Tunisia is an attractive market for investment in export-oriented businesses.  The GOT’s investment promotion authority provides a generous package of incentives for such operations.  The government also offers similar incentives to those who wish to invest in onshore projects in Tunisia’s underserved interior regions.    

Entering the domestic market, particularly the services sector, is more difficult.  In most sectors, a foreign company must have a Tunisian partner with a 51% (majority) stake in the venture.  Unless the foreign company is working on a project actively solicited by the Tunisian government, the process can be fraught with obstacles.  As the GOT looks to increase foreign investment, certain requirements may become less burdensome.  Under the 2016 Investment Law, projects in certain sectors will be prioritized for rapid approval. 

U.S. companies are strongly advised to obtain written confirmation from Tunisian authorities of any exceptional conditions granted to a particular trade or investment operation.  The U.S. Embassy encourages companies to visit Tunisia prior to entering a business relationship with a local partner.