the Land Registry)
- Various fees (formalities, copies, stamps, etc.)
Item 1 — Notary's fees
Algerian notary fees are set by tariff decree, periodically updated by the Ministry of Justice. Standard 2026 grid for classic real estate sale:
- Up to 1,000,000 DZD bracket: 1.5%
- 1,000,001 to 5,000,000 DZD bracket: 1.2%
- 5,000,001 to 20,000,000 DZD bracket: 0.9%
- Above 20,000,000 DZD: 0.6%
Fees are computed on the real declared sale price, not DGI value. They are subject to 19% VAT.
Item 2 — Registration duties
This is the biggest item, going entirely to the State. Standard 2026 rate:
- Registration duties: 5% on DGI value
Crucial point: calculated on DGI value, not real sale price. DGI value is generally 20-40% below market. This explains the historical incentive to under-declare purchase price — common but legally risky.
Possible exemptions:
- First-home purchase by first-time buyer (under conditions)
- Property bought via AADL or public promotion
- Transfer between spouses or direct ascendants/descendants (reduced rate)
Item 3 — Land registry inscription
For a property to be officially recognized as new owner's, it must be inscribed at the Land Registry:
- Transfer duties: 1% on DGI value
- Conservator salary: 1,000-5,000 DZD depending on property
Inscription can take 3-6 months after authentic deed signing, but duties must be paid at filing.
Item 4 — Various fees
- Formality fees: 5,000-15,000 DZD
- Fiscal stamps: variable per page count, generally 1,000-3,000 DZD
- Deed copies: 2,000-5,000 DZD per certified copy
- Archive fees: 1,000-2,000 DZD
Worked example: 30,000,000 DZD apartment
Concrete case: an Algiers apartment, real sale price 30,000,000 DZD, estimated DGI value 21,000,000 DZD (30% below, standard gap).
| Item | Calculation base | Rate | Amount (DZD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notary fees (brackets) | 30,000,000 | ~0.82% | 246,000 |
| VAT on fees | 246,000 | 19% | 46,740 |
| Registration duties | 21,000,000 (DGI) | 5% | 1,050,000 |
| Land registry | 21,000,000 (DGI) | 1% | 210,000 |
| Conservator salary | — | — | 3,000 |
| Formality fees | — | — | 10,000 |
| Stamps + copies | — | — | 6,000 |
| TOTAL | — | ~5.2% | 1,571,740 |
Total: about 1.57 million DZD in fees, or 5.2% of purchase price. Notably lower than France's 7-8%, but far from negligible.
Who pays the notary fees in Algeria?
In Algerian law, the buyer pays all notary fees, per article 16 of the Registration Code. The seller only bears their own capital gains tax.
Can notary fees be negotiated?
Notary fees are decree-set: not negotiable. However:
- "Various" fees (formalities, copies) can vary between offices — ask for itemized estimate
- Registration and land registry duties are strictly law-fixed
- Choice of notary office is free — typically the buyer chooses (since they pay)
Notary fees: new vs old property
- New property via approved developer: possible partial exemption (reduced VAT on builder side, standard registration duties)
- Old property: standard tariff
- AADL or social housing: preferential rates
The under-declaration trap
Many Algerian transactions under-declare purchase price to reduce registration duties. This practice is legally risky and economically unfavorable to the buyer long term:
- Tax reassessment risk if DGI detects
- Future capital gains risk: higher tax on resale
- Inheritance dispute risk
- Buyer/seller litigation risk: only deed price stands in court
Our recommendation: declare the real price. Short-term overcost is offset by long-term legal and tax security.
"Notary fees" in Algeria represent about 5% of purchase price. The notary themselves receives only about 1%. The remaining 4% goes to the State.
Special cases: succession, donation, exchange
- Succession: exemption between direct ascendants/descendants and spouse since 2019. Reduced tariff between siblings.
- Donation: 3% on DGI value for direct line donation
- Real estate exchange: 3% registration duties on higher-priced property DGI value
Conclusion: budgeting correctly
When preparing an Algerian real estate purchase, plan 5-6% in fees on top of property price. For 30M DZD: ~1.57M DZD. For 50M DZD: ~2.8M DZD. Funds must be available at signing, typically paid by check or bank transfer to notary.
To prepare your full budget, first launch a free estimate of your target property.