Immigration to Tunisia

Republic of Tunisia, commonly popular as Tunisia is a county in North Africa with the coastline on the Tyrrhenian Sea in the north and Mediterranean Sea to the east. It is bordered by Algeria to the west and has Libya to the southeast. It features the archeological sites of Carthage as well as the great Mosque of Kairouan. Tunisia contains the eastern end of the Atlas Mountains and the northern reaches of the Sahara Desert, remaining almost territory is arable land. Here you will experience the sunny weather, golden beaches and monuments. Tunisians celebrate several international film, music festivals, theatre, nationally, regionally and locally. Tunisia is famous for its beautiful pottery, ironwork and mosaics. Tunisia is distinguished by its Berber (an ethnic group indigenous to North Africa), Arabian and European cultural influences. Tunisia is famous for its ancient architecture, blue coasts, and marketplaces called souks. You can see and buy colorful jewelry, ceramics and metal lanterns here. The capital and the largest city Tunis is located on the northeastern coast and lends the country its name.

Tunisia is a good place to live as it has desert, mountains, beaches, big cities and small villages; a little something for every kind of people. Expats who immigrate to Tunisia are not always sure what to expect from this small country, but they are unfailingly and pleasantly surprised by the unique blend of people and cultures, and its small eminently diverse landscape. Tunisia is undoubtedly one of the top places to visit in Africa as the food is amazing, the culture is unique and the prices are affordable. Tunisia is an Islamic state with full sovereignty and according to its constitution it guarantees you the freedom of thought, expression and assembly as well as you can freely practice your own religion affairs here. You can find a job here easily as it is a tourist destination but it will be difficult to work here without knowing Arabic or French. Tunis, the capital city and a place where most of the foreigners can be seen. People also speak English at the tourist destination and near the coastal areas. There are several international companies working here in Tunisia so asking around in the network of international profession contacts is a better way to find a job and after, accommodation.

Traveling information

Travelling to Tunisia is possible by sea or by flight depending on the place you are travelling from. No restrictions are imposed on visitors. The government has adviced that Covid-19 is continually changing and therefore rules and restrictions can change quickly.
It is suggested to take a travel insurance to cover the medical expenses. Near about every nationality citizen can get a 90 days visa free on arrival in Tunisia. There are several means of transport you can travel with like public buses, trains, cars and commercial flights. It is suggested by the government to reconsider your travel and if it is not necessary reconsider your trip to Tunisia due to the increasing terrorism, day by day in this country especially in bigger cities. Tunis International Airport has connections with various European cities and other big cities in African Continent. Traveling by road is also possible as Tunisia shares border with Algeria and Libya. Currently Libya is not issuing tourist visas for Tunisia and the only way to get in is through an agency. Traveling around Tunisia by two ways is feasible. The Tunisian train journey can be a great experience. It is relatively fast and comfortable. Other is by louages, the local mini vans which will take you to places where you cannot reach by train. Always carry a copy of your passport and visa. Best way to travel here is by air. Many airlines like Tunisiair and Skyscanner manages continuous services to the different destinations all over the world. 

Documents Required: 

• Passport with six month validity
• Passport with at least one blank page
• No tourist visa required for less than 90 days stay (also depends on your nationality)
• Proof of vaccination is required.

For more travel advice on Tunisia please visit: againstthecompass.com

How to immigrate to Tunisia 

If you are planning to Tunisia, then you need a valid passport and a visa, unless you come from a visa free country as citizens of many countries are able to travel to Tunisia without any visa. Most of the countries are allowed a visa exempt stay up to 90 days in Tunisia. Australia, India, Malaysia, South Korea and United Kingdom, etc., do not need a visa to visit to Tunisia for their stay up to 90 days. Citizens of Canada and Germany can stay in this nation visa free for upto 4 months. It’s a safe country but travelling here needs more attentiveness than other countries.

Visiting areas other than tourist destinations is not recommended as it your safety will be in danger. Travel regulations can change without notice to the public, so it is recommended to you that before you travel, check the current regulation with Travel Exploration or the Tunisian Embassy. If your stay is getting longer, then you will need to apply for an extension visa with the Tunisian Government. Visas on arrival are only valid for three months.

Documents required are mentioned below: 

• Visa Application form completed and duly signed
• Passport valid for 6 minimum months
• Passport size recent photo
• Flight bookings (tickets)
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of sufficient funds (Bank Statements)

For more information please visit:  visaguide.world

People

The citizens and nationals of Tunisia are called Tunisians. The population is predominantly composed of Arabs, Arabic Berbers and Berbers. Other Ethnic groups include European, settled in the country. As Muslims, they have modest clothing etiquettes. Covering legs and shoulders is considered as a good clothing sense unlike many countries. Many of them are also fishermen and boat constructors, in cities people work as mechanics and craftsmen. Use your right hand for hand shake or receiving or giving gifts to anyone. The left hand is reserved for cleanliness and using this hand for eating or greeting is considered rude or unclean in Tunisia. Female tourists are not required to cover their heads only local women cover. This is a country of diversity, home to different kinds of people. Tunisians are tolerant, traditional, and happy people. There are many different varieties of customs, music, food, traditional colorful dresses and art in their culture. They love spicy food and have various delicacies like Couscous and Kerkennah fish. Tunisians are artistic people and the appreciate art from all over the world. Music, Cinema, Theatre, Dance, Literature, etc, they have shown excellence in every field.  Tunisian families are close-knit, traditional and tend to be patriarchal. You will find women is all economic and educational institutions as Tunisia is a pioneer in women’s and children’s rights.

Job offers in Tunisia

Getting a job in Tunisia is will be easier if you know French, English or Arabic and with the help of your network of international professional contacts. Many multinational companies here are in continuous search of deserving candidates, so this is a good place to get job. Some of the highest paid jobs are Marketing, Product and communications, Sales executive, Engineering Technicians, and Software Engineers. The lowest paying job is in the agriculture field. Jobs always in demand are Reservations and ticket agent, Lab Technician, Exams Assistant, Civil work Supervisor and Customer Support Officer, etc. To get a job in this country you will need a work visa which will expire after a certain time and which you have to renew. There are several categories of Tunisian visas but for the employment purpose, most famous among expats is long-term visa. There are some points you must work on, like discovering yourself, access the hidden job market, search online and then apply for jobs, Prepare a perfect CV format and then submit it. 

How to land a Job: 

• Create a perfect CV
• Search and apply for jobs
• Make international professional contacts
• Send applications
• Prepare for job interviews
• Apply to small companies if needed
• Learn in demand skills
• Sign a contract offered by Company.
• Submit your documents in order to get a job. 

For more information please visit: internations.org

Unemployment rate

The unemployment rate in the Tunisia was 16.1% in the first quarter of the year 2022, and then it fell down to 15.3% in the second quarter of year 2022. The number of employed persons increased from 3393.20 thousand to 3454.40 thousand in June 2022. Unemployment rate is the share of labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment. Jobless rate is high in Tunisia as the first reason is the labour supply pressures. Second less demand for skilled workers and the mismatch between the skills needed and those made by the nation’s education and training system. As well as the inefficient and rigid regulations and institutions that governs the functioning of the labour market. And at last, the employers are less interested to hire highly qualified work seekers and are inclined towards to favor candidates who have medium level of education. These days the unemployment is a growing problem in Tunisia because of the lack of creating opportunities which will give graduates plenty of jobs, However the government is working towards the betterment of the jobless persons as a result the jobless rate has gone down by 3.2% from last July. Favourism is one of some factors that barred many deserving young locals or expats seeking jobs. Other causes are fast growing population and labor force, skill mismatching, lack of enough information in the market, structural adjustment programs, sluggish economic growth and the market setup.

For more information please visit: tradingeconomics.com

Economy of Tunisia  

The Tunisian economy is relatively liberal economy, governed by the law of supply and demand. Economy here is fairly, stable economy with continuous growth over the past few years. Growth of the economy is depended on oil, phosphates, agricultural food products, car parts manufacturing and tourism industry. GDP rank of Tunisia is 93^rd in nominal GDP and 81^st in (PPP) in the year 2022. As well as the growth has been sluggish for a while now as the agricultural output has lessen. The freedom score of this nation’s economy is 54.2 percent which makes it the 128^th freest economy in the 2022 year index. The service sector contributes for more than half of the GDP. Industry sector contributes additional quarter, which includes services like mining, tourism, and manufacturing. The sectors that recorded the highest growth are the tourism, telecoms and textile sectors. Main Industries are petroleum, mining (phosphate, iron, ore), tourism, textiles, footwear, agribusiness, beverage, olive oil. Goods exported by Tunisia are Clothing, semi furnished goods and textiles, agricultural products, mechanical goods, phosphates and chemicals, hydrocarbons, electrical equipments. Export partners are France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Libya, USA, Algeria, UK, Netherlands, and Belgium. 

For more information please visit:en.wikipedia.org

Renting and buying of real estates for foreigners

Renting: 

For foreigners and locals, renting a property is possible and affordable in Tunisia than buying a place. Plenty of property for rent is available in this country. Finding the accommodation according to your taste and need requires effort. There are several properties you will find online as many residential properties are displayed on the property portals for rent in Tunisia. 

You can also find the property by contacting a broker or by mouth publicity. A local person or a family member already staying in this place will be able to suggest you which apartment to take on rent. The amount of rent may vary from city to city as it depends on the neighborhood, market, size of the property, main city. Property close to the beach is pricey. Prices in the major cities are comparatively higher than the rural areas. 

Documents: 

• Passport Photocopy
• Identity Proof
• Photos passport size
• Contract with the names of landlord and tenant with signatures

Buying: 

For many years, expats are keen about buying a property in Tunisia. The formalities and conditions are also simple; as a result many have become owners in the country. Buying a property is permitted by the government for the expats. The only thing is the estate transaction should be properly sanctioned through the government. Agreement approved by the Tunisian government gives expats the property rights.

While buying a property, prices may vary due to various aspects. For instance, the property is in the city centre or is in outskirts, its size, near the coastline or in the middle of the country, etc. Property prices are comparatively lower in the southern suburbs of Tunis. Outside the capital city, especially in the Northern outskirts and in the coastal areas, real estate prices are rising for a few years. Apart from the house price you will also need to pay the agency fees, notary and lawyer’s fee, acquisition fee, registration fee, etc. It is suggested to hire a lawyer and a translator if you are not good in Arabic or French or English. 

Process: 

• A duly filled printed application form in five copies
• Ownership certificate
• Seller’s tax clearance certificate
• Buyers and Seller’s identity documents
• Buyer’s criminal records, etc.

For more information on the apartments in Tunisia,  please visit: expat.com

Climate

The climate in Tunisia is pleasant. It is not hot all year round as many people may think. Tunisia has four distinct seasons. Temperature varies, making Tunisia a perfect holiday destination. 

Spring: This season lasts for two months only as it starts from the month of March, ends in the month of May. Mornings and nights are cold as before. Also you will enjoy rain as in these months of the year average rain falls about 2 inches or less in the coastal areas and in north of the country. 

Summer: This season starts from the month of June with some light rains, ends in the month of August. Days are hottest in July and August, as a result you will want to be out in morning and evening time as at this temperature goes down. Also, there is very little rainfall in these months. 

Autumn: This season starts from the month of September and ends till the month of November. Fall in this country is pretty mild and enjoyable. This is the best time to visit Tunisia. 

Winter: This season starts from the month of December and ends in February. In the mountains it is as cold as you might also come to see a snowfall. Days are still sunny but the temperature will be cooler. Rainfall in winter season! Yes, November to January are also rainy months, especially in the North Tunisia. 

For more information on the climate in Tunisia, please visit: seasonsyear.com 

Languages

There are numerous languages spoken in Tunisia but there is only one official languages of Tunisia, which is Arabic. Djerba, known as Tunisian Arabic is the spoken native vernacular. Eastern Berber languages are still spoken by some Tunisian minority groups, but they also speak Arabic as a second language in most of the Tunisia. Arabic is also used in educational institutions and government offices. French is considered as the language of prestige, other than Arabic. French serves as the third language for more than 63.6% Tunisians, especially in the southern and the northern regions of this country due to French Colonization. Other minority languages spoken by natives are Judeo-Tunisian Arabic, Jerba Berber, Matmata Berber. Foreign languages spoken by the immigrants as well as the population are Italian, English, etc. Tunisian Sign Language is also used by many deaf and mute Tunisians. 

For more information please visit: en.wikipedia.org

Traffic

Driving in Tunisia is not easy, as some people may think as the roads are little dangerous, scary and a bit too much to handle. But the roads are quite smooth, some are very new and some are still under construction. Driving on the highways or on the rural areas is safe but if you drive in big cities like Tunis, Sousse, Sfax or Kairouan, then it can be tricky sometimes. Most of the roads are in good condition but a few roads are chaotic, have large potholes and bumpy surfaces. Conditions of the roads in this nation are constantly improving so you may see some sign boards of road works along the way. There are people who are not orderly on the roads at all in Tunisia, so be attentive while walking, driving or riding a bicycle. Here you can rent a car here with a driver. Foreigners can drive in this country with valid International Driving Permit (IDP), especially while renting a car or driving legally in Tunisia. According to the traffic rules, traffic runs on the right hand side of the road. Seat belt for driver as well as passenger is mandatory while driving. The use of mobile, while driving a car is prohibited unless you use a hands free system. The speed limit is below 50km/h in urban areas, 70km/h within urban areas and expressways, outside urban areas speed should be 90km/h. And on highways the speed limit is 110km/h. You will encounter many unmarked speed bumps, so be careful while driving. Avoid driving after dark especially in high risk areas.

Documents needed as a foreigner: 

• Driver’s age should be of 18 years or above
• Vehicle’s registration papers
• Insurance copy
• Driver’s license (International Driving Permit)

For more information visit: internationaldriversassociation.com

Currency

The Tunisian Dinar (TND) or (DT/TD) is the official monetary currency of Tunisia. Though, writing “dinar” after the amount is commonly used. It is issued by the bank Central Bank of Tunisia. One dinar is subdivided in 1000 milim or millime. The paper currency is in four denominations, which are 5, 10, 20, 50 dinars. Coins are available in ½, 1, 2, 5 dinars and 50, 100, 200 millimes. There are coins of 5, 10 & 20 millimes, which nowadays rarely used but are still legal and are in circulation. It is against law to import or export dinar, in Tunisia. Each year, every resident can convert into foreign currency up to 6,000 Tunisian dinars before going out of the country. Hence, prices at duty free shops are in convertible currencies like Dollars, Euros, and Pounds. There are several converting ATM’s in the country for visitors.

Payment Transaction

Tunisians accept cash, cards or online payment. Cash is the original and the oldest payment method which is used by more than 90% population in this country. As well as checques and invoices are some of the online methods to transfer money used in this nation. Domestic cards, international credit cards, debit cards, eWallets and bank transfers are the payment methods used in Tunisia. Bank transfers and Digital wallets are least popular amongst locals. Payment system has transformed over the time with the advanced technology. There are many ways to make and receive payments online, such as Paymentwall, Skrill, Rapyd Payments and Crypto.com Pay, etc. Amazon Payment Services (APS) is the simplest way to receive payment from anywhere in the world. It is available in more than 200 countries and supports approx 25-30 currencies. 

List of online payment methods in Tunisia: 

• Cash
• Cheques
• Bank Transfer
• Mint
• eWallet
• Rapyd payments
• Crypto.com         

Cost of living in Tunisia 

According to a survey Tunisia is comparatively cheaper in the African Continent and cost of living is cheaper than forty seven percent of countries in the world. Major cities like Sfax, Sousse, Kairouan are experural areas. Average living cost in Tunisia also depends upon your lifestyle and size of family. It also varies if you are a student living alone or sharing residence.

The average monthly expense for a single person is approximately 2,640 Dinar. And the approx monthly expense will rise if you want to move along with your family of four people will be 5,900 Dinar. Food is cheap compared to housing or dining. If you are staying in a city where you can go by bicycle or by walking to your university or office or live in a city with a good public transport system, then your cost of living will be much lower.

Monthly rent will cost more in the main city than the rent in rural areas. Expense will also be low if you need smaller accommodation, than the bigger one.

Here are some products mentioned below, so that you will get a clear idea of the cost of living: 

For more information visit: expatistan.com

Apartment Rent

Finding accommodation here is challenging so asking your colleagues, friends, shopkeepers or waiters in the nearby café or restaurants will be helpful. As you wander on the streets and see some sign boards of ‘To let’ will also be useful. In many Tunisia cities renting a one bedroom apartment, in the city centre will cost around as much as a two bedroom apartment outside the city center or near coastal areas. If your stay is for short term then there are many sites on the internet to help you get your accommodation. While talking to the landlord or to the real estate agent, take along your Tunisian Arabic and French speaking friend with you so that the conversation will be clear and easy as not many Tunisians are fluent in English.

The city of Tunis has the expensive apartments followed by Sfax and Sousse in this country. Fully furnished one bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost you approx 1,223 Dinar and same apartment, outside city will cost approx 700 Dinar. A furnished studio apartment of 2 to 3 bedrooms in the city centre will cost you approx 2,100 Dinar and outside the city it will cost you approx 1,200 Dinar. After visiting on the below given link you will get the ideas of the cost of monthly rent. Property showing websites also mentions prices below so that you can choose according to your need and comfort. 

For more information visit: expatistan.com

Taxes

Non residents in Tunisia especially people staying here for less than six months are taxable at a tax rate of 20% on their gross income. Tax plays an important part in Tunisia’s economy. Taxes are imposed by the government of Tunisia. Personal income tax in Tunisia is about 35%. Income tax applies to the income and profits of natural persons and partnerships that have not opted for corporate income tax. The Personal income tax rate is a tax collected from every resident and is applied on wages and assimilated, professional, interests, dividends, agricultural incomes, income and property profits, income and profits from movable capitals.

Property tax (RET) is calculated by the relevant municipalities and is notified annually to the taxpayers at the beginning of the year. There are no excise taxes in Tunisia. Corporate tax is mandatory on the income and profits of corporation, public institutions and other legal entities that carry out the lucrative transactions and irrevocable option to partnerships. The indirect tax such as value added tax (VAT) is mandatory on the every purchase of goods in this country. Taxes under indirect taxes are excise duty, custom duty and VAT. In Tunisia income tax comes under direct tax and is most important. 

For more information please visit: tradingeconomics.com and taxsummaries.pwc.com

Education

Every year many of international students come to Tunisia for educational purpose. The academic year is from October to June and the medium of education is Arabic. Visas and student passes do not allow gainful and voluntary employment in Tunisia. Tunisia welcomes students from all over the world. Tunisia is a suitable destination for students; the reason is the budget friendly education. There are institutions in Tunisia providing vocational education to foreign student. The ministry of employment administers an ongoing vocational program by maintaining quality control, by setting standards and by licensing training providers. Also Tertiary education is growing fast and in total there are more than 13 universities, 24 educational institutes providing higher education in this country. The highest-ranking university in Tunisia is University of Manouba. Other reputed international universities are University of Monastir, University of Carthage, University of Sousse etc. You will also get education with good value, low tuition fees, low cost living and different scholarships for international students. Tunisia provides discounts and offers to full time students. Education is free in Tunisia but tuition fees for Tunisian taught degree programs are costly for full time learners. International students do need additional work permit to work during the study period and they are allowed to work on their conditions so that it does not affect their studies. 

For detailed information on the education system in Tunisia, please visit: scholaro.com  &  To find out the list of Universities in Tunisia, visit: rocapply.com

Health Insurance 

Tunisian healthcare system is very much upto date in African Continent. However, the rural areas and the public sector do not match the urban facilities. In rural areas extra attention is needed like quality of care and availability of affordable treatment. The public sector supports the healthcare system in Tunisia. Tunisia has several primary and public healthcare centers. Here health insurance system is the mixture of government and private insurances. Tunisia does not have a universal or compulsory healthcare system. Tunisia has voluntary health insurance system for certain aspects of the population, consisting of civil servants, workers at public enterprises and professional in certain areas. The “Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Maladie” manages the health cover in Tunisia. The cost of care is expensive for expats. Although the prices are high, expats bear the expenses due to the facilities that most medical centers offer. There is no provision of free healthcare for foreigners in Tunisia. The waiting time is short, and the visits to the doctor are not time consuming.

For more information visit: expatfinancial.com

Important addresses

Tunis-Carthage International Airport
1080 Tunis Cedex,
Tunisia
Ph: +216 71 754 000
Website: http://www.aeroport-de-tunis-carthage.com/

Sfax-Thyna International Airport
Thyna B.P. 1119,
Route de I’aéroport,
Sfax 3018,
Tunisia
Ph: +216 74 278 000
Website: http://www.aeroport-de-sfax-thyna.com/

Tabarka-Aïn Draham International Airport
XVGG+CMF, Tabarka,
Tunisia
Ph: +216 78 680 005

Djerba-Zarzis International Airport
VQCF+HXF, Mellita,
Tunisia
Ph: +216 75 650 233
Website: http://www.aeroport-de-djerba-zarzis.com/

El Manar Bus Stop
Avenue Du Roi Abdelaziz El Saoud,
Tunis, Tunisia

Jardin Habib Thameur Bus Station
Rue d’Antioche,
Tunis, Tunisia

Bus Station Sidi Ibrahim Errahba
Sousse,
Tunisia

Embassy of India
R5M7+7FM Dame,
Tunis, Tunisia
Ph: +216 71 787 819

Embassy of Indonesia
R6PJ+59G,
Lac Malären,
Tunis, Tunisia
Ph: +216 71 860 377
Website: https://www.kemlu.go.id/tunis

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
22 Rue Tahar Memmi,
Tunis, Tunisia
Ph: +216 71 780 064
Website: http://tn.china-embassy.gov.cn/fra/

Embassy of Germany
Rue du Lac Windemere,
Tunis, Tunisia
Ph: +216 71 143 200
Website: https://tunis.diplo.de/

Summary

Tunisia, a clean and high-tech country with better healthcare and provides comparatively better education in the world. Tunisia is famous for its colorful markets, history, beautiful houses and monuments and food. This place is an underrated country which has many things and views to offer. It is relatively cheaper to live in Tunisia with good place to live in with high ratings in housing and safety.  Here you will find less complex laws regarding tax rate band and it is possible to live a low cost life than European Union countries. Tunisia has a rich biological diversity with better ecosystem with more than 3800 species of land-based fauna and Flora & 3700 mariene species. To preserve its biodiversity, Tunisia has 27 nature reserves, atleast 4 wildlife reserves and many national parks. There are different websites showing accommodatiounisia is a place where people come for job and tour, as a result this is a good place to get work. Tunisian people are generally relaxed and sociable, but also emphasize showing respect for one another, especially their elders. The Capital city Tunis best kownn for charming medinas, offers never-ending summer and delicious food. Though Tunisia is a safe country to immigrate, civil unrest is common, there is a high risk of terrorist attacks, therefore visitors need to be alert to possible threats and avoid going to places where authorities have warned not to visit.