Limited Liability Company (SARL)
شركة ذات مسؤولية محدودة
Company formation in Tunisia
The SARL is best suited for: French-speaking companies targeting Francophone North Africa, Export-oriented manufacturing and IT services, IT nearshoring operations for French and European companies, Small and medium enterprises entering the Tunisian market. Standard corporate tax rates range from 15% to 25% depending on the sector: 15% for most commercial and industrial activities, 25% for financial institutions and certain service sectors. The offshore company regime allows 100% foreign-owned companies that export at least 70% of production to be exempt from corporate tax for 10 years and pay 10% thereafter. VAT applies at 19% standard rate with reduced rates of 7% and 13% for certain goods. Withholding tax of 10% applies on dividends paid to non-residents.
- French-speaking companies targeting Francophone North Africa
- Export-oriented manufacturing and IT services
- IT nearshoring operations for French and European companies
- Small and medium enterprises entering the Tunisian market
Key Facts
Step-by-Step Formation Process
Obtain a unique company name certificate
Apply to the National Institute of Standardisation and Industrial Property (INNORPI) for a certificate of uniqueness of the company name. The name must be distinct from existing registered companies.
Draft and file the Articles of Association
Prepare the Statuts (Articles of Association) specifying partners, capital, management, and business activities. The document must be in Arabic or French. File with the tax authorities to obtain a registration stamp.
Deposit minimum share capital
Open a temporary bank account and deposit the minimum TND 1,000 capital. The bank issues a deposit certificate. Capital is blocked until the Commercial Register entry is completed.
Register with the Commercial Register and tax authorities
File the Articles of Association, capital deposit certificate, and shareholder documents with the Registry of Commerce at the relevant court. Register with the tax authorities for corporate tax and VAT. Obtain the tax identification number (matricule fiscal).
Publish formation notice and obtain operational permits
Publish the company formation notice in the Official Gazette (JORT). Obtain any sector-specific permits from relevant ministries. Register with the social security fund (CNSS) if hiring employees.
Required Documents
- Passport copies of all partners and managers
- Proof of residential address for each partner
- INNORPI name uniqueness certificate
- Articles of Association (Arabic or French)
- Capital deposit certificate from a Tunisian bank
- Registered office lease agreement in Tunisia
- Power of Attorney if applying through a representative (notarised and legalised)
Cost Overview
Tax Treatment
Standard corporate tax rates range from 15% to 25% depending on the sector: 15% for most commercial and industrial activities, 25% for financial institutions and certain service sectors. The offshore company regime allows 100% foreign-owned companies that export at least 70% of production to be exempt from corporate tax for 10 years and pay 10% thereafter. VAT applies at 19% standard rate with reduced rates of 7% and 13% for certain goods. Withholding tax of 10% applies on dividends paid to non-residents.
Pros & Cons
- Very low minimum capital requirement of TND 1,000 makes entry accessible
- Well-educated French- and Arabic-speaking workforce at competitive labour costs
- Offshore company regime offers 10-year tax exemption for export-oriented businesses
- Extensive double tax treaty network of over 55 countries
- Strong IT sector with growing talent pool for nearshoring operations
- Onshore foreign ownership restrictions apply in some sectors — requires approval from the Investment Authority
- Political uncertainty elevated since 2021 constitutional changes
- Tunisian Dinar is not freely convertible, creating treasury complexity for cross-border operations
- Bureaucratic processes can be slow and require local legal counsel
- Limited domestic market (~12 million population) constrains B2C opportunities
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Get StartedThis content is educational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation. Data last verified March 2026.