The first document in almost every Algerian estate, the fredha sets who inherits and in what shares. What it contains, how to request it, which mistakes to avoid.
A death occurs, a property must be shared: before any sale, transfer or discussion between heirs, you must establish who inherits. In Algeria, this proof is called the fredha, a deed drawn up before a notary that names the heirs and sets their shares.
What the fredha is for
- Proving heir status to banks, administrations, land registry services and buyers.
- Fixing each person's share under Algerian family law, which prevents later disputes.
- Opening the following steps: estate declaration, partition, sale of a property, recovery of assets.
How to obtain it (indicative)
- Gather the documents: death certificate, birth and civil-status records of the heirs, the deceased's family record book, ID documents, sometimes witnesses.
- Go to a notary in Algeria. If you live abroad, an agent holding a proper power of attorney can do it for you.
- Have the deed drawn up, then obtain enough certified copies.
Mistakes that are costly
- A forgotten heir: the deed can be challenged and the partition reopened years later.
- Inconsistent civil-status records (names, dates, spellings) between countries: they block the file.
- A power of attorney that is too general or badly authenticated: the notary will refuse it.
- Waiting too long: some heirs disappear, some documents become impossible to find.
Timelines and costs
Timelines depend on the notary and on how complete the file is: from a few days to several weeks (indicative). Fees are to be confirmed with the notary.
Our advice
Make the fredha your first goal, before any discussion about partition. In our Estate and Transmission pack, we prepare the documents, draft the powers of attorney and follow the deed through to delivery of the copies.
Succession & Estate Package
Unlock an inheritance in Algeria from abroad.
