Residence & citizenship
Tunisian Residence permit (carte de séjour) and settlement
The residence card that foreigners staying in Tunisia beyond a short visit must hold, and the route toward longer-term residence.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Card validity periods, fees, and the qualifying period for longer-term/permanent residence are not confirmed from an official source and must be verified.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Tunisia government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Residence permit (carte de séjour)
- Route type
- Residence / settlement
- Issuing authority
- Ministry of the Interior
- Validity
- Temporary cards issued for a limited period, renewable
- Reported one-year validity is unverified against an official source.
- When it is required
- Stays over 3 consecutive months (or 6 non-consecutive months per year)
- Foreigners exceeding this must hold a carte de séjour temporaire under Law No. 68-7.
- Where to apply
- Direction générale de la Sûreté nationale (Ministry of Interior)
- Cards are issued by the national security service — filed in practice at the local police station / governorate.
- Temporary card validity
- Up to 1 year, matching your visa
- The temporary residence card cannot exceed the validity of the visa used to obtain it, capped at one year (Decree 68-198, arts 15 & 31).
- Ordinary card validity
- 2 years, renewable
- The carte de séjour ordinaire is valid for two years and is renewable (Decree 68-198, art 36).
- Exceptional temporary visa
- Up to 5 years (Minister's discretion)
- The Minister of the Interior may exceptionally grant a temporary residence visa valid for five years, renewable.
- Minimum age for a card
- 16 years
- Foreigners must hold a residence card from the age of 16 (Decree 68-198, art 29).
Who it is for
- Foreigners staying in Tunisia longer than the permitted short stay
- Workers, students, family members and investors residing in Tunisia
Requirements
- A qualifying basis of stay (work authorisation, enrolment, family tie or investment)
- Valid passport and proof of a Tunisian address
- Any supporting documents for the underlying route
How to apply
- Apply at the competent local authority / Ministry of the Interior after arrival
- Renew the permit before it expires while the basis of stay continues
Documents you may need
- Valid passport and a copy of the bio-data and visa pages
- Your current entry/residence visa for Tunisia
- Proof of your reason for stay (e.g. work contract, enrolment certificate, or evidence of family ties / investment)
- Proof of accommodation / address in Tunisia
- Evidence of sufficient financial means or income
- Passport-style photographs
- Any certificates the office requests (these vary by case and office)
Frequently asked questions
Once you stay more than three consecutive months — or more than six non-consecutive months in the same year — you must hold a carte de séjour temporaire. It is issued by the national security service and, for anyone 16 or over, is compulsory for a continuing stay.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
- Ministry of the Interior (opens in new tab)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad (opens in new tab)
- Loi n° 68-7 du 8 mars 1968 relative à la condition des étrangers en Tunisie (opens in new tab)
- Décret n° 68-198 du 22 juin 1968 réglementant l'entrée et le séjour des étrangers en Tunisie (opens in new tab)
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.