Tunisia, a North African country known for its rich history and stunning Mediterranean coastline, boasts attractions like the ancient ruins of Carthage, the picturesque village of Sidi Bou Said, and the impressive Amphitheatre of El Jem.
This vibrant locale blends tradition with modernity, offering visitors a unique cultural experience, beautiful beaches, and bustling souks.
For employers seeking international talent to join their global team, Tunisia is an attractive option due to its highly educated workforce, strong STEM focus, and growing English proficiency.
Key Takeaways:
- The country's thriving information and communications sector ensures a tech-savvy workforce suitable for remote roles.
- Businesses seeking international talent can benefit from Tunisia's cost-effective talent base.
- Companies hiring remote Tunisian employees must adhere to the country's labor laws governing minimum wage, paid leave, and more.
Advantages of Hiring in Tunisia
Since youth unemployment remains high, Tunisia is actively working to enhance workforce skills through initiatives like the GIZ Vocational Training Program and Demand-Oriented Vocational Training.
These programs align educational outcomes with labor market needs, equipping individuals with communication skills and English proficiency to ensure they are job-ready.
Additionally, Tunisia is home to a strong bilingual talent pool, with many residents speaking English and/or French in addition to Arabic — making it an attractive choice for companies seeking skilled remote professionals to join their global workforce.
Here is a quick overview of Tunisia:
- Language: Arabic
- Currency: Tunisian Dinar (TND)
- Capital City: Tunis
- Population: 12.3 Million
- Cost of Living Rank: 188th
Tunisia's Digital Transformation Strategy
Tunisia's information and communications (ICT) sector is flourishing, fueled by government initiatives such as Digital Tunisia 2020 and the National Digital Strategy 2025.
Complementing these efforts, the ICT Competitiveness Project provides advanced training and technology to the workforce, ensuring alignment with industry demands.
This strategic focus positions Tunisia as an emerging hub for qualified talent, attracting both local and international companies looking to tap into the country's skilled labor force.
Popular sectors for remote work in Tunisia include:
- Software Engineer
- Backend Developer
- Graphic Design
- Copywriting
- Customer Support
- Account Manager
Employment Laws: Hiring Compliantly in Tunisia
Employment Contracts
There are four main types of employment contracts in Tunisia:
- Indefinite-term contracts are permanent and offer job security until retirement, resignation, or dismissal for misconduct.
- Fixed-term contracts are temporary and last for a specific duration or until a project is completed.
- Part-time contracts are intended for employees who work reduced hours and cannot exceed half of the legal working week.
- Collective bargaining agreements are negotiated between employers and trade unions, establishing specific working conditions, including wages and benefits.
Working Hours & Pay
The standard workweek in Tunisia is either 40 or 48 hours, depending on the collective labor agreement or employer's policy. Working hours cannot exceed 48 hours per week.
As of 2024, the minimum wage in Tunisia ranges from TND 2.11 to TND 2.55 per hour, depending on the industry and scope of work.
Probation Periods
In Tunisia, the maximum probation periods are based on collective agreements and range from six months to one year, depending on the role.
Employer Taxes
Employers must make contributions of 20.07% of their employees' gross salary to the Tunisian government.
This includes contributions for:
- Social Security: 16.57%
- Work Insurance: 0.5%
- Housing Levy: 1.0%
- Development Levy: 2.0%
Termination Process & Severance Pay
To terminate an employee in Tunisia, employers must have a justifiable reason.
The standard notice period for termination is at least one month of written notice from either the employer or the employee. A longer notice period may apply if outlined in a collective agreement.
Employees are eligible for severance pay, calculated at one day's pay for each month of employment, capped at a maximum of three months' salary unless terminated for misconduct.
Paid Leave Laws in Tunisia
Vacation and Holiday
Employees are entitled to at least 12 days of annual leave, earning one day of vacation for each month worked.
There are several paid public holidays in Tunisia, including:
- New Year's Day
- Independence Day
- Martyrs' Day
- Aïd El-Fitr
- Labour Day
Sick Leave
The state's social insurance, the Caisse Nationale de l'Assurance Maladie (CNAM), funds sick leave in Tunisia. Employees are entitled to benefits for up to 180 days per year.
Individuals receive two-thirds of their average salary for the first three years and 50% thereafter.
Maternity Leave
Pregnant employees in Tunisia are entitled to three months of paid maternity leave.
Paternity Leave
Male employees receive seven days of fully paid paternity leave.
Remote Work Opportunities in Tunisia
Tunisia appeals to remote workers and freelancers due to its affordable cost of living and reliable internet, essential for remote work.
While the country does not offer a digital nomad visa, visitors can take advantage of Tunisia's Tourist Visa for stays up to 90 days, which is extendable for another 90 days.
As the digital nomad community grows, coworking spaces like Cogite and El Space offer environments conducive to networking and collaboration.
How to Pay Remote Workers in Tunisia
There are several ways to pay remote team members in Tunisia, each with advantages and potential drawbacks. Common methods include bank wire transfers, digital payment platforms like PayPal, Wise, and Payoneer, and even cryptocurrency for borderless, fast transactions
Employers must consider key challenges before choosing a payment method, such as:
- Complying with Tunisia's labor and tax laws
- Managing currency fluctuation issues
- Avoiding employee misclassification risks
Many companies partner with an Employer of Record (EOR) to simplify payroll and mitigate these risks. An EOR takes on payroll responsibilities for international staff, ensuring seamless, compliant payments to remote employees and contractors in Tunisia.
Hire in Tunisia with RemoFirst
Hiring top talent in Tunisia can be challenging, but RemoFirst simplifies the process. As an EOR, we manage payroll, benefits, and compliance with local labor laws.
With expertise in over 180 countries, including Tunisia, RemoFirst ensures a smooth hiring and onboarding experience.
Book a demo today to discover how RemoFirst can support your hiring needs in Tunisia.
