Getting your company's round stamp made: when, what it says, what it costs

What the stamp is for

The stamp goes with the manager's signature on company documents: administrative forms, the specimen signature at the bank, quotes, invoices, contracts, employment certificates. It shows that the signatory is committing the company, not themselves. We have found no text requiring businesses to have a particular stamp. It is a deeply rooted administrative and business practice in Algeria: many counters and banks ask for it alongside the signature.

When to have it made

The right time is just after registration. Before that, the trade register number is missing and the company name is not yet final. Just after, you will need it almost at once: for the bank, for some forms and for your first business documents.

1. Registration with the trade register: you receive the extract.
2. Order the stamp from an engraver, with a copy of the extract.
3. Tax office (G n°8 and NIF), ONS (NIS) and CASNOS.
4. Opening the bank account, where the stamp goes with the specimen signature.

What the stamp should show

French, Arabic or both?

The stamp can be in French, in Arabic or in both. Choose according to the documents you sign most often: a bilingual stamp suits a business that works with documents in both languages. In every case, the company name must match the trade register.

What it costs, how long it takes

We have seen a price of about 3,500 DA for a round stamp at an engraver in Algiers. This is not an official rate: the price varies with the engraver, the model (self-inking or with a separate ink pad) and the options. Production time also depends on the engraver: ask when you order.

indicative price seen for a round stamp in Algiers

3,500 DA

of the trade register extract to give the engraver

1 copy

Ordering the stamp, step by step

1. 1

   Prepare a copy of the trade register

   The engraver uses the extract to copy the name, legal form and number. A clear copy or scan is usually enough.

2. 2

   Write the exact text of the stamp

   Company name, legal form, full registered office address, register number. Write the address as it appears on the register, in the chosen language.

3. 3

   Approve the proof

   Check every letter and digit of the proof. A typo on the stamp ends up on all your documents.

4. 4

   Collect and test

   Try it a few times on paper. Keep the stamp somewhere safe: it commits the company, like the manager's signature.

Other useful stamps

• The manager's name stamp: their name and title (Manager), placed next to the signature. Handy for documents they sign often.
• The date stamp: to mark the date you receive mail and invoices.
• A Paid or Received stamp: for settled invoices and documents handed over.

Precautions

• Do not leave the stamp unattended: anyone who has it can make a document look official.
• If it is lost or stolen, tell your bank and your regular partners.
• After a change of registered office or company name entered in the trade register, have the stamp remade.
• Do not use a stamp before registration: the company does not yet exist legally.