Algerians in France can apply for social housing with valid permits

Algerian nationals living regularly in France can apply for social housing, known as HLM, on the same footing as French citizens, according to Algérie 360.

Nationality is not required, so Algerians who hold a valid residence permit can file an application. The condition applies to every adult in the household, not only the applicant.

The Council of State (Conseil d'État) said in 2022 that access conditions are assessed for the whole household. This means that the irregular situation of one adult can block the application for the whole family.

Which residence permits are accepted?

The residence certificate for Algerian nationals is explicitly named in the official list of accepted permits. It allows an application whether the permit is valid for one year or for 10 years.

The list also includes resident cards, multi-year residence cards and temporary residence cards. It also accepts the receipt for an application to renew one of these permits.

Since March, the list also includes the certificate of a favourable decision, handed over while the permit is being made.

However, the receipt for a first permit application is not on the list, except for refugees and people granted subsidiary protection.

Renewing the residence certificate is therefore essential to keep these rights. According to Algérie 360, delays at prefecture offices sometimes make this step harder.

What income limits apply?

Household income must not exceed a ceiling that depends on household size and on the region where the home is.

An application filed in 2026 uses the reference tax income for 2024, shown on the 2025 tax notice.

For a standard social home, called PLUS, the ceiling for one person is 23,403 euros a year outside Île-de-France. In Île-de-France, the ceiling is 26,920 euros.

Very social homes, called PLAI, have lower ceilings of 12,870 euros outside Île-de-France and 14,811 euros in Île-de-France.

Intermediate homes, called PLS, accept incomes up to 30% higher than the PLUS ceiling.

The term 'young household' applies when the combined ages of both partners do not exceed 55 years.

A couple aged 25 and 28, for example, falls into category 3, even without children.

A person with a mobility inclusion card carrying a disability mention moves the household into the higher category.

How to apply

Applicants can check their eligibility with the simulator on the official website in a few minutes.

They enter the household size, the preferred commune and their income. This first check can avoid filing a file that is bound to fail.

Applications are made online at demande-logement-social.gouv.fr, or at the counter of a social landlord or town hall.

Only one application is needed, and applicants can list several preferred communes in it.

Applicants who file online with FranceConnect do not need to attach their identity document. After registration, they receive a unique registration number.