Opening a company in Tunisia will be an excellent opportunity to expand an existing business or participate in a profitable investment project.
Tunisia (Republic of Tunisia) is an independent agro-industrial state located in the north of Africa and washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Most of the country’s territory is occupied by the Atlas Mountains and savannahs.
The closest neighboring countries are Algeria and Libya.
Key sectors of the state economy: agriculture, tourism, oil, and gas industry, food industry (olives, olive oil), textile industry,
The capital of the state is Tunisia. Largest cities: Sfax, Sousse, and others.
The state language is Arabic. The population of the country is over 11.7 million people. The state currency is the Tunisian dinar (TND).
The country’s climate is subtropical (Mediterranean).
Participation in international organizations: IAEA, WHO, ILO, ABERA, AWF, Arab Maghreb Union, Arab League, Non-Aligned Movement, Group 77, Islamic Development Bank, and others.
Business advantages of Tunisia
According to the Doing Business financial magazine, the Republic of Tunisia has improved its performance since last year and is currently ranked 80th in terms of ease of doing business, 63rd in company registration, and 51st in terms of connectivity.
For those who are interested in such a question as registering a company in Tunisia, we also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the following business advantages of this state:
- Dynamically developing economy;
- Stable political position;
- Modern transport infrastructure (8 international airports (out of 29), an established railway network, and more than 5 large ports);
- The presence of a free economic zone Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA);
- Ample opportunities for the development of any type of business;
- More than 40 DTA agreements with Arab and European countries, as well as the USA and Canada;
- Low tax burden;
- Availability of a qualified workforce.
If you want to open a company in Tunisia remotely, then we recommend that you carefully consider these popular business areas: real estate, hotel business, restaurant business, light industry, IT, and medicine.
Types of companies in Tunisia
Those who are going to register a company in Tunisia will first need to decide on the most suitable form of economic activity, in particular, choose one of the options below:
- Limited Liability Company (SARL / LLC);
- Agribusiness Company (AC);
- Regional Development Zone Company (RDZ Company);
- Export Limited Liability Company (Export LLC);
- Travel Company (TC);
- Representative Office (RO).
The best choice for opening an international business in Africa would be to register a company in Uganda as a limited liability company (SARL / LLC) or a regional development zone company (RDZ Company).
Business registration conditions
Those who intend to register a company in Tunisia remotely will need to comply with these conditions of the local Regulator:
- The unique name of the company (mandatory indication at the end of the selected OPF);
- Number of directors: 1 or more;
- The number of shareholders – from 2 or more;
- Enterprise management: individuals / legal entities;
- Residency requirements: yes (for director);
- The presence of a secretary: is required;
- Authorized capital – from 500 USD;
- Registered office and address: not required;
- Reporting: yes.
Tax system
If you are going to register a company in Tunisia, then you will certainly need to carefully study the taxation conditions of this state. The following taxes apply in the Republic of Tunisia:
The income tax rate is 25%. There is a reduced rate of 10% for export companies (Export LLC). Agricultural enterprises (AC) do not pay tax for the first 10 years, after which the rate is 10%. Regional Development Zone Companies (RDZ Companies) are exempt from tax for a period of 5 to 10 years, after which the rate is 10%.
VAT – 19%. Export companies are not taxed.
Dividend tax – 5%.
