Tunisia (TN)

North Africa's most Mediterranean country, Tunisia blends Carthaginian ruins, Saharan Desert, and French-influenced cafés with a warm, hospitable culture.

Capital: Tunis

Region: Africa

Language: Arabic

Currency: TND (DT)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 28)

Emergency: 197

Jobs & Work Permits

Everything you need to find work and get authorised to work in Tunisia.

Agence Nationale pour l'Emploi et le Travail Indépendant

ANETI

Register at any ANETI regional office or online at emploi.nat.tn. Bring passport or Titre de Séjour, CV, and diplomas. Registration is free. ANETI also coordinates the Autorisation de Travail (work permit) process for foreign workers — employers apply on your behalf through ANETI.

Services offered:

✓National job listings and matching
✓Work permit (Autorisation de Travail) processing for non-Tunisian workers
✓Career counselling and CV workshops
✓Vocational training referrals (CENAFFIF centres)
✓Support for startup creation and self-employment (Emploi Indépendant)
✓Internship (stage) coordination with companies
✓Unemployment benefit (rare — primarily for those who contributed to CNSS)

Expat eligibility: Foreign workers must obtain an Autorisation de Travail (work permit) before starting employment in Tunisia. The employer applies to ANETI; it is not a self-application process. The work permit is issued only if no Tunisian candidate was found for the role. Holders of a Titre de Séjour (residence permit) linked to employment must have a matching work permit. Spouses of employed foreigners do not automatically receive work authorisation.

Visit Agence Nationale pour l'Emploi et le Travail Indépendant

💼 Work Permits

EU Citizens

EU citizens do not have special freedom-of-movement rights in Tunisia — the same work permit requirements apply as for all non-Tunisian nationals. EU citizenship provides no automatic work authorisation. An Autorisation de Travail from ANETI is required before starting work.

Non-EU Citizens

All non-Tunisian nationals require an Autorisation de Travail (work permit) to work legally in Tunisia. The employer applies to ANETI, demonstrating that no Tunisian candidate was available for the role. The work permit is tied to a specific employer and role — change of employer requires a new work permit. A Titre de Séjour (residence permit) for work is issued by DGPC (Direction Générale des Passeports et de l'Immigration) after the work permit is approved.

EU Blue Card

Tunisia does not participate in the EU Blue Card scheme. There is no equivalent fast-track work permit for highly qualified foreign workers. However, investment-related or senior management positions may receive expedited approval through the APII (Agence de Promotion de l'Industrie et de l'Innovation) for Offshore sector companies (Article 3 regime).

Freelancer Visa

There is no formal freelancer or self-employment visa in Tunisia for foreigners. Non-Tunisian nationals who wish to be self-employed or run a business must establish a Tunisian legal entity (SUARL minimum DT 1,000 capital) and obtain a work permit as a director. Offshore company status (régime offshore) under the Investment Code 2016 provides significant advantages for export-oriented businesses.

⏱️ Work Culture

Typical hours 40 hours/week (standard under the Code du Travail). Business hours: Mon–Fri 8am–5pm (winter); 7am–2pm (summer — June–September). Lunch breaks are taken seriously (12:30–2pm). Ramadan: shortened working hours legislated (typically 6 hours/day).

Annual leave Minimum 1 working day per month of service = 12 days/year for those with less than 5 years seniority; 16 days for 5–10 years; 18 days for 10+ years. Many employers in modern sectors offer 20–25 days. Plus 9–13 public holidays per year.

Sick leave First 3 days: often employer-paid by contract. From day 4 onwards: CNSS pays a daily allowance (50% of average wage for ordinary illness; 66.67% for work accidents). Maximum 6 months paid sick leave in a 12-month period.

Trial period Période d'essai: 3 months for employees (OUVRIERS), 4 months for supervisors (MAÎTRISE), 6 months for senior staff and managers (CADRES). Termination during trial period requires only 48-hour notice from either party.

Notice period Notice periods set by sector collective agreements (conventions collectives) or contract. Standard: 1 month for monthly-paid employees; 8 days for weekly/daily paid workers. Longer notice for senior staff — up to 3 months in some sectors. Always check your specific sectoral convention.

Salary range SMIG (minimum wage, 2026): approximately TND 448/month (40-hour week) or TND 528/month (48-hour week). Average educated professional: DT 1,200–2,500/month. Senior manager/specialist: DT 3,000–6,000/month. IT and tech: DT 2,000–5,000/month. Offshore sector (export companies) salaries are sometimes USD/EUR-denominated. Salaries are modest by European standards but purchasing power is maintained by low cost of living.

Pay frequency Monthly, paid at the end of the month. Mandatory 13th month (prime de fin d'année) is customary in many sectors but not legally required unless specified in a convention collective or individual contract.

Contract types

·CDI (Contrat à Durée Indéterminée — permanent)
·CDD (Contrat à Durée Déterminée — fixed-term, max 4 years total)
·SIVP (Stage d'Initiation à la Vie Professionnelle — for graduates, subsidised by the state)
·Contrat de Travail Intérimaire (temporary via agency)
·Sous-traitance (subcontract — for offshore/freelance arrangements)

🔍 Job Boards

Tanitjobs

Tunisia's leading job board with thousands of listings in Arabic, French, and some English roles. Covers all sectors.

Keejob

Growing in Tunisia especially for multinational companies, tech, and startup roles. English and French listings.

Monster Tunisia

International job board with Tunisian listings, skewed toward larger employers.

Optioncarriere

French-language job board used widely across Francophone Africa including Tunisia.

BTP Recrutement / BSTP

Specialist boards for construction and engineering roles — significant sectors in Tunisia.

APII Portal

Agence de Promotion de l'Industrie et de l'Innovation — useful for business-related roles and investment.

🌍 Expat-Friendly Resources

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Tunisia Expat Community (Facebook)

Active Facebook groups where expats share job leads, advice, and business contacts. Search "Expats in Tunisia" and city-specific groups.

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AIESEC Tunisia

International student/graduate work exchange programmes. Relevant for younger expats.

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French Chamber of Commerce in Tunisia (CCFT)

Networking events and business connections for French-speaking professionals.

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AmCham Tunisia

American Chamber of Commerce — networking for US-connected professionals and multinationals.

📝 Application Tips

CV format: Tunisian CV (Curriculum Vitae) follows the French format: include a professional photo, civil status (optional), education in reverse-chronological order, work experience, and language skills. 1–2 pages. Cover letter (lettre de motivation) in French is expected for professional positions. In Arabic for roles in public sector or traditional companies.

Cover letter: Expected

Language: French is the primary business language in Tunisia and required for most professional positions. Arabic is the official language and required for public sector roles and legal documentation. English is growing in importance, especially in IT, offshore call centres, multinationals, and tourism. German, Italian, and Spanish skills are valued in offshore sectors serving European markets.

Interviews: Relationship and formality-oriented. Arrive on time or slightly early. Dress formally. Bring certified copies of all diplomas, degree certificates, and a professional CV. Expect questions about family situation (common in Tunisia). Negotiation of salary is expected — counter-offers are normal. Decisions may take several weeks; follow up politely by phone or email.

🤝 Networking Tips

→Tunisian business culture is highly relationship-based — personal introductions carry more weight than cold applications.
→Join LinkedIn and connect with Tunisian professionals in your sector.
→Attend French Chamber of Commerce (CCFT) events and sectoral association events.
→The Alliance Française and Institut Français Tunisia host professional networking events.
→Expat Facebook groups (Expats in Tunisia, Tunis Expats) are active and reliable for job leads and professional contacts.
→InterNations Tunis chapter organises regular networking events.

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