Business Law
Foreign Investment in Tunisia
Tunisia remains an attractive destination for foreign investors seeking to develop activities in North Africa, set up a subsidiary, acquire a stake in a Tunisian company or complete an acquisition. The framework rests notably on Investment Law No. 2016-71 of 30 September 2016, which enshrines freedom of investment and provides that, in comparable situations, foreign investors receive treatment no less favourable than Tunisian investors.
Foreign Investment in TunisiaForeign investment in Tunisia: key figures
Latest FIPA data show strong growth in international investment. France remains the leading non-energy foreign investor with TND 639.9m, ahead of Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the United States.
TND 2,588.7m
international investment (first 9 months of 2025)
+28.1%
vs the same period in 2024
11,554
new jobs created
63.6%
of FDI directed to industry
2026 outlook: a market to watch
In 2026, foreign investment in Tunisia continues against a backdrop of ongoing reform and simplification of the investor journey.
The legal framework presented by the Tunisia Investment Authority (TIA) remains centred on Law No. 2016-71, financial incentive rules and authorisation regimes for certain activities. TIA provides services linked to declarations, incentive applications, legal incorporation and authorisations.
For a foreign investor, the 2026 challenge is not only whether investment is legally possible, but also securing structure, identifying sector authorisations and anticipating exchange control, financing, governance and tax issues.
Investing in Tunisia: which structures?
The appropriate structure depends on sector, desired level of control, project financing, use of profits and exit strategy.
- ✓Incorporation of a company or subsidiary
- ✓Stake in a Tunisian company
- ✓Capital increase
- ✓Acquisition of an existing business
- ✓Creation or expansion of an industrial unit
- ✓Partnership with a Tunisian operator
Authorisations and restrictions for foreign investors
Freedom of investment has exceptions. Some activities require prior authorisation, specifications or special conditions. Government Decree No. 2018-417 lists activities subject to authorisation and administrative approvals required for certain projects.
Sector regulatory analysis should be completed before incorporation or signing a binding investment transaction. This is especially important in regulated sectors involving strategic assets, natural resources, infrastructure or activities requiring administrative approval.
Protection of the foreign investor
Tunisian law protects the investor's property and ownership rights in accordance with applicable legislation.
Foreign investors benefit, in comparable situations, from treatment no less favourable than Tunisian investors.
The law also provides for freedom to transfer capital abroad in foreign currency, subject to exchange regulations in force.
Financing, FX and profit repatriation
Financial structuring of foreign investment requires close attention to Tunisian exchange control and capital movement rules.
Source of funds, inbound transfers, company financing, dividend distributions and exit transactions should be structured consistently to secure the investor's financial flows.
These issues should be addressed at project structuring stage—not only when repatriating profits.
Our legal support
We advise foreign investors, international groups and Tunisian partners on investment projects in Tunisia.
- ✓Analysis of the applicable legal regime
- ✓Choice of investment structure
- ✓Creation of subsidiaries and Tunisian companies
- ✓Stakes and acquisitions
- ✓Legal due diligence
- ✓Sector authorisations and restrictions
- ✓Shareholders' agreements and investment contracts
- ✓Governance structuring
- ✓Financing and restructuring transactions
- ✓Financial flows and exchange control
- ✓Preparation of disposals and exits
Investing in Tunisia in 2026
Success in foreign investment depends as much on the project's economic opportunity as on its legal and regulatory structuring.
Before incorporation, taking a stake or acquiring a business, upfront analysis of the sector, authorisations, investment structure and financial flows reduces legal risk and secures the operation from the outset. Contact our team for a confidential discussion about your project.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign investor freely set up a company?+
Do you help choose the investment structure?+
Secure your investment in Tunisia
Incorporation, stake or acquisition: let's discuss your FDI project.