For entrepreneurs and digital nomads considering Tunisia as a base for their next venture, the maze of company creation and maintenance costs can feel like yet another state-imposed hurdle. If you’re weary of opaque fees and unpredictable fiscal obligations, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll break down the real numbers for starting and running a standard company in Tunisia in 2025—so you can make informed, strategic decisions and keep more of your hard-earned capital working for you.
Company Formation Costs in Tunisia (2025): What to Expect
The most common legal entity for small and medium businesses in Tunisia is the Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL). Here’s a transparent breakdown of the average creation costs, based on the latest data:
| Cost Item | Amount (TND) |
|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 1,000 |
| Registry fees (Registre du Commerce) | 15 |
| Publication in Official Gazette (JORT) | 20 |
| Tax stamp (Timbre fiscal) | 15 |
| Notary fees (average) | 50 |
| Total Average | 1,100 |
Pro Tip #1: The minimum capital requirement (1,000 TND) is not a sunk cost—it remains on your company’s balance sheet and can be used for operational expenses after incorporation.
Annual Maintenance Costs: Budgeting for Ongoing Compliance
Once your SARL is up and running, annual maintenance costs in 2025 typically range from 400 TND to 1,200 TND, depending on the complexity of your operations and optional services. Here’s how those costs break down:
| Annual Expense | Amount (TND) |
|---|---|
| Annual declaration fees (Registre du Commerce) | 20 |
| Mandatory accounting services (minimum, small SARL) | 300 |
| Tax filing fees | 30 |
| Chamber of Commerce membership (optional/recommended) | 50 |
| Insurance premiums (optional/recommended) | 100 |
Pro Tip #2: For lean operations, you can keep annual costs closer to the 400 TND minimum by opting out of non-mandatory services. However, Chamber of Commerce membership and basic insurance can offer valuable local legitimacy and risk protection.
Case Example: Lean Startup vs. Full-Service SARL
- Lean Startup: Pays only mandatory fees (annual declaration, accounting, tax filing) = ~350 TND/year
- Full-Service SARL: Adds Chamber membership and insurance = ~500 TND/year
Checklist: Steps to Optimize Your Company Setup in Tunisia
- Clarify your entity type: SARL is the most cost-effective for most entrepreneurs.
- Prepare minimum capital: Set aside 1,000 TND, but remember it’s still your company’s asset.
- Streamline your paperwork: Registry, Gazette publication, tax stamp, and notary fees are all required—budget 100 TND for these.
- Choose your annual services wisely: Only pay for what you need; consider optional memberships and insurance based on your risk profile.
- Stay current: Regulations and fees can change—always verify with official sources before committing.
Key Takeaways for 2025
- Company creation in Tunisia (SARL) averages 1,100 TND upfront, with most of that as recoverable capital.
- Annual maintenance can be as low as 400 TND for minimal compliance, or up to 1,200 TND for more comprehensive coverage.
- Strategic choices—like skipping non-essential memberships—can keep your fiscal footprint light and agile.
For further details and the latest regulatory updates, consult these official resources: