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
Premium
Professional Services
Finding lawyers, accountants, doctors and other professionals in Tunisia.
Professional services in Tunisia are generally affordable by European standards and competent, particularly in Tunis where many professionals have French or international qualifications. Always request a written fee agreement (devis or convention d'honoraires) before engaging any professional. French is the working language for most professional services — English-language services are limited to larger international firms and some Tunis city-centre practices.
Language options: French is the primary professional services language in Tunisia. Arabic is used in courts and official documents. English-speaking professionals exist in Tunis (particularly around Lac de Tunis/Berges du Lac business district) and some international law and accounting firms. The Institut Français and AmCham Tunisia can provide referrals for English-language professionals.
Immigration Lawyer (Avocat spécialisé en droit des étrangers)
DT 200–600 for a Titre de Séjour first application. DT 100–300/hour for consultations. Full immigration support package (permit + work authorisation): DT 800–2,000. How to find: ONAT (Ordre National des Avocats de Tunisie) directory at avocat.tn. Ask for a referral in the Expats in Tunisia Facebook group — recommendations from other expats are the most reliable. Some law firms near the DGPC offices in Tunis specialise in Titre de Séjour and work permit applications.
ONAT (Ordre National des Avocats de Tunisie) — avocat.tn
💡 Strongly recommended for your first Titre de Séjour application. Tunisian immigration administration is known for inconsistent requirements; a local avocat who knows specific DGPC officers and current practice is invaluable. French-speaking is essential; some English-speaking lawyers exist in Tunis.
Tax Advisor / Accountant (Expert-Comptable)
DT 300–800 for annual income tax return. DT 600–1,500/year for bookkeeping for small businesses. DT 100–300/hour for corporate tax advice. How to find: OECT (Ordre des Experts-Comptables de Tunisie) directory at oect.org.tn. Ask your employer, local chamber of commerce (CCFT), or expat groups for referrals. Many international accounting firms (PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, Ernst & Young) have Tunis offices for complex matters.
OECT (Ordre des Experts-Comptables de Tunisie) — oect.org.tn
💡 Essential for the self-employed, business owners, and any expat with complex income (foreign investments, offshore accounts, cross-border employment). A good expert-comptable saves more than they cost through legitimate deductions and avoidance of DGCI penalties. Always verify they hold an OECT licence.
Notary (Notaire)
Property purchase (DT 300,000): notaire fees approximately DT 1,500–4,000 (percentage of transaction value). Company formation (SUARL): DT 300–600. Standard document notarisation: DT 20–60 per document. How to find: Chambre Nationale des Notaires de Tunisie. Ask your real estate agent or lawyer for a notaire recommendation. All property transactions require a notaire.
💡 Required for: property purchase, company formation (SUARL/SARL), power of attorney (procuration), certification of foreign documents, and some inheritance matters. Notaire fees in Tunisia are regulated by tariff but confirmation in advance is advisable. The notaire handles payment of droits d'enregistrement (registration taxes) to the government on your behalf.
Employment Lawyer (Avocat spécialisé en droit du travail)
DT 200–500/hour. Unfair dismissal case: DT 1,000–5,000. Dispute mediation: DT 500–2,000. How to find: ONAT directory at avocat.tn. Specify "droit du travail" (labour law) when seeking a referral. Trade unions (UGTT — Union Générale Tunisienne du Travail) can provide advice for members.
💡 Consult immediately if you face dismissal, unpaid wages, or workplace discrimination. Tunisian labour law (Code du Travail) provides strong protections for employees, but enforcement depends on having proper documentation of your employment terms. Keep copies of your contrat de travail, pay slips, and all written communications with your employer.
Official Translator / Sworn Translator (Traducteur Assermenté)
DT 40–100 per page for certified translation. Document legalisation + translation package: DT 100–300 per document. How to find: Tunisian court-registered translators (traducteurs assermentés près les tribunaux) listed at the Tribunal de Première Instance. Ask your notaire or avocat for a referral. For Arabic–French–English: several agencies in Tunis operate near the Palais de Justice.
💡 Official translations into Arabic or French are required for virtually every administrative process in Tunisia. Ensure the translator is court-registered (assermenté) — unofficial translations are not accepted by government offices. For documents used in both France and Tunisia, a double-certified translation is sometimes needed.
Real Estate Agent (Agent Immobilier)
Standard commission: 2.5–5% of sale price (split between buyer and seller, or paid by one party — negotiate in advance). Rental: 1 month's rent as commission. How to find: Platforms: idealista.com.tn, mubawab.tn, afariat.com. Facebook groups: Expats in Tunisia, Immobilier Tunisie. Licensed agencies (agences immobilières) must hold a professional card (carte professionnelle d'agent immobilier).
💡 Verify the agent holds a valid professional card. Tunisia's property market has many informal intermediaries — use established agencies or get a referral from the expat community for security. For property purchase as a foreigner, BCT (Banque Centrale de Tunisie) authorisation is required — your notaire and agent should facilitate this.
Professional Services
Unlock the complete Professional Services guide for Tunisia — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.
Become a SupporterSupport the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere