Is the negative certificate mandatory?

Yes, it is the first document of the file. The notary needs the reserved name to draft the articles of association, and the CNRC requires the certificate when the registration file is filed.

What does the name reservation cost?

On the files handled by UpGrowth in 2026 the trade name costs 1,000 DZD. Fees are set by the CNRC, so check the amount in force before filing.

Does this letter replace the CNRC form?

No. The CNRC processes the request on the basis of its own printed name application. Our template is a cover letter, useful to propose several ranked names, for a filing by an agent, or to keep a written trace of the request.

How many names can I propose?

Our template provides for three, ranked by preference. Proposing several avoids a second trip if the first choice is already taken or refused.

What if the name is refused?

Refusals are usually motivated by similarity with an existing name, use of a reserved term, or inconsistency with the declared activity. Go back to your list, drop the problematic term and file again. It is also the moment to redo a prior-rights search at INAPI.

CNRC negative certificate request letter: the template and the procedure

The cover letter that accompanies your company name reservation request at the Centre National du Registre du Commerce. Three ranked names, the enclosures to attach, and what the letter does not replace. Free Word download, no sign-up.

Content verified on July 30, 2026Our methodology

ByÉquipe UpGrowth, Experts création d'entreprise et formalités CNRC

Published on July 30, 2026

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Lettre de demande de dénomination et de certificat négatif

Word file (.docx) · 2 pages · Document in French · No sign-up, no email required

Download the Word template

Drafting template only. It does not replace your notary and is not legal advice.

What the negative certificate is

The negative certificate is the document by which the CNRC certifies that no already registered business trades under the name you are applying for. It is a proof of availability, not a title of ownership: it reserves the name while you incorporate, it does not grant you trademark rights over it.

In practice it is the very first document of the file. Without it a notary cannot draft your articles of association, since the company name appears in them. And without articles, no registration. The negative certificate opens the whole incorporation chain.

The application is filed at a CNRC counter or online through the SIDJILCOM portal. On the files we handled in 2026, the trade name costs 1,000 DZD.

What our letter template contains

Full identification of the applicant: name, address, phone, email and identity document number.
The purpose of the request, stated without ambiguity: name reservation and issuance of the negative certificate.
The intended legal form and main activity, with the matching CNRC activity code.
Three proposed names in order of preference. The CNRC keeps the first available one, which avoids a second trip if the first choice is taken.
The address of the intended registered office, with commune and wilaya.
The list of enclosures, including the power of attorney if an agent files on your behalf.
An undertaking not to infringe any prior right, in particular any registered trademark.

What the letter does not replace

The CNRC issues the negative certificate on the basis of its own printed name application, filed at the counter or through SIDJILCOM. Our template is a cover letter, useful when an agent files the request, when you want to propose several names in a defined order, or simply to keep a dated written trace.

It therefore does not replace the official form. If you are looking for how to complete that form, our dedicated CNRC name application page walks through each field.

Choosing a name that clears the first time

Check prior rights with INAPI before getting attached to a name. A registered trademark prevails over a mere trade name entered in the register, and a conflict discovered after registration costs far more than a prior search.
Avoid names too close to an existing sign in the same sector. Phonetic similarity is often enough to justify a refusal.
Rule out reserved terms or wording likely to mislead about the nature of the activity, for instance terms suggesting a regulated activity you do not carry out.
Keep the name consistent with the declared corporate purpose. An obvious mismatch between the name and the activity code can block the file.
Prepare three proposals rather than one. It is the single reflex that saves the most time at this step.

Filing the application

Two routes exist: the CNRC branch covering the intended registered office, or the online portal sidjilcom.cnrc.dz. Procedures, required documents and fees are published by the CNRC and can change, so check the official site before travelling.

Bring a valid identity document, the completed and signed application form, and the receipt for the fees. If you appoint an agent, add the power of attorney.

The validity period of the reservation is stated on the certificate handed to you. Note it, and schedule the notary appointment inside that window so you do not have to file again.

After the negative certificate

With the certificate in hand the next step is the notary, who executes the articles of association as a notarial deed, carrying the company name exactly as reserved. A spelling difference between the certificate and the articles is enough for the CNRC filing to be rejected, so read that line word for word.

Then come the BOAL publication of the incorporation notice, the deposit of the released portion of the capital, and the registration in the trade register. Our incorporation checklist recaps the seven steps and the documents required at each one.

À noter

Faire vérifier ma dénomination

3 noms au lieu d'un seul : c'est le réflexe qui économise le plus de temps sur cette étape. Le CNRC retient la première dénomination disponible, un refus sur un nom unique impose un second déplacement.