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TunisiaCitizenshipLast checked October 17, 2026

Tunisian nationality by naturalisation or marriage declaration

Naturalisation is granted by decree. It normally requires five years of habitual, lawful residence in Tunisia before applying. Some people are exempt from the residence period, such as a foreigner married to a Tunisian woman when the couple lives in Tunisia. A foreign woman married to a Tunisian can also claim nationality by declaration after two years of the couple living in Tunisia.

See requirements ↓

Life in Tunisia

Money

3

Currency

Tunisian Dinar

TND

Tunisian Dinar

Cost of living

33

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

15–40%

Income tax (national)

VAT 19%

40% applies above TND 70,000 a year; a social solidarity contribution adds the equivalent of one extra point on each bracket rate.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

4.8

#103 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Long-term lawful residents of Tunisia and foreign spouses of Tunisians.

Eligibility

  • Residence

    You need to have lived lawfully and habitually in Tunisia for the five years before you apply.

    5 years

    Residence required

    • Residence must be lawful (art. 28)
    • Source: Code de la nationalité, art. 20
    Official wording

    Habitual residence in Tunisia for the five years before the application (Code de la nationalité, art. 20). Residence must be lawful (art. 28).

  • Exemptions from residence

    Some people do not need to meet the residence period.

    • Anyone whose nationality of origin was Tunisian
    • A foreigner married to a Tunisian woman, if the couple lives in Tunisia when applying
    • A foreigner who rendered exceptional services
    • A foreigner whose naturalisation is of exceptional interest (art. 21)
    Official wording

    No residence period for: a person whose nationality of origin was Tunisian; a foreigner married to a Tunisian woman if the couple lives in Tunisia when applying; a foreigner who rendered exceptional services or whose naturalisation is of exceptional interest (art. 21).

  • Personal conditions

    You must be an adult, know enough Arabic, be of sound mind, be in suitable health and be of good conduct.

    • Arabic knowledge must be sufficient for your circumstances
    • You must not be a health burden or danger
    • No unexpunged sentence over one year for an ordinary offence
    • Source: art. 23
    Official wording

    Applicant must be an adult, have sufficient knowledge of Arabic for their circumstances, be of sound mind, not be a burden or danger due to health, and be of good conduct with no unexpunged sentence over one year for an ordinary offence (art. 23).

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementExpulsion or house arrest
  • Document checklistNaturalisation application
  • FeesApplication fee

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  • 1 document
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  • 3 steps
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