Moving to Tunisia

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence permit process for Tunisia largely depends on your nationality and the purpose of your stay. Citizens from certain countries, particularly within the European Union, may enjoy more lenient entry requirements for short visits, but for anything beyond a tourist stay, a formal process is required. For longer durations or for the intention to work, study, or reside, you will need to apply for an appropriate visa and subsequently a residence permit.

• Work Permit: If you are moving to Tunisia for employment, your employer will typically initiate the process for your work permit, which is a prerequisite for your residence permit.
• Family Reunification: Spouses or dependents of Tunisian citizens or foreign residents may apply for a residence permit based on family ties.
• Study Visa: Students accepted into Tunisian educational institutions will need to apply for a student visa, which then allows them to obtain a student residence permit.
• Residence Permit (Non-Working): For individuals with independent means or those retiring in Tunisia, a specific residence permit category may be available, requiring proof of financial stability.

It is crucial to verify the most current requirements and procedures directly with the Tunisian embassy or consulate in your home country, or with the relevant authorities in Tunisia, as regulations can change.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Tunisia involves a mix of traditional and modern approaches. Popular areas for expatriates include the capital, Tunis (especially neighborhoods like Les Berges du Lac, La Marsa, and Carthage), and coastal cities like Sousse or Hammamet.

• How to Find Housing:
  • Real Estate Agents: This is a common and often efficient method, especially for those unfamiliar with the local market. Agents can help navigate the legalities and language barriers.
  • Online Portals: Websites specializing in Tunisian real estate can list available properties for rent.
  • Word of Mouth: Networking with other expatriates or locals can sometimes lead to hidden gems.
• Typical Rental Process: Once you find a property, you'll typically sign a rental contract, often for a minimum of one year. It's advisable to have the contract reviewed by a legal professional, especially if it's not in your native language.
• Deposits: A security deposit, usually equivalent to one or two months' rent, is standard. This is refundable at the end of your tenancy, provided the property is returned in good condition.
• Temporary vs. Long-Term: Many new arrivals opt for temporary accommodation (serviced apartments, short-term rentals) upon arrival to allow time to explore different neighborhoods and secure a long-term lease without pressure.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of relocating to Tunisia is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively for your international move.

• Volume of Goods: The more items you ship, the higher the cost. Decluttering before your move can significantly reduce expenses.
• Distance: The origin country's distance from Tunisia directly impacts shipping costs.
• Seasonality: Peak moving seasons (often summer months) can see higher demand and potentially higher prices for shipping and related services.
• Access at Origin and Destination: Ease of access for loading and unloading at both your current and new homes can affect labor costs. Difficult access (e.g., narrow streets, no elevator) may incur additional charges.
• Method of Transport: Air freight is faster but considerably more expensive than sea freight. A combination of both for essential items versus bulk goods is often a practical solution.
• Extra Services: Additional services like professional packing, unpacking, storage, insurance, and specialized handling for delicate or oversized items will add to the overall cost.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, exact prices come from a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is crucial for a smooth relocation. Here's a general checklist for 4-8 weeks before your move:

8 Weeks Before:

• Declutter: Go through all your belongings and decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This is the biggest cost-saver.
• Research & Verify: Confirm visa and residence permit requirements with official sources.
• Get Quotes: Contact reputable relocation companies for moving quotes.
• Documents: Start gathering important documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, medical records, driver's license). Get copies and consider certified translations if necessary.

6 Weeks Before:

• Book Services: Finalize your moving company and confirm dates.
• Accommodation: Begin actively searching for housing in Tunisia, or arrange temporary accommodation.
• Medical Check-ups: Schedule any necessary medical appointments and get prescriptions refilled.
• School Enrollment: If applicable, begin the enrollment process for children in Tunisian schools.

4 Weeks Before:

• Utilities & Subscriptions: Notify utility providers (electricity, gas, internet, water) of your move-out date. Cancel or transfer subscriptions (magazines, gym memberships).
• Mail Forwarding: Set up mail forwarding to your new address or a trusted contact.
• Banking: Inform your bank of your move and explore options for international banking or setting up a local Tunisian bank account.
• Packing Essentials: Start packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and the room they belong in.

2 Weeks Before:

• Confirm Travel: Finalize flight arrangements and ground transportation.
• Pets: If moving with pets, confirm all veterinary requirements and travel arrangements.
• Essentials Box: Pack a separate box with essentials you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, medications, important documents, a change of clothes, chargers).

1 Week Before:

• Final Packing: Complete all packing, leaving only immediate necessities unpacked.
• Clean Out: Arrange for final cleaning of your current home.
• Emergency Contacts: Share your new contact information and emergency contacts with family and friends.

Request a free quote on relocation123.com to start planning your move to Tunisia today.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Tunisia: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Tunisia involves navigating specific customs regulations for your personal belongings. This guide provides a clear overview to help ensure a smooth transition for your move.

If you're relocating as a new resident

When moving your household goods to Tunisia as a new resident, ensure all your documentation is in order well in advance. Your goods will be inspected at the port of entry.

What you'll need

• Original Passport (name must exactly match Bill of Lading)
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Express Release / Air Waybill (AWB)
• Detailed inventory of all appliances (not valued)
• Original Residence Permit (approved by the Ministry of Interior)
• Original Work Permit (approved by the Ministry of Employment)
• Packing list in French (recommended to send in advance with OBL copy)

Good to know

• Expatriates working for the export/offshore market may clear goods duty-free on a temporary franchise basis. All previously imported items must be exported upon departure.
• Expatriates working for the local market will be subject to taxes and duties.
• If your final Residence Permit isn't ready at clearance, Customs may request a deposit, reimbursable upon production of the final document.
• Baggage is cleared at the first airport of entry in Tunisia.
• Valuable articles should be declared upon arrival to ensure re-export.

If you are a retired person

Retired individuals moving to Tunisia have specific requirements depending on their housing situation.

What you'll need

• Original Passport
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Express Release / Air Waybill (AWB)
• Detailed inventory of all appliances (not valued)
• Original Residence Permit
• Packing list in French (recommended to send in advance with OBL copy)
• If you own your residence: Title Ownership
• If you are renting: Proof of financial resources through a local Tunisian Bank

Good to know

• If you own your residence, goods may be cleared on a duty-free temporary basis.
• If you are renting, your shipment will be subject to taxes and duties. It's advisable to avoid exceeding a 1x20’ container volume.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomatic shipments benefit from specific exemptions and a streamlined process, though preparation time is crucial.

What you'll need

• Original Passport
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Express Release / Air Waybill (AWB)
• Detailed inventory of all appliances (not valued)
• Packing list in French
• Diplomatic Franchise / Exemption (approved by both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Customs Administration)

Good to know

• The diplomat should be in Tunisia at least 2-3 weeks before the shipment's arrival to be accredited by the Tunisian Government.
• The Diplomatic Franchise / Exemption approval process can take approximately one month.
• Diplomatic shipments are exempt from inspection at the port of entry.
• The diplomat's presence is not required for customs clearance.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing a motor vehicle requires the owner's presence and specific documentation. The vehicle will be inspected upon arrival.

What you'll need

• Owner’s Passport
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL)
• Original Registration / Insurance certificates (in shipper’s name)

Good to know

• The shipper must be present for Customs clearance.
• Vehicles are subject to inspection; the report must show the engine number and type of vehicle.
• Vehicle details will be stamped on the importer’s Passport.
• You may temporarily drive the vehicle for up to 3 months during the clearance process.

Pets

Bringing pets to Tunisia involves health certifications and vaccinations. Be aware of prohibited breeds.

What you'll need

• Certificate of health from veterinary authorities in the country of departure, stating no contagious diseases occurred at the place of origin for 6 weeks before shipment.
• For cats and dogs: a rabies vaccination certificate issued between 1 and 6 months prior to arrival.
• Vaccination record.

Good to know

• Prohibited breeds include boerboel, pitbull, rottweiler, and tosa. Falcons are also prohibited.
• Animals are subject to examination upon arrival.

Restricted & prohibited items

Certain items are restricted and require special authorization or have quantity limits, while others are completely prohibited.

• Restricted items:
  • Live animals (health certificate, inoculations, embassy permission)
  • Endangered species (CITES permission)
  • Medication
  • Local currency (Tunisian Dinar - TND) cash import only with permission
  • Foreign Currency (declarable if exceeding TND 5,000 for foreigners, TND 25,000 for residents)
  • Hunting weapons (authorization from Ministry of Interior, embassy contact recommended)
  • Plants (Phytosanitary Certificate required)
  • Appliances, electronics, and computers (1 of each item allowed, make/model/serial number on inventory; new items are dutiable)
  • Perfumes (reasonable quantity)
  • Satellite receivers, faxes, walkie-talkies, and telephones (subject to temporary hold by Customs, require authorization from appropriate authorities)
• Prohibited items:
  • Drones & mini-drones
  • Pornographic documents
  • Counterfeit items
  • Cultural artefacts and other objects of cultural importance
  • Henna
  • Palm tree and any products thereof
  • Explosive material
  • Illegal drugs, narcotics
  • Weapons, ammunition, explosives

Alcohol & tobacco

There are specific allowances for alcohol and tobacco products.

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 500g of tobacco.
• 1 liter of spirits (over 25% volume of alcohol) or 2 liters of lighter alcohol beverages (up to 25% volume of alcohol).
• Diplomats should check their allowance with their Embassy prior to shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be present for customs clearance?
Yes, generally the shipper must be present for Customs clearance, except for diplomatic shipments.

Will my belongings be inspected?
All shipments are subject to an inspection at the point of entry (POE), with the exception of diplomatic shipments.

What happens if I don't have my Work Permit ready?
If the original Work Permit is not available for foreign expatriates on employment contracts, additional port storage and container demurrage charges will be incurred.

Are there any specific rules for valuable items?
Valuable articles should be declared upon arrival to ensure their re-export when you leave Tunisia.

Can I import cash?
Importing local currency (Tunisian Dinar - TND) cash is only available with permission. Foreign currency exceeding TND 5,000 for foreigners or TND 25,000 for residents must be declared.

What about transit passengers?
Passengers in transit at Tunis (TUN) to a destination outside of Tunisia, holding onward tickets, are exempt from these import regulations for their baggage.

For personalized assistance and to verify the latest regulations for your specific move, please contact relocation123.com.

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