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

Visa & Immigration

Entry and residence options for Tunisia.

Visa-Free Access

Citizens of EU/EEA countries, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Switzerland, and most other European and many Arab countries can enter Tunisia visa-free for up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry. Stays longer than 90 days require a Titre de Séjour (residence permit) obtained from the DGPC (Direction Générale des Passeports et de l'Immigration). For current visa-free country lists, check the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your home country's Tunisia embassy.

All Titre de Séjour applications are processed at the DGPC regional office (Direction Régionale des Passeports et de l'Immigration) in your area of residence. Tunis applications: DGPC headquarters on Avenue Habib Bourguiba or regional offices. Keep copies of all documents submitted. Many expats recommend engaging a local immigration lawyer (avocat) for the first application, as requirements can be interpreted differently by different officials. Overstaying is a criminal offence in Tunisia — fines range from DT 50 to deportation. Always begin renewal 2 months before your current permit expires.

Tourist Visa

Visa Touristique

DT 40–80 (or equivalent in local currency at Tunisian embassy)

Duration: 30 days (single entry) or 3 months (multiple entry)

Eligibility

Citizens of countries not on the visa-free list (many African and Asian nationalities). EU, US, UK, Canadian, Australian citizens enter visa-free — this visa is not applicable for them.

Processing time

3–10 business days at Tunisian embassy

Requirements

✓Valid passport (6+ months validity)
✓Completed application form
✓Passport photo
✓Bank statement or proof of funds
✓Return flight ticket
✓Proof of accommodation (hotel booking)

💡 Not extendable in Tunisia — must depart and reapply. For longer stays, the Titre de Séjour process is required.

Residence Permit (Titre de Séjour)

Titre de Séjour / Carte de Résidence

DT 10–50 (fiscal stamps/fees)

Duration: Typically 1 year, renewable annually. Some categories receive 2-year permits.

Eligibility

Foreign nationals intending to reside in Tunisia for more than 90 days — for employment, family, retirement, study, or investment.

Processing time

4–12 weeks at DGPC regional office. Book appointment via DGPC portal or in person.

Requirements

✓Valid passport
✓Criminal record certificate from home country (apostilled + translated)
✓Medical certificate from approved Tunisian doctor
✓Proof of accommodation (rental contract or hébergement letter)
✓Passport photos (x4)
✓Proof of financial means or employment
✓Autorisation de Travail (if employed)

💡 Apply within 3 months of arrival. Overstaying beyond 90 days without a Titre de Séjour results in fines and potential deportation. Annual renewal required — start the process 2 months before expiry. Many expats report inconsistent processes; a local immigration lawyer (avocat spécialisé) is recommended for first application.

Student Residence Permit

Titre de Séjour pour Études

DT 10–30

Duration: 1 academic year, renewable annually

Eligibility

Foreign nationals enrolled in accredited Tunisian universities or educational institutions.

Processing time

4–8 weeks at DGPC

Requirements

✓Acceptance letter from accredited Tunisian university
✓Proof of financial support (DT 500+/month or sponsor letter)
✓Criminal record certificate
✓Medical certificate
✓Proof of accommodation
✓Passport photos

💡 Cannot work without a separate Autorisation de Travail on a student permit. Language of instruction at most universities is Arabic and French — verify language requirements before enrolling.

Retirement Residence Permit

Titre de Séjour Retraité

DT 10–50

Duration: 1 year, renewable annually (or 2-year permit in some cases)

Eligibility

Foreign retirees with proof of regular pension income sufficient to support themselves without working in Tunisia.

Processing time

4–10 weeks at DGPC

Requirements

✓Proof of pension or retirement income (bank statements showing regular transfers in foreign currency, minimum USD 1,000–1,500/month)
✓Criminal record certificate
✓Medical certificate
✓Proof of accommodation in Tunisia
✓Passport photos (x4)
✓Private health insurance documentation

💡 Tunisia does not have a formal "Retraité Visa" programme as formalised as Portugal's D7 or Thailand's retirement visa, but retirement residence is possible under the standard Titre de Séjour framework with proof of foreign pension income. Retirees may not work. Tunisia's low cost of living, Mediterranean climate, and proximity to Europe make it an increasingly popular retirement destination.

Work Permit (Autorisation de Travail)

Autorisation de Travail / Permis de Travail

DT 30–60 (fiscal stamps)

Duration: 1 year (initial), renewable annually; tied to specific employer

Eligibility

All non-Tunisian nationals who wish to work in Tunisia for a Tunisian employer. Must be sponsored by the employer, who applies to ANETI showing no Tunisian candidate was suitable for the role.

Processing time

4–8 weeks at ANETI (Agence Nationale pour l'Emploi et le Travail Indépendant)

Requirements

✓Employment contract signed by Tunisian employer
✓Employer's ANETI application demonstrating labour market test
✓Copies of diplomas and professional qualifications
✓Passport copy
✓Medical certificate
✓Criminal record certificate

💡 Tunisia has a de facto 80% national hiring quota under Loi 72-38 — at least 80% of a company's workforce must be Tunisian nationals. Exceptions for senior management, specialised technical roles, and offshore sector companies. Changing employers requires a new work permit application. The work permit must be obtained before the Titre de Séjour for employment purposes.

No Formal Digital Nomad Visa (use Titre de Séjour + Offshore Company)

Digital Nomad

Entreprise Offshore / Titre de Séjour Indépendant

Company setup DT 1,000–3,000; Titre de Séjour DT 10–50

Duration: 90 days visa-free; Titre de Séjour renewable annually if working through offshore entity

Eligibility

Remote workers and digital nomads currently have no dedicated visa category in Tunisia. Options: (1) Enter visa-free and stay up to 90 days; (2) Establish a Tunisian offshore company (SUARL avec régime totalement exportateur) and apply for a Titre de Séjour as a company director/employee with work permit.

Processing time

6–12 weeks (offshore company registration + DGPC permit)

Requirements

✓Proof of remote income or active offshore company
✓Business registration documents (if using offshore company)
✓Health insurance
✓Proof of accommodation

💡 As of 2026, Tunisia has not introduced a dedicated digital nomad visa despite neighbouring Morocco doing so. The offshore company route is the legally cleanest option for longer-term remote work. Short-term remote workers (under 90 days) can work on tourist entry but are technically not "working in Tunisia" for the purposes of an Autorisation de Travail — consult a local lawyer for your specific situation.

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