Planning an extended stay in Tunisia? A long-term visa alone may not suffice so you’ll likely need to apply for a residence permit to legally reside in the country. This document grants foreign nationals the right to stay in Tunisia for durations that exceed the limits of a standard visa.

Residence permit requirements depend on the type of permit you need and your individual circumstances. Generally, you must provide documentation such as proof of income or employment, proof of accommodation, and other supporting materials. For example, retirees must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to sustain their stay, while those seeking employment in Tunisia must present a valid work contract or related employment documents.

Applications for residence permits are submitted in person at local Tunisian authorities, such as the police station or governorate office. The process can take several weeks and may involve an interview or requests for additional documentation.

Once approved, a residence permit is typically valid for one or two years and is renewable, provided you continue to meet the necessary requirements. Be mindful, overstaying your visa or residence permit can result in fines, deportation, or other legal consequences. Staying compliant with local laws and keeping your documents up to date is essential.

In summary, a residence permit is a critical requirement for anyone planning to remain in Tunisia beyond the limits of a long-term visa. While the specific requirements vary based on personal circumstances, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to the process will help make your stay worry free.

Residence Permit for Investors

Secure a residence permit effortlessly by investing in real estate within this country. Whether it's an apartment, a house, or a villa, nearly any type of property qualifies. Your investment is flexible, you can use the property as your personal residence, rent it out for passive income, or make it your vacation retreat.

Beyond real estate, you can also qualify for a residence permit by contributing to the country’s economy. This can include supporting local public or private projects, investing in established businesses, or exploring other approved opportunities. Best of all, this program eliminates the need to apply for a business visa, making the process even more convenient.

Residence permit for specialists

Tunisia offers employment opportunities for foreigners, but language skills often play a critical role. While English is widely used, proficiency in French or Arabic is highly valued, as these are the most commonly spoken languages in the country. If language barriers aren’t an issue for you, there’s potential to secure a well-paying and reputable position.

Roles in high demand include:

• Specialists in agriculture
• Healthcare professionals
• Teachers and educators
• Tourism professionals with strong language skills
• Hotel staff, entertainers, and tour guides

Required Documents for Obtaining a Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour)

To apply for a residence permit in Tunisia, you must visit the local police station. The specific station is determined by your spouse’s place of residence, your property location, or the area of your employment or business operation.

Typically, you will need to provide the following:

• A valid foreign passport, which must be presented in person;

• Photocopies of passport pages containing personal details, entry stamps, or visas;

• Four recent, color passport-sized photographs (preferably taken in Tunisia);

• Payment of state fees. In Tunisia, this is handled through the purchase of specific stamps as proof of payment;

• Proof of financial solvency, such as a statement from a local bank where you hold an account;

• A completed residence permit application form, filled out in duplicate in French.

Additionally, you will need to submit documents that confirm the purpose of your extended stay in Tunisia. These may include:

• An invitation to study from a university;
• A marriage certificate proving your union with a Tunisian citizen;
• A letter of recommendation from an employer or business partners;
• Official documentation showing the registration of your company in Tunisia;
• Papers confirming ownership of property or an investment project, along with details of the investment amounts.

If there are no issues with your application, you will receive a temporary certificate within three days. This certificate allows you to stay in Tunisia for up to one year. Once your official residence permit card is ready, which typically takes about three months, the temporary certificate can be exchanged for the permanent document.

A residence permit in Tunisia is initially issued for one year and can be renewed annually. After several renewals, authorities may grant an extension of up to two years, depending on your specific circumstances and their assessment.