Immigration – Focus on Tunisia

The Republic of Tunisia is a country located in North Africa. It is bordered by Algeria to the west and Libya to the southeast. It is the northernmost country on the African continent, and the smallest of the nations situated along the Atlas mountain range. Around forty percent of the country is composed of the Sahara desert, with much of the remainder consisting of particularly fertile soil and a 1300 km coastline.

The population of Tunisia consists of 97% Berbers, Arab or a mixture of two. The Berbers are the indigenous population of North‐Africa. The Berbers primarily speak Berber languages, often called Shelha.

Tunisian immigration law is relatively restrictive in its application. Requirements, processing times, employment eligibility, and benefits for accompanying family members vary by visa classification.

Tunisia typically issues single-entry business visas for business visits of up to 90 days consecutively or 183 days cumulatively.

Foreign nationals seeking to engage in business-related activities for a period of more than 90 days generally must obtain a work permit. Visa nationals who have obtained a residence card may use it to enter Tunisia and need not obtain an entry visa. Work permits can be extended if the foreign national can demonstrate a need.

Note that some foreign nationals (investors, directors etc.) are exempted from obtaining a work permit, but would still be subject to a formal process by applying for non-submission of a work permit.