Scaling your business with Tunisia's multilingual talent and strategic Mediterranean location.
Tunisian Dinar (TND)
Tunis
GMT+1
Tunisia is a vibrant North African nation that has positioned itself as a major tech and service hub for the European and MENA markets. With a highly educated population and a strong focus on engineering and digital services, Tunisia offers a perfect balance of cost-efficiency and high-quality output. It is particularly attractive for companies seeking multilingual support and software development expertise.
Located at the northernmost point of Africa, Tunisia is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Its proximity to Europe (just 140 km from Italy) makes it a strategic partner for nearshoring. The country is divided into the fertile northern regions, where the capital Tunis is located, and the arid south, which reaches into the Sahara Desert.
Tunisia enjoys a Mediterranean climate in the north, with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The southern part of the country experiences a desert climate. Average summer temperatures in coastal cities like Tunis or Sousse stay around 32°C (90°F), while the sea breeze provides a pleasant environment for year-round business operations.
Tunisian culture is a unique blend of Arab, Mediterranean, and French influences. It is one of the most progressive societies in the region, with a strong emphasis on education and gender equality. In business, Tunisians value politeness, personal trust, and a degree of formality. Meetings often begin with social conversation, as building a relationship is considered a prerequisite for any commercial agreement.
Arabic is the official language, and the local dialect, Darija, is spoken daily. French is the language of business, administration, and higher education, spoken by nearly 65% of the population. English is rapidly becoming the preferred third language, especially among IT professionals and the younger workforce, making Tunisia a truly multilingual talent hub.
As of January 1, 2026, Tunisia follows a progressive tax scale ranging from 0% to 41%. The employer is responsible for withholding the tax (PIT) at source from the employee's monthly gross income.
The social security system (CNSS) in Tunisia covers health insurance, retirement, and family allowances. Health insurance is managed by CNAM, which is integrated into the social security contributions.
| Types of Contribution | Contribution rate % (by employer) | Contribution rate % (by employee) |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security (CNSS) | 16.57% | 9.18% |
| Unemployment Insurance Fund | 0.5% | 0.5% |
| Health Insurance (CNAM) | Included in CNSS | Included in CNSS |
| Total | 17.07% | 9.68% |
*Dates for religious holidays are subject to the lunar calendar.
| Occasion | Date (Estimated for 2026) |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Revolution and Youth Day | January 14 |
| Independence Day | March 20 |
| Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) | March 21–22* |
| Martyrs' Day | April 9 |
| Labor Day | May 1 |
| Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) | May 26–27* |
| Islamic New Year (Muharram) | June 16* |
| Republic Day | July 25 |
| Women's Day | August 13 |
| The Prophet's Birthday (Mawlid) | August 25* |
| Evacuation Day | October 15* |
Salaries are paid monthly in Tunisian Dinars (TND). International companies often set salaries in EUR or USD to remain competitive, but the actual payment is converted and deposited in TND according to local central bank regulations.
The standard work week is 40 to 48 hours, depending on the sector. In the office and IT sectors, 40 hours is the norm. Employers must maintain meticulous records of hours worked and overtime to comply with the Tunisian Labor Code.
Employees are typically entitled to 18 to 30 working days of paid leave per year, depending on their seniority and the specific collective agreement of their industry.
Following recent reforms, maternity leave in the private sector has been extended to 3 months at 100% pay, ensuring better support for working mothers.
Fathers are now entitled to 7 days of paid paternity leave (extended to 10 days in case of multiple births or disabilities), which must be taken within the first month of the child's birth.
Employees who legally adopt a child are entitled to leave periods that mirror parental leave, typically up to 3 months, to facilitate the integration of the child into the family.