Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Starting a business abroad is often a mix of enthusiasm and anxiety. In Tunisia, this contrast is even more pronounced: on one side, a booming entrepreneurial ecosystem, a hyper-connected youth, highly competitive costs, and an increasingly favorable legal framework; on the other, a controlled currency, sometimes slow administration, and technical rules that must be followed to the letter.
This guide provides expatriates with a clear and concrete overview of company formation in Tunisia, covering all steps: from the initial idea to daily management, including the choice of legal structure, taxation, financing, and business culture.
Why Consider Starting a Business in Tunisia?
Tunisia combines several assets rarely found in one place. First, its geographic position: in North Africa, bordering the Mediterranean, with Italy and France just a few hours’ flight away. The country is literally at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, giving it access to multiple markets thanks to free trade agreements with the European Union, many Arab countries, and COMESA zone countries in Africa.
The information technology sector has already created over 100,000 jobs in Tunisia.
The government has a vision oriented toward 2025 around three major axes: digital transformation, renewable energies, and manufacturing. This translates into very concrete measures for entrepreneurs: one of the region’s most advanced “Startup Acts”, regional development zones with reduced taxation, strong export incentives, and a range of public/private funds to finance innovation.
Tunisia’s cost of living index, which is over two times lower than the world average.
A Human and Cultural Environment Favorable to Business
The population exceeds 12 million inhabitants, with a median age around 33 years old: a young, urban, connected society. The country boasts a high level of education (universal primary schooling, literacy rate around 80%), and a high proportion of engineering and IT graduates.
In terms of values, the business culture blends Arab/Muslim, Mediterranean, and French influences. Personal relationships, trust, and respect for hierarchy weigh more than the pursuit of a “quick deal.” This can be disorienting at first, but for an expatriate able to adapt and build a network, this relational dimension becomes a major asset.
Understanding the Entrepreneurial Landscape in Tunisia
Before choosing a legal form or a sector, it’s essential to place Tunisia in its economic context and grasp where the real opportunities lie.
Key Figures
The table below provides a quick overview of some useful indicators for a future foreign entrepreneur.
| Indicator | Value / Order of Magnitude |
|---|---|
| Population | ~12.3 million |
| 2024 GDP (current prices) | ~53 billion USD |
| Recent GDP Growth | 1.4% – 3.6% depending on the year |
| 2024 Exports | ~20.6 billion USD |
| 2024 Imports | ~20.5 billion USD (slight surplus balance) |
| Cost of Living (index) | ~27.5 (Tunis: 26.5) |
| Average Net Salary | ~955 TND / month (≈ 338 USD) |
| Life Expectancy | ~76.5 years |
| Internet Penetration Rate | ~74% |
| Mobile Broadband Coverage | ~99% |
This foundation is complemented by a solid industrial base (textiles, electrical components, mechanics, agri-food), a growing service economy, and a stated political will to attract foreign direct investment.
Promising Sectors for an Expatriate
For a foreign entrepreneur, several fields combine local need, international competitiveness, and public support.
Notably, these include:
| Sector | Assets and Opportunities for an Expatriate |
|---|---|
| IT / Software / SaaS | Low-cost tech workforce, startup ecosystem, export and local demand |
| E‑commerce / Digital Marketing | High mobile and social media adoption, market still structuring |
| Agribusiness | Quality agricultural products, organic potential, processing and export |
| Renewable Energies | Target of 35% green electricity by 2030, high need for private projects |
| Tourism & Leisure | Beach, Saharan, cultural tourism, medical tourism to reinvent |
| Health / Medtech | Modernization of hospitals, growth of private clinics, medical tourism |
| BPO / Call Centers | Low wage cost, Francophonie, time zone proximity with Europe |
In each of these sectors, Tunisia offers either tax exemptions, investment grants, or privileged access to technology parks or special economic zones.
Legal Structures: Which Type of Company to Choose?
The choice of legal vehicle not only determines taxation and liability but also the image of your structure with clients, banks, and investors. The good news: Tunisian law, inspired by French civil law, is clear and well-codified.
The Most Commonly Used Forms by Expatriates
Three forms dominate the entrepreneurial reality in Tunisia, especially among non‑residents: the SUARL, the SARL, and the SA.
| Legal Form | Minimum Capital | Partners / Shareholders | Typical Use for an Expatriate |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUARL (single-member limited liability company) | 1,000 TND | 1 sole partner | Structured freelancer, consultant, small solo activity |
| SARL (limited liability company) | 1,000 TND | 1 to 100 partners | SME, startup with a few co-founders, local subsidiary |
| SA (public limited company) | 5,000 to 50,000 TND depending on case | Minimum 7 shareholders | Large-scale projects, significant fundraising |
In all cases, liability is limited to contributions, protecting the entrepreneur’s personal assets (except in cases of proven mismanagement).
SUARL: The Secure “Solo” Option
The SUARL is designed for the sole proprietor who wants to limit their liability. One partner, a symbolic capital (1,000 TND, a few hundred dollars), relatively simple management. It’s particularly suited for:
– an international consultant billing from Tunisia;
– an IT freelancer or designer who wants to secure their contracts;
– an expatriate testing an activity before partnering up.
The same individual cannot be the sole partner and hold more than one Single-Member Limited Liability Company (SUARL).
SARL: The Leading Form for SMEs and Startups
The SARL is by far the most used structure by founders, both Tunisian and foreign. It can accommodate up to 100 partners, without imposing heavy governance constraints. The minimum capital remains low, management flexible, and the image serious.
It’s the ideal tool for:
– a tech startup (often later combined with the Startup Act label);
– an exporting SME (IT services, BPO, engineering office);
– a joint venture with a Tunisian partner.
SA: Necessary for Large Projects
The SA becomes essential as soon as a project aims for significant fundraising, stock market listing, or operates in a highly regulated sector (banking, insurance, etc.). It requires a minimum of seven shareholders, heavier governance (board of directors, mandatory auditor from the start or soon after), and more substantial capital (up to 50,000 TND for companies making public offerings).
For an expatriate, the SA is justified in the following cases:
– regional structure for Africa/Middle East;
– large industrial factory;
– major infrastructure or renewable energy project.
Other Options: Branch, Representative Office, Export Companies
Beyond Tunisian law companies, a foreign group can also open a branch or a representative office:
A branch is legally attached to its parent company, which assumes all risks. It can engage in commercial activity, but its creation involves a heavy procedure and authorization that can take several months. A representative office is limited to non-commercial activities (prospecting, marketing, market studies) and cannot invoice services locally.
Finally, Tunisia provides a specific regime for totally exporting companies (100% or at least 70% of turnover from exports), which benefit from reduced taxation and customs exemptions, at the cost of constraints on the share of sales allowed on the local market (30% of the previous year’s turnover).
What Foreigners Are Allowed to Do… Or Not
Contrary to some misconceptions, a foreigner can, in the majority of sectors, hold 100% of the capital of a Tunisian company. But there are limits in certain activities deemed strategic or sensitive.
Foreign Participation Rate: The General Framework
The main cases can be summarized as follows:
| Type of Activity | General Rule for Foreign Participation |
|---|---|
| Export Industry | 100% foreign possible without authorization |
| Export Services | 100% possible, but specific authorizations in some cases |
| Retail / Onshore Trading | Most often max 49% for foreigner, majority Tunisian partner required |
| Agriculture / Aquaculture / Northern Fishing | Foreign participation often limited to 66% |
| Non-Agricultural Real Estate | Purchase possible with authorization from the regional governor |
| Agricultural Land | Ownership prohibited for foreigners, but lease possible if effectively exploited |
The 2016 Investment Law (n°2016‑71) guarantees, in principle, non‑discrimination between local and foreign investors, but provides for sectors subject to authorization. In some non-export services, exceeding 50% foreign capital requires approval from a higher investment commission.
For an expatriate, it is possible to retain full control of one’s structure in sectors like IT, exportable B2B services, consulting, or industry oriented toward Europe. On the other hand, for purely local activities like opening a chain of convenience stores or a restaurant network, a partnership with one or more Tunisian partners holding the majority is mandatory.
Step-by-Step Procedures: From Visa to Registration
Creating a company in Tunisia involves managing two aspects in parallel: your personal situation (visa, residency, work permit) and the formation of the structure (articles of association, registration, taxation).
Personal Status: Visa, Residency, Work
For an expatriate who is not already a resident, the logic is as follows:
For a professional stay in Tunisia, three main procedures should be planned. First, a business visa must be obtained from the Tunisian consulate, upon presentation of a valid passport, a form, a letter of invitation or a detailed project, as well as proof of resources, hotel reservation, and a return ticket. Then, a residence card must be applied for on-site with the foreign police to facilitate local administrative procedures (bank account, lease…). Finally, a work permit may be required depending on the activity sector. Regulations are more flexible for managers of totally exporting companies, but quotas apply: generally up to 30% of foreign executives allowed during the first three years, then 10% thereafter, with a minimum of four foreigners allowed.
Company Creation: The Main Steps
The complete process can take between 2 and 6 weeks depending on the case and your level of preparation. “Single-window” systems (APII, Tunisian Investment Authority, RNE) allow centralization of part of the formalities.
In broad terms, you must: ensure that objectives are clear, establish an action plan, identify necessary resources, and measure results.
1. Reserve the trade name
Registration of the name with the National Business Registry (RNE), after online availability check.
2. Establish the registered office
Commercial lease, domiciliation contract, or rental in an approved coworking space. The contract must be registered with the tax office.
3. Draft the articles of association
They specify the corporate purpose, capital, share distribution, managers’ powers, company duration (often 99 years). A visit to a French-speaking lawyer or accountant is highly recommended to secure the clauses.
4. Obtain the tax identifier
Filing the articles of association and lease with the tax administration to obtain the tax identification card (patente).
5. Open the professional bank account
Deposit of the share capital into a blocked account opened in the name of the company under formation. The bank issues a blocking certificate.
6. Register with the RNE
Submission of the complete file (articles of association, partners’ IDs, capital deposit certificate, proof of registered office, forms) to the RNE. In return, you receive the RNE extract which serves as the company’s “birth certificate”.
7. Legal publication
Insertion of a notice of formation in the Official Gazette (JORT).
8. Social and labor affiliation
– Registration with the National Social Security Fund upon hiring the first employee.
– Declaration of opening to the Labor Inspectorate.
– Creation of the company stamp (essential for practically all procedures).
Some steps can now be done online via e‑government portals. But in practice, for an expatriate unfamiliar with local practices, relying on an accounting or legal firm that handles the rounds of offices is a monumental time saver.
Creation Costs and Operating Costs: What to Budget
Tunisia is not only attractive for its cost of living, but also for the overall cost of setting up a business.
Cost of Living and Housing for the Entrepreneur
Even before paying salaries, you’ll need to find housing and live. Here are some useful orders of magnitude.
| Typical Monthly Expense | Range in Tunis (TND) |
|---|---|
| Rent for 2-room apt downtown | 685 – 836 TND |
| Rent for 2-room apt in suburbs | 446 – 523 TND |
| Rent for 3-room apt downtown | 1,187 – 1,427 TND |
| Utility bills (apartment ~85 m²) | 160 – 174 TND |
| Internet subscription (≥ 60 Mbps) | 59 – 65 TND |
| Meal at inexpensive restaurant | 10 – 12 TND |
| Average net salary | 955 TND |
With a budget of 1,500 to 2,000 TND per month (about 480 to 650 euros), a single expatriate can live comfortably in Tunis, excluding international schooling.
Labor Cost: A Key Advantage
Labor cost is one of the most differentiating factors. International benchmarks (Financial Times / fDi Benchmark) rank Tunisia as the most competitive for several profiles:
| Profile | Approximate Total Annual Cost (€) | International Competitiveness Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Production Operator | ~€5,250 | 1 |
| Robotics Technician | ~€23,001 | 1 |
| IT Support Analyst | ~€7,587 | 1 |
| Software Developer | ~€13,552 | 1 |
| Financial Accountant | ~€17,264 | 1 |
| Factory Manager | ~€27,058 | 1 |
The guaranteed minimum interprofessional wage (SMIG) is around 448 TND/month for 40 weekly hours, 528 TND for 48 hours, excluding transport allowance. The minimum legal rate for employer social security contributions is 16.57% of gross salary (excluding other deductions).
Structural Costs: Energy, Water, Office
Industrial costs (electricity, gas, water) are very competitive compared to many countries:
Industrial gas is among the cheapest in the comparative panel, at about €0.17 per cubic meter.
For office space, a spot in a technopark or a serious coworking space often allows for starting up for a few hundred dinars per month.
Taxation: What a Company Really Pays in Tunisia
The Tunisian tax system combines “reasonable” base rates and a multitude of derogatory schemes depending on the sector, location, and export nature.
Corporate Tax: Reference Rates and Special Cases
The standard corporate tax rate ranges between 15% and 25% depending on the activity. Some sectors (banking, insurance, hydrocarbons) are taxed more heavily (35% or even 40%).
Totally exporting companies benefit from a reduced rate of 10%, often preceded by a period of partial or total exemption. Furthermore, many measures allow a new company to “ease” into taxation, with decreasing deductions:
– 100% of profits exempt in year 1;
– 75% in year 2;
– 50% in year 3;
– 25% in year 4.
Reduced tax rate for eligible new companies, allowing effective rates from 0% to 11.25% in the first years.
A minimum tax may apply, amounting to 0.2% of turnover including tax or a lump sum of 500 TND, preventing excessive optimization.
VAT, Withholding Taxes, and Tax Treaties
VAT follows a three-tier scheme:
– standard rate: 19%;
– reduced rates: 13%, 7%, 6%, 3% or 0% depending on goods and services;
– exports: generally 0%, with suspension of VAT on export-related purchases.
Dividends paid to a non‑resident are subject to a 10% withholding tax at source. This withholding is often reduced thanks to double taxation treaties, of which Tunisia has signed many, notably with France and China.
Resident individuals are taxed on a progressive basis up to 35%, with the classical definition of tax residency (183 days, main home, center of interests).
For an expatriate, the combination of Tunisian taxation and any applicable double taxation agreement should be studied with a local tax advisor to optimize both the structure and the flows (salaries, dividends, management fees).
Zones, Incentives, and Startup Act: How to Optimize Your Project
Over the years, Tunisia has built a real “toolbox” for entrepreneurs, with special regimes, subsidies, and a unique framework for innovative startups.
Development Zones and Export Regimes
Companies setting up in regional development zones or industrial free zones can access:
– full corporate tax exemptions for 5 to 10 years;
– a reduced rate of 10% beyond that period;
– investment grants covering 15% to 30% of infrastructure costs (with ceilings that can reach several million dinars – for example via the FACDI for certain industrial projects);
– exemptions from employer social security contributions for several years;
– exemptions from customs duties and VAT on equipment.
Companies benefiting from this status enjoy a simplified customs regime and a suspension of VAT on their purchases. They can also sell up to 30% of their production on the local Tunisian market without losing this privileged status.
The Startup Act: A Very Favorable Framework for Innovation
The Tunisian “Startup Act”, adopted in 2018, is often cited as a model in the region. It’s not just a marketing label: it opens the door to very concrete advantages for innovative startups.
To obtain the label, a company must notably:
To be labeled a Startup, a company must meet four cumulative criteria: be less than 8 years old, have fewer than 100 employees with turnover or total assets less than 15 million TND, be more than two-thirds owned by individuals, investment funds, or other labeled startups, and demonstrate an innovative, scalable nature with high growth potential.
Once labeled, the startup can benefit, among other things, from:
– exemption from corporate tax;
– the state covering part of social security contributions;
– the possibility for salaried founders to take (partially paid) leave to devote themselves to the startup;
– facilities for opening foreign currency accounts, using international cards, and receiving foreign funding;
– international support via public and para‑public programs.
By 2024, over 1,100 startups had already obtained this label, generating hundreds of millions of dinars in turnover and several tens of millions of dollars in fundraising.
Financing Your Project: Banks, Funds, Grants, and Business Angels
Money remains the lifeblood of war, even in a country with relatively low costs. Tunisia offers several “layers” of financing available to an expatriate.
Banks and Traditional Financing
Several well-established commercial banks offer solutions dedicated to entrepreneurs, including foreigners:
– Banque de Tunisie, Amen Bank, BIAT, Attijari Bank, BNA, STB, BH Bank, UBCI, etc.
They mainly finance:
– investment (equipment, real estate, machinery) in the form of medium-long term loans;
– working capital needs (overdrafts, cash facilities);
– sometimes innovative projects with complementary intervention from public funds.
To obtain credit, personal contribution, collateral (such as a mortgage or pledge), and solid forecast accounts are generally required. An expatriate must also justify the regularity of their residency and tax status, and it’s advisable to present, if possible, guarantees from their country of origin.
Venture Capital, Funds, and Public Grants
For innovative or high-growth projects, Tunisia has an ecosystem of venture capital and public/private funds:
– Anava Fund of Funds: a fund of funds aiming for €200M to feed several Tunisian and regional VC funds;
– innovation funds and programs like EU4Business, African Development Bank;
– Startup Act: grants, loans, and tax advantages for labeled startups.
The main incubators and accelerators supporting entrepreneurs in their development and fundraising.
Supports startups in roadshows, pitch deck structuring, and access to investors.
Provides support to entrepreneurs for development and fundraising.
Participates in supporting startups in their structuring and networking.
Helps startups prepare for roadshows and access investor networks.
Supports entrepreneurs in structuring their deck and fundraising strategy.
Business Angels, Diaspora, and Networks
The Tunisian diaspora, highly skilled and largely based in Europe and North America, is starting to play a key role in financing local startups:
– Carthage Business Angels, for example, brings together individual investors around innovative projects;
– associations like the Tunisian American Young Professionals (TAYP) run mentoring programs, sometimes coupled with funding tickets (e.g., StartUp RISE).
For an expatriate, connecting early to these networks not only allows fundraising but also provides a “bridge” effect to other markets.
Bank Account, Foreign Currency, and Exchange Control: A Major Point of Vigilance
One of the most sensitive aspects for a foreign entrepreneur in Tunisia concerns foreign currency management. The Tunisian dinar is a controlled currency; currency flows are regulated by the Central Bank of Tunisia.
Useful Account Types for an Expatriate
Tunisian banks offer several account types suitable for non‑residents and expatriates:
| Account Type | Target Audience / Main Use |
|---|---|
| Convertible Currency Account | Non‑residents, expatriates: receive and hold foreign currency (EUR, USD…) |
| Convertible Dinar Account | Non‑residents: local operations from converted foreign currency |
| INR Account (Interior Non Resident) | Foreigners staying < 2 years: local expenses, daily management |
| PPR Account (Physical Person Resident) | Foreign exchange resident: receive foreign income, regulated international operations |
| Classic Dinar Current Account | Residents: daily local operations |
A foreigner settling in must generally start with an INR account then, after two years, switch to a foreign exchange resident status with a classic dinar account, possibly complemented by a foreign currency account or a PPR account, depending on their profile.
Repatriation of Capital and Profits
The investment law guarantees foreign investors the possibility to repatriate capital and profits in foreign currency. But, for this to work without blockage:
For a foreign investment, it is imperative to correctly declare the initial capital contribution in foreign currency, ensure traceability of flows via investment forms and bank certificates, and keep tax formalities up to date, including declarations and non-liability certificates.
Conversely, a Tunisian foreign exchange resident (including a dual national) cannot freely open foreign accounts or transfer funds abroad without authorization, except for a few specific exceptions for international investments. For an expatriate, the key is therefore to clarify one’s “foreign exchange resident” status and surround oneself with a banking advisor who knows the rules well.
Company Daily Life: Accounting, Social, Obligations
Creating a company is one thing; running it properly in compliance with regulations is another. Non-compliance with accounting, tax, and social rules can be very costly.
Accounting and Declarations
Companies must apply Tunisian accounting standards, quite close to international standards, with:
– regular bookkeeping,
– preparation of annual accounts (balance sheet, income statement, notes),
– approval in a general meeting of partners,
– filing of financial statements with the National Business Registry and the tax administration.
Tax filing obligations include:
– monthly declarations (VAT, withholding taxes, advance payments…);
– submission of the annual tax return (usually before the end of March);
– payment of advance corporate tax installments.
Tax audits, whether spot checks or in-depth, may be conducted. In case of non-compliance, financial penalties are applied.
Labor Law and Staff Management
The Tunisian Labor Code notably provides: workers’ right to fair remuneration, safe and healthy working conditions, and social protection.
– a legal working week of up to 48 hours;
– a minimum of about 30 days of paid annual leave;
– obligation of a written employment contract;
– payment of social security contributions to the CNSS for all employees.
Beyond a certain headcount (20 employees and more), staff representation bodies (delegate, works council) must be established.
For the expatriate entrepreneur, the challenge is twofold:
1. Ensure compliance of contracts and practices (hours, overtime, dismissals) with local law. 2. Deal with a relatively hierarchical managerial culture, where the role of the “boss” remains central, while introducing, if desired, more participative methods.
Business Culture, Communication, and Negotiation: The Codes to Master
An essential part of the success of an entrepreneurial project in Tunisia is played neither in the articles of association nor in the balance sheets, but in daily human relations.
Relationships First, Business Second
The Tunisian business world places personal relationships at its core. Some traits to integrate:
Initial meetings often include informal exchanges (small talk) about family, hometown, or political context to establish a climate of trust. It’s crucial to value loyalty and one’s word, sometimes more than the strict terms of a contract. Finally, respect hierarchy: the final decision-maker is usually a senior executive, and openly challenging their position in a meeting is poorly perceived.
In this context, multiplying business lunches, accepting coffee invitations, and showing sincere interest in the country and culture is far from wasted time: it’s the fuel for your social capital.
Communication Style
Communication is often indirect, especially to express disagreement or refuse a request. Key points:
In some contexts, a ‘yes’ may simply mean the person heard you, not that they firmly agree. It’s important to avoid public criticism, as it is very poorly perceived; prefer private feedback and deliver it tactfully. Finally, silence is not necessarily a sign of discomfort; it can simply indicate thinking time.
Non‑verbal language carries weight: eye contact, posture, gestures. Some Western gestures can be interpreted negatively (thumbs up, pointing a finger). It’s better to observe local customs and adjust.
Working Languages
Arabic is the official language, but French is omnipresent in business, administration, and much of legal documentation. English is progressing, especially among young executives and in the startup ecosystem, but is far from universal.
For a French-speaking expatriate, this is obviously a huge advantage. For an English speaker, being assisted by an interpreter or bilingual collaborator is often essential for delicate negotiations or administrative procedures.
Risks, Difficulties, and How to Reduce Them
No environment is perfect. Creating a company in Tunisia involves dealing with several types of risks.
Bureaucracy, Slowness, and Regulatory Complexity
While significant progress has been made (digitization of procedures, single windows, regulated deadlines), the journey can still be fraught with delays:
– documents required in multiple copies;
– back‑and‑forth between administrations;
– divergent interpretations of texts from one office to another.
Reducing this uncertainty requires: risk analysis and implementation of appropriate mitigation strategies.
To navigate administrative procedures effectively, three actions are essential: collaborate with an experienced local firm (lawyer or accountant) who masters the procedures, anticipate deadlines widely, especially for sectoral authorizations, and systematically keep written records of all documents (submissions, receipts, and official responses).
Exchange Rate Risk and Currency Control
The gradual depreciation of the dinar against the euro and the dollar is a fact. It can play in your favor (your foreign currency income converts into more dinars) or against you (cost of imported materials, value of your contributions in local currency).
Some useful reflexes:
To optimize foreign exchange risk management, it is recommended to keep part of the treasury in foreign currency in suitable accounts. It is also advisable to anticipate major import purchases and international transfers by planning these operations according to exchange rate trends. Finally, active monitoring of the economic and monetary situation, via central bank publications and analyses from international banks, is essential for making informed decisions.
Technical Barriers (International Payments, Platforms, etc.)
Some international services (like PayPal in its full merchant version) are not available or very restricted in Tunisia. For a digital startup, this may force you to:
– structure a dual presence (entity in Tunisia for R&D, entity abroad for international invoicing);
– use alternative solutions (regional payment providers, virtual cards, platforms like Wise for transfers).
This must be thought out in advance in your legal and financial architecture.
How to Maximize Your Chances of Success as an Expatriate
To conclude, some guidelines drawn from the experiences of foreign and Tunisian entrepreneurs.
To successfully establish a startup in Tunisia, it is crucial to immerse yourself in the local ecosystem by frequenting incubators (Flat6Labs, 216 Capital, WikiStartup, SMU Incubator), participating in events (Startup Tunisia Summit, Tunisian Startups Conference), and joining professional networks (Foreign Chambers of Commerce, business angel networks). It’s also essential to secure legal and tax aspects from the start by choosing a suitable structure (SUARL/SARL, SA, exporting company), clarifying your personal tax status (resident vs. non‑resident), and optimizing the holding structure (foreign holding or not) with a competent firm. Building a trusted local partnership (co‑founder, manager, distributor) is a decisive lever for navigating culture and administration. It is strategic to think on a regional scale, using Tunisia as a base to serve Europe, North Africa, and parts of sub‑Saharan Africa thanks to its trade agreements, favoring exporting structures and free zones. Finally, capitalizing on the cost differential by combining a technical team in Tunisia with a premium positioning in external markets can generate a strong margin, provided you invest in quality and training.
Creating your company in Tunisia as an expatriate is neither an “easy eldorado” nor an insurmountable obstacle course. It’s a demanding project that rewards those who take the time to understand the terrain, respect local rules, and build solid relationships. With good preparation, the right partners, and a clear vision, Tunisia can become much more than a host country: a true entrepreneurial springboard between three continents.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
