Moving to Tunisia? Here’s Everything You Need to Know4 min read

All you need to know before Relocating to Tunisia. We’re providing you with a comprehensive guide on moving to Tunisia.

Tunisia & Its People

Tunisia has a population of over 12 million people, of which approximately 98% are Arab. Arabic is the official language of the country, but English speakers are abundant in the larger cities due to the growing expat population. French is also a common language.

Due to its location at the northernmost part of North Africa, Tunisia’s history is a tale of the north meeting the south, which is reflected in the country’s culture, music, and cuisine. French, Italian, German and British attempts to colonize the nation left behind an eclectic and complex cultural stew, with cultural cues from these imperialist nations combined with traditional Arabic iconography and concepts.

Relocating Your Household Goods and Pets to Tunisia

Moving and shipping your household goods to Tunisia is possible via ship or air. You will want to keep a detailed list for customs of everything you are bringing into the country, preferably with receipts.

If you are moving to Tunisia with pets, make sure that they are microchipped, vaccinated, and have their health certificates. For puppies or kittens, they will need to be at least three months old (and vaccinated) to enter the country.

Tunisia: Visas & Work Permit Requirements

For visits of three months or less, a visa should not be required. Despite this, you may be subject to a security check regardless of the type of passport you possess. Anyone moving to Tunisia permanently or for more than three months is required to obtain a residence permit.

Anyone traveling to Tunisia for four continuous months or more is required to have a Carte de Sejour, the official document that serves as all forms of identity in the country. If you are working full-time in Tunisia, the application process should not be too tough; however, some expats prefer to avoid it by traveling overseas every few months and residing in Tunisia as a tourist.

Carte de sejour document allows you to work in Tunisia.

Read our complete guide on visas & work permits in Tunisia.

Getting to Tunisia

Tunis Air, which flies from numerous European cities, is the primary carrier for international flights into and out of Tunisia. In addition to British Airways, KLM, and Lufthansa, various more airlines operate the flight.

Tunis Carthage Airport, located around six kilometers outside of the capital city, serves as the country’s primary entry for international travelers. Alternately, you can fly into Djerba Zarzis Airport, which is located on the island of Djerba; Enfidha Hammamet Airport, which serves Hammamet, one of the most popular resorts in the country; or Monastir-Habib Bourguiba, in Monastir. Enfidha Hammamet is particularly advantageous for low-cost airlines, as it caters to European tourists seeking inexpensive summer vacations.

There are several boating options for entering Tunisia if you are currently in central Europe and choose to travel by sea when you relocate there. Numerous major ports, including Marseilles, Genoa, Livorno, Naples, and Palermo, send regular ferries to one of the seven Tunisian port cities: Bizerte, Sousse, Gabes, Zarzis, Sfax, Rades, and Tunis La Goulette.

Finding a New Home in Tunisia

Accommodation in Tunisia can be found using online portals, newspapers, word of mouth, or real estate agents. Types of houses include duplexes, villas, or apartments, which is one of the most common type of housing in Tunisia. If you are asking yourself how to rent a house in Tunisia, it is recommended to wait until you are actually in the country. This way you have the opportunity to visit places in person. Rental contracts in Tunisia are usually for a full year, but this can be negotiated with the landlord. The average rent in Tunis for a two-bedroom apartment is 1100 Dinars ($350 US).

If you are wondering how to buy a house in Tunisia as a foreigner, know that you can do so but with an authorization from the governor of the area where the property is located. The most expensive city is Tunis with an approximate cost for a home (Villa) being 250k USD and a two-bedroom apartment around 80-100K USD.

Read our complete guide on housing in Tunisia.

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