Do Algerian citizens need a TB test for a UK visa?

Yes. Algeria is on the Home Office list of countries requiring tuberculosis screening. You must get tested at an IOM-approved clinic before applying for your visa.

Do Algerian citizens need to prove English language ability?

Yes. Algeria is not on the Home Office list of majority English-speaking countries (despite significant French and Arabic use). Algerian applicants must pass an approved SELT test for most visa routes.

How do I get an Algerian police certificate for a UK visa?

Apply for a casier judiciaire (extrait du casier judiciaire no. 3) from the tribunal in your place of birth or from the Ministry of Justice in Algiers. Processing takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks.

How much does it cost to move to the UK from Algeria?

A Skilled Worker visa costs £719 to £1,420 plus IHS of £1,035 per year. Including English test, TB test, police certificate, and translations, budget approximately 400,000 to 800,000 DZD for the visa process before relocation costs.

Moving to the UK from Algeria: Guide 2026

Algeria has a small but growing community in the UK, primarily concentrated in London. Algerian nationals need a visa to enter the UK for any purpose other than transit. This guide covers the main visa routes, document requirements including the TB test and casier judiciaire, and costs in Algerian dinar.

Visa Routes for Algerian Citizens

Algerian nationals need a visa to enter the UK. The main routes are:

Skilled Worker visa. Requires a job offer from a UK licensed sponsor at the minimum salary threshold of £38,700.
Student visa. With a CAS from a licensed UK institution. See the student visa guide. Popular among Algerian students studying engineering, business, and sciences.
Family visa. If your spouse or partner is a British citizen or settled person. See the spouse visa guide.
Graduate route. After completing a UK degree, the Graduate route provides 2 years of work permission.

Document Requirements

Valid Algerian passport. Must be valid for the duration of your intended stay.
TB test certificate. Algeria is on the designated list. Get tested at an IOM-approved clinic before applying.
Casier judiciaire. A criminal record extract (no. 3) from the tribunal in your place of birth or the Ministry of Justice in Algiers. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Certified English translation. All Arabic and French documents must be translated into English by a certified translator.
English language test. SELT test at the required level (B1 for Skilled Worker, A1 for initial spouse visa). Tests are available at centres in Algiers.

Costs in Algerian Dinar

Skilled Worker visa fee: £719 to £1,420 (approximately 130,000 to 270,000 DZD)
IHS (per year): £1,035 (approximately 185,000 DZD)
English language test: approximately 30,000 to 40,000 DZD
TB test: approximately 15,000 to 20,000 DZD
Police certificate: minimal cost
Certified translations: approximately 10,000 to 30,000 DZD

For a 3-year Skilled Worker visa with IHS, budget approximately 700,000 to 1,200,000 DZD. See our UK visa fees guide for the full breakdown.

The Algerian Community in the UK

The Algerian community in the UK is relatively small compared to Algerian populations in France or Belgium, but is concentrated in London (particularly in north and east London), Manchester, and Birmingham. Community organisations and the Algerian embassy in London can provide support to new arrivals.

After Arrival

Collect your BRP within 10 days
Apply for a National Insurance number
Register with a GP
Open a UK bank account
Understand your employment rights

Path to Settlement

After 5 years on a qualifying visa, you can apply for ILR. After 12 months with ILR, you can apply for British citizenship. Algeria permits dual citizenship, so you can hold both Algerian and British passports.

Next Steps

Check whether you meet the requirements for a Skilled Worker visa or student visa. For official information, visit the British Embassy Algiers page and the GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa page.