The Republic of Tunisia, located in North Africa along the Mediterranean Sea coast, is an independent state. The country is characterized by savannas and the Atlas Mountains, which cover a significant portion of its territory.

Tunisia shares its borders primarily with Algeria and Libya. The key sectors contributing to Tunisia's economy include agriculture, tourism, oil production, and textiles.

The following information outlines the requirements and fees for registering an SARL, which is the equivalent of a Limited Liability Company in Tunisia.

Among foreign entrepreneurs, the offshore company is a widely favored business structure. Referred to as "offshore" due to its lower tax rates on product exports, this form of business enables companies to benefit from reduced taxes and simplifies their operations.

Tunisia became a member of the World Trade Organization in 1996, thus gaining access to all the benefits associated with membership. Foreign individuals can establish a company in Tunisia with a modest paid-up capital of just US$500 (TND1,000). Notably, directors and shareholders are not required to reside in Tunisia, and Soha Europe Invest Consultants can manage the entire process without their physical presence.

Tunisia imposes a standard corporate income tax rate of 15%. Moreover, new Tunisian startups may qualify for corporate tax holidays lasting up to eight years.

Once its political situation stabilizes, Tunisia is poised to regain its status as the preferred hub for foreign investment in Northern Africa because:

Unless engaging in retail trade, foreigners are permitted to establish branches and wholly-owned foreign companies in Tunisia. This sets Tunisia apart from many other countries in Northern Africa and the Middle East, such as Algeria, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, where the formation of a joint venture is typically required.

The Tunisian Government has entered into various investment treaties with countries, including China, South Korea, the UAE, Indonesia, European Union Member States, the United States of America, and Canada. These treaties provide legal protection for investments made by citizens and corporations from these countries.

Tunisia does not impose foreign exchange controls, and there are no restrictions on remitting earnings abroad. The only requirement is the payment of a withholding tax, which is set at a modest 5%. Additionally, Tunisian companies enjoy the benefits of an extensive network of double taxation avoidance treaties with over fifty countries, including Canada, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Lebanon, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Tunisia is a central hub for corporate finance, facilitated by the existence of various local, regional, and international entities, including:

• Citibank
• The Arab Banking Corporation
• Arab Tunisian Bank and Habitat Bank.

Tunisia presents an advantageous location for initiating a call center and other labor-intensive businesses due to the following reasons:

• Although official salary statistics are limited, the average monthly wage in Tunisia is roughly estimated at around US$500, with a minimum salary of only US$130 (TND274). Furthermore, the availability of a workforce is abundant, given the current unemployment rate exceeding 15%, which is twice as high among the younger population.
• Tunisian workers, including women, exhibit higher skills compared to their counterparts in Northern African countries. The literacy rate among the population is approximately 80%, reaching nearly 100% among individuals aged 18 to 24.
• Proficiency in communication is a notable strength, with all Tunisians being fluent in Tunisian Arabic. Additionally, a significant minority, approximately 30%, is fully proficient in French, while university graduates are typically fluent in English.

Tunisia proves to be a favorable location for manufacturing and export-focused enterprises. This is primarily attributed to the existence of 152 industrial zones throughout the country, complemented by two operational free zones—specifically, the Bizerte and Zarzis parks. These zones offer various incentives to companies, including proximity to oil and gas resources, strategic location advantages, and the freedom to engage in foreign trade.

Required documents:

1. Certified copies of passports for each shareholder and director of the company.
2. Certified copies of constituent documents of founder company, certified copies of passports of directors and beneficiaries - for legal entities.
3. Power of attorney for company registration.
4. Additional information may be requested by the government when registering a company.

Government and public authority websites:

Tunisia Tax Authority

Central Bank of Tunisia

Tunisia Stock Exchange

Tunisia Chamber of Commerce

Updated on : Sunday,January 21st , 2024