Tunisia's 2026 Finance Law: what are the consequences for businesses and investors?

The 2026 Finance Law marks a new stage in the evolution of Tunisia's tax and economic framework. Enacted by Law No. 2025-17 of 12 December 2025, it introduces or extends several measures that directly affect businesses, investors, SMEs, startups and taxpayers holding significant wealth. Beyond its budgetary measures, the 2026 Finance Law should be analysed as a text with concrete consequences for: - corporate taxation; - operating costs; - investments; - compliance obligations; - electronic invoicing; - SME and startup financing; - the settlement of tax debts; - wealth taxation; - certain industrial and energy sectors. For foreign companies and international investors, the stakes are particularly high: Tunisian taxation must now be integrated from the very stage of structuring an investment or an M&A transaction. 1. A finance law that strengthens the compliance dimension The 2026 Finance Law comes in a context of an intensified search for tax revenue and stronger oversight by the tax administration. In 2026, the Ministry of Finance has also continued to publish joint circulars (notes communes) intended to clarify the practical application of several new measures. The published texts include commentary on: - registration and stamp duties; - the social solidarity contribution; - electronic invoicing; - the settlement of tax debts; - measures concerning vehicles; - the wealth tax. For businesses, this means that tax compliance should no longer be treated as a mere filing obligation, but as a genuine risk management issue. 2. The social solidarity contribution is maintained in 2026 One of the points businesses must take into account is the continued application of the exceptional provisions relating to the Social Solidarity Contribution. Article 87 of the 2026 Finance Law notably extends the application of the scheme to the profits used as the basis for calculating corporate income tax whose filing deadline falls in the years up to 2026. For the companies concerned, this measure must therefore be factored into the determination of the effective tax burden. Practical consequence A company preparing its 2026 budget must distinguish between: accounting result → tax result → corporate income tax → any additional contributions. This distinction is particularly important when preparing a business plan intended for an investor. 3. The wealth tax: an important novelty for investors One of the most significant measures of the 2026 Finance Law is the introduction of a wealth tax on individuals. The scheme provides for: - a rate of 0.5% for wealth between TND 3 million and TND 5 million; - a rate of 1% for wealth above TND 5 million. The measure applies in particular to certain real estate and movable assets. However, several categories of assets are excluded from the tax base, notably: - the main residence; - the furniture assigned to it; - real estate and movable property used for professional activity; - business goodwill (fonds de commerce) that is actually operated; - certain vehicles; - funds deposited with banks, financial institutions or the Tunisian Post. This distinction is particularly important for entrepreneurs and investors. Personal assets and business assets must therefore not be analysed in the same way. 4. What impact for foreign investors? Wealth taxation must also be examined in international situations. Subject in particular to the applicable international tax treaties, the Finance Law provides that the wealth tax may apply to: - real estate and movable property located in Tunisia, regardless of the taxpayer's place of residence; - certain assets located in Tunisia or abroad where the taxpayer is a Tunisian tax resident. For an international investor, this provision makes it essential to analyse: - their tax residence; - the nature of the assets held; - the location of the assets; - double taxation treaties; - the holding structure. This issue can become particularly important in transactions involving international entrepreneurs, family offices or family groups. 5. Professional assets receive distinct treatment The legislator has provided an important exclusion for assets used for professional activity. Real estate and movable property assigned to professional activity, as well as business goodwill that is actually operated, are notably excluded from the wealth tax base under the conditions set out in the text. This distinction reinforces the value of a clear structure separating: personal assets / business assets / invested assets. For executives and entrepreneurs, this separation should be reviewed with their legal and tax advisers. 6. Electronic invoicing continues to expand The digital transformation of the tax administration is also continuing. The 2026 Finance Law widens the scope of the electronic invoicing regime, with a measure commented on by the tax administration as early as January 2026. This development means that businesses must pay particular attention to: - invoicing systems; - accounting software; - archiving; - traceability; - internal procedures; - exchanges with customers and suppliers. Digital compliance is thus gradually becoming a component of tax compliance. For international groups Foreign companies established in Tunisia must also check that their local systems are compatible with Tunisian requirements, in particular when they use international ERP systems or accounting platforms. 7. Registration and stamp duties: heightened vigilance Several provisions of the 2026 Finance Law concern registration and stamp duties. In March 2026, the Ministry of Finance published a joint circular detailing, in particular, the application of Articles 20, 30, 48, 49 and 54 of the law. This development is particularly important in legal transactions involving: - acquisitions; - disposals; - contracts; - real estate transactions; - corporate acts; - investments; - restructurings. For investors, the tax costs linked to legal documentation must therefore be included in the overall calculation of the transaction. 8. A mechanism for settling tax debts The 2026 Finance Law also provides for a mechanism easing the settlement of certain tax debts. Article 69 was notably the subject of a joint circular published by the tax administration in March 2026. Instalment payment terms were then specified for legal entities. For tax debts in principal, the schedule may extend over several years depending on the amount remaining to be paid. For legal entities, the published schedules provide in particular for: - tax debt in principal up to TND 5,000: 1 instalment, maximum deadline June 2026; - from TND 5,001 to 10,000: 2 instalments, maximum deadline September 2026; - from TND 10,001 to 50,000: 4 instalments, maximum deadline March 2027; - from TND 50,001 to 100,000: 6 instalments, maximum deadline September 2027; - from TND 100,001 to 200,000: 8 instalments, maximum deadline March 2028; - from TND 200,001 to 500,000: 12 instalments, maximum deadline March 2029; - from TND 500,001 to 1 million: 16 instalments, maximum deadline March 2030; - over TND 1 million: 20 instalments, maximum deadline March 2031. These terms were specified by an order dated 30 December 2025. An opportunity for certain companies For a company facing a significant tax liability, this mechanism can make it possible to restructure its tax debt and improve its cash position. But a prior analysis is essential to determine: - the debts concerned; - the penalties; - the eligibility conditions; - the deadlines; - the consequences of a payment default. 9. A significant issue for M&A transactions This settlement option may also matter in acquisition transactions. Imagine an investor considering the acquisition of a Tunisian company carrying a significant tax debt. The question is not simply: "What is the amount of the debt?" It is also necessary to determine: - whether it is disputed; - whether it is due and payable; - whether it can benefit from a payment schedule; - which penalties apply; - who will bear the debt after the acquisition; - whether a specific guarantee should be provided for in the contract. The 2026 Finance Law can therefore have indirect consequences on company valuation and on the negotiation of acquisition warranties. 10. SMEs and startups also benefit from support measures The 2026 Finance Law also contains measures intended to support the financing of SMEs and startups. Article 85 notably extends until 31 December 2026 certain measures provided for by the 2025 Finance Law to support the financing of small and medium-sized enterprises and startups. This extension is important in a context where access to financing is one of the main challenges facing Tunisian companies. It forms part of a broader ecosystem that includes in particular: - investment funds; - venture capital; - public financing mechanisms; - guarantees; - programmes dedicated to startups. For an investor, the existence of these mechanisms can influence the financing strategy of a target company. 11. Tax treatment linked to certain investment equipment The Finance Law also provides measures allowing certain support activities to benefit from a VAT suspension on the import and local acquisition of equipment necessary for the investment. Article 86 amends the scope of certain VAT Code provisions relating to support activities for this purpose. For the companies concerned, this measure can affect: - the initial cost of the investment; - working capital requirements; - the cost of acquiring equipment; - the project's implementation timetable. It is nevertheless essential to verify the eligibility of the activity and the applicable formalities before treating this benefit as secured. 12. The automotive sector and the energy transition The 2026 Finance Law also contains provisions on the taxation of certain motor vehicles fitted with combustion engines and plug-in electric engines, as well as charging stations and the inputs needed to manufacture lithium batteries. The tax administration published a joint circular devoted to Articles 46 and 47 in March 2026. This orientation is of particular interest to: - manufacturers; - equipment suppliers; - importers; - mobility companies; - investors in charging infrastructure; - projects linked to the energy transition. Taxation thus becomes an element of the transformation policy for the automotive sector. 13. The environment also becomes a component of taxation The 2026 Finance Law contains measures aimed at aligning the taxation applicable to certain locally manufactured products with that applicable to their imported equivalents under the environmental protection tax. For manufacturers and importers, this may affect: - production costs; - import costs; - selling prices; - competitiveness; - the choice of supply chain. Industrial companies must therefore factor these parameters into their 2026 projections. 14. What impact on the real cost of an investment? For an investor, the cost of a project is never limited to the acquisition price. The following must be taken into account: price of the investment + duties and taxes + financing costs + compliance costs + operational taxation + social costs + regulatory costs = real cost of the project. The 2026 Finance Law confirms the importance of this approach. A business plan that only takes into account the tax rate on profits may underestimate the real cost of setting up in Tunisia. 15. Should foreign companies review their structuring? In some cases, yes. A foreign company established in Tunisia should in particular review: - its holding structure; - its financial flows; - its intra-group contracts; - its invoicing procedures; - its compliance policy; - its investments; - its real estate assets; - its tax obligations. This review is particularly relevant when the company plans, in 2026: - an acquisition; - a capital increase; - a restructuring; - a new establishment; - a disposal; - a transfer of activity; - an industrial expansion. 16. The 2026 Finance Law and foreign investors For foreign investors, three questions must be asked before any transaction. First question: what taxation applies to the investment? The tax regime of the activity, the applicable taxes and any potential benefits must be determined. Second question: what are the tax costs of the transaction? An acquisition, a restructuring or a transfer of assets may give rise to specific duties and taxes. Third question: what is the taxation on exit? The investment strategy must also take into account: - dividends; - disposal; - capital gains; - repatriation of funds; - group reorganisation. This analysis must be carried out from the structuring phase. 17. The Finance Law must not be analysed in isolation One essential point must be stressed: the 2026 Finance Law is only one part of the legal framework applicable to businesses. An investor must also take into account: - investment legislation; - the Tax Code; - the Commercial Companies Code; - foreign exchange regulations; - labour law; - sector-specific regulations; - competition law; - intellectual property rules; - data protection; - international tax treaties. The Ministry of Finance notably recalls that the investment framework rests on Law No. 2016-71 of 30 September 2016 and its implementing texts. 18. Should executives adapt their strategy in 2026? In many cases, yes. The 2026 Finance Law should prompt businesses to strengthen: Their tax anticipation Do not wait for a tax audit to identify risks. Their documentation Keep complete documentation of transactions and supporting documents. Their digital compliance Adapt invoicing and accounting systems. Their cash management Include tax deadlines in forecasts. Their legal structuring Check that contracts and transactions are compatible with the tax framework. 19. What investors must check before an acquisition For an M&A transaction, the 2026 Finance Law reinforces the value of tax and legal due diligence. The investor should in particular check: - tax returns; - tax debts; - ongoing audits; - disputes; - penalties; - invoicing compliance; - registration duties; - intra-group contracts; - tax benefits; - any necessary restructurings. These elements can then be reflected in: - the acquisition price; - conditions precedent; - asset and liability warranties; - specific indemnities; - price retention mechanisms. 20. A Finance Law that reinforces the importance of legal and tax advice For a company, taxation can no longer be treated separately from business law. An investment decision can have tax, legal, financial and regulatory consequences. For example, setting up a subsidiary may have different tax consequences from an acquisition. An asset acquisition may generate a different cost structure from a share acquisition. A restructuring may change the company's taxation while also having consequences for contracts and employees. The role of the adviser is therefore to analyse the transaction as a whole. 21. Key takeaways from the 2026 Finance Law For businesses and investors, several trends emerge: - Social solidarity contribution: an additional charge is maintained for the taxpayers concerned; - Wealth tax: a new dimension of wealth taxation; - Electronic invoicing: stronger digital obligations; - Settlement of tax debts: possibility of instalments under the conditions provided; - Registration and stamp duties: impact on certain transactions and deeds; - SME / startup support: extension of certain financing schemes; - VAT suspension on certain equipment: potential reduction in the cost of certain investments; - Automotive taxation: incentives and adjustments linked to the energy transition; - Environmental taxation: changing costs for certain products; - Stronger compliance: need for better risk anticipation. 22. ANILF: supporting businesses and investors through tax developments The 2026 Finance Law shows that tax decisions must be integrated directly into a company's legal and financial strategy. ANILF supports Tunisian companies, foreign investors and international groups in the legal analysis of their operations in Tunisia. Our support can notably cover: - legal structuring of investments; - foreign investment; - company incorporation and restructuring; - acquisitions and disposals; - legal and tax due diligence in coordination with the relevant specialists; - Private Equity; - commercial contracts; - governance; - regulatory compliance; - M&A transactions; - business restructuring; - risk analysis of investment operations. Are you investing or developing your business in Tunisia in 2026? Before incorporating a company, acquiring a business, restructuring a group or making a major investment, it is essential to identify the tax and legal consequences of the transaction before it is carried out. ANILF can support you in this structuring and securing phase. Conclusion The 2026 Finance Law in Tunisia is not just a series of new taxes. It also reflects a broader evolution of the economic framework: stronger compliance, digitalisation of the tax administration, targeted support for SMEs and startups, an evolution in wealth taxation and measures designed to support certain investments and strategic sectors. For businesses, the priority in 2026 is therefore to anticipate rather than to endure. For investors, taxation must be integrated from the project structuring phase. And for acquisition transactions, tax and legal due diligence becomes an essential element of valuation and negotiation. In an environment where compliance is gradually becoming more important, companies that anticipate their obligations have a significant advantage: they reduce their exposure to tax risks, improve visibility over their cash position and better secure their growth operations. In 2026, understanding the Finance Law therefore does not simply mean knowing how much the company will have to pay: it means understanding how the new tax framework can change the way one invests, finances, structures and develops a business in Tunisia. Note: this article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute personalised legal, tax or investment advice. The provisions cited may be clarified or amended by subsequent texts.