What are the conditions for a foreign national to enter Tunisia?
- Entry through one of the official border crossing points.
- Holding a valid national passport.
- Obtaining an entry visa issued by the Tunisian authorities, for nationals of countries subject to this requirement.
How long can a foreign national stay in Tunisia?
- Stays not exceeding three uninterrupted months, or six non-consecutive months in one year: no residence permit is required.
- Stays exceeding three uninterrupted months, or six non-consecutive months in one year: a temporary residence card is required. Its validity corresponds to the length of the stay, but it may not exceed one year, except with special authorisation from the Minister of the Interior.
- Stays exceeding one year: an ordinary residence permit must be obtained, valid for two years and renewable. It is granted to foreign nationals born in Tunisia who have resided there without interruption; to foreign nationals who have been legally resident in Tunisia for five uninterrupted years; to foreign women married to Tunisian men; to foreign nationals who have Tunisian children; to foreign nationals who have rendered valuable services to Tunisia.
Can a foreign national engage in paid work in Tunisia?
A foreign national may only practise a profession or carry on an activity in Tunisia if authorised to do so by the competent authorities. However, the legislation on investment incentives allows foreign nationals to carry on certain activities. Seek advice on this point in order to benefit from the advantages granted to investors.
Can a foreign national acquire real property in Tunisia?
Agricultural property: a general prohibition bars foreign nationals from owning agricultural land in Tunisia. A foreign national who is the heir of a Tunisian owner of agricultural land cannot inherit that land. Seek advice to safeguard your interests.
Non-agricultural property: foreign nationals are not prohibited from owning property intended for residential, commercial, industrial or tourism use. However, the acquisition is subject to certain conditions. If the acquisition is made as part of an investment operation, specific conditions must be met in order to benefit from the advantages offered by the legislation on investment incentives.
A secure, valid and advantageous property transaction
With the support of our firm, you can be assured of a property transaction (purchase, sale or other) that is:
- Secure: by supporting you throughout the contract negotiation process, we will provide you with all the relevant data and information on the legal status of the property you wish to acquire, as well as on the situation of the other contracting party. With full insight into the situation, you will have all the information you need to make the right decision in complete security.
- Valid: deeds relating to real property generally require specific formalities and cannot be drafted freely by the parties. By assisting you in drafting the deeds of sale, we guarantee you a formally valid deed.
- Advantageous: when considering a property transaction in Tunisia, several provisions of Tunisian legislation that can have a considerable impact on the cost of the operation must be taken into account. The tax burden can be minimised by taking care to meet the conditions required to obtain the advantages and exemptions provided for by law. Foreign exchange regulations are of paramount importance in any property investment if the funds used are of foreign origin: we provide you with all the relevant and precise information that guarantees compliance with the foreign exchange provisions and, above all, the repatriation of the proceeds of your transactions.