Residence permit in exchange for investment (when starting a company/firm/business)

Tunisia encourages foreigners to invest! 

The Investor Support Department at the Ministry of foreign investment helps foreign investors and entrepreneurs obtain a residence permit in Tunisia.

Documents that must be submitted when applying for a residence permit:

• Pre-printed form provided by the office,
• A copy of the certificate confirming the submission of the investment project, authorization or license of the trader.
• Registered copy of the company's charter,
• A certified copy of the employer or a foreign employee's certificate,
• A copy of the employment contract with the seal of the relevant departments of the Ministry of employment,
• A copy of the fiscal card availability certificate,
• A copy of an extract from the commercial register,
• A copy of the publication notice to JORT regarding the company's establishment,
• A copy of your passport (the first three pages and the entry visa page),
• 02 stamps of 10 TND each
• A copy of the prenuptial agreement or identification card of the spouses in the case of a mixed marriage with a Tunisian citizen

Tunisian investment website - http://www.investintunisia.tn/En/home_46_33 

Can I get Tunisian citizenship by investing?

No.

Residence permit for the purchase of real estate / Carte séjour

If you purchase a property, you can also get a residence permit as an investment. You can read about the application and documents above.

Permanent residence permission in Tunisia

Foreigners need a visa (residency) for permanent residence, namely for more than three consecutive months. Residence visas are divided into two categories:

1. Temporary residence visa

This visa is granted to foreigners who do not intend to arrange permanent residence in Tunisia. The authorities may also issue this visa to an applicant who has been refused a regular residence visa by the Tunisian government. The validity period of a temporary residence visa may not exceed one year. 

2. Permanent residence visa

You are eligible for this long-term permit provided that:

• You have lived in Tunisia continuously for at least five years with a temporary residence permit;
• You are married to a Tunisian citizen (for a woman);
• Do you have children who are Tunisian citizens;
• You have made a significant contribution to Tunisia.

Upon arrival on a long-term visa, you will need to contact the nearest police department.  The ministry can provide you with a residence permit for:

• education;
• employment opportunities;
• joining a family in Tunisia;
• investing.

A residence permit is usually granted for 2 years with the possibility of renewal, and it must be renewed every time the employment contract is renewed. Each renewal can be valid for up to 5 years. A residence permit is granted by the General Directorate of national security of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

To submit, you will need to prepare:

• 2 tax stamps of 10 DT each (financial income);
• Printed, completed and signed application for a residence permit;
• You will need a valid passport, a copy of it (the first three pages and a page with your current visa that allows you to stay in Tunisia);
• Documents which are confirmed your need for a longer stay:
• marriage certificate;
• employment contract with the seal of the Ministry of Employment;
• application for the establishment of a company from the National Commercial Register;
• copies of documents on investment intentions (or investments already made);
• lease agreement;
• Certificate of opening an account in Tunisia.

All copies must be legalized in municipalities. 

With a resident card, keep in mind that for any flight abroad, you will have to pay the "departure tax" - a tax stamp which are worth 60 DT, which can be found at the airport's bank desks. Or a fee of 30 dinars when non-residents leave Tunisia.

Since the Tunisian authorities do not allow cohabitation (without marriage), an unemployed partner cannot obtain a residence permit and can only obtain a tourist visa, which can be renewed every three months when leaving the territory.

You may be denied a residence permit or renewal if your request is considered not very reliable. Your residence permit may be revoked if you have committed an offense against public order.

How can I extend my permission?

Documents that must be submitted for the renewal request:

• 3 photos of the identity card;
• Original document of the former residence card

How much does it cost to apply for permanent residence

150 Tunisian dinars, 75 dinars for students and students

Family reunification

Who has the right to family reunification?

You can get a visa and a permanent residence permit in Tunisia, provided that you are married to a Tunisian citizen or have children who are Tunisian citizens. In this case, you can apply for one of two types of permanent residence visas - temporary and long-term. After obtaining a visa and arriving in Crana, you will also need to contact the General Directorate of national security of the Ministry of internal affairs and obtain a permanent residence permit.

Among the required documents, there are:

• A biometric passport valid for at least six months and a copy of its first page;
• One or two photos with the size of the passport that meet the requirements;
• Confirmation of accommodation in Tunis (address of the rented house or apartment, confirmation of hotel booking, etc.);
• Full tourist route;
• Invitation letter from the host (husband / wife / father);
• Documents which are confirmed kinship;
• Confirmation of payment of the visa fee.

The list is approximate and may vary from country to country. For more information, please contact your nearest embassy.