Moving House from Saudi Arabia to Algeria: The Change of Residence Certificate, the Right Container and the Stages | 0551247117
Moving your home furniture from Saudi Arabia to Algeria by sea: the change of residence certificate and furniture exemption for returnees, choosing the container, the stages of the move, sea packing and arrival ports.
Moving a whole house from Saudi Arabia to Algeria is a long sea voyage from Jeddah through the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean, which can take more than three weeks before clearance and inland transport. For Algerians returning permanently, there is a regime that allows household furniture to be imported without duties within limits set by law, through the “change of residence certificate” issued by the consulate. In this guide we explain choosing the container, the conditions of the change of residence certificate, the stages from survey to assembly, packing for a long voyage, and the arrival ports.
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- The change of residence certificate for returnees
- Choosing the container
- The stages from survey to assembly
- Arrival ports
- Practical considerations
- Frequently asked questions
- Is my furniture exempt from duties on returning to Algeria?
- Where do I get the change of residence certificate?
- How long does the sea voyage take?
- Which container suits a two-bedroom apartment?
- Which Algerian port should I choose?
- Are new appliances included in the exemption?
The change of residence certificate for returnees
Algerian consulates — including the Consulate General in Jeddah — state that Algerian citizens registered with the consulate who prove residence abroad for at least three uninterrupted years and wish to return permanently can import the items and belongings that make up their household furniture without paying duties and fees, within the amount set by law, through the change of residence certificate.
Choosing the container
| Home size | Usually suitable | Approximate volume |
|---|---|---|
| Studio or one-bedroom | Shared shipping | 8 to 12 m³ |
| Two-bedroom apartment | 20ft container | 15 to 20 m³ |
| Three-bedroom apartment | A full 20ft or a 40ft container | 22 to 30 m³ |
| Small villa | 40ft container | 35 to 45 m³ |
| Large villa | A full 40ft or more | 50 m³ and up |
The stages from survey to assembly
Arrival ports
Practical considerations
- Electricity in Algeria is about 230 V and 50 Hz, and plugs are usually European, so you may need plug adapters.
- New appliances in their boxes may fall outside the exempted household furniture.
- A car has separate procedures and conditions, so check them before including it in the plan.
- Keep original documents with you, not in the container.
For the destination page see shipping to Algeria.
Frequently asked questions
Is my furniture exempt from duties on returning to Algeria?
Household furniture can be imported without duties within limits set by law through the change of residence certificate, with conditions including at least three uninterrupted years of residence abroad.
Where do I get the change of residence certificate?
From the Algerian consulate or embassy where you are registered, such as the Consulate General in Jeddah.
How long does the sea voyage take?
It can take more than three weeks, then clearance and inland transport.
Which container suits a two-bedroom apartment?
Usually a 20ft container.
Which Algerian port should I choose?
The one closest to your city: Algiers, Oran, Annaba or another, depending on the lines available.
Are new appliances included in the exemption?
They may fall outside the exempted household furniture, so check them before shipping.
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