Tunis: what to see and whether to move there

Is it worth moving to Tunis in 2026

Tunis is the capital of a small Mediterranean country with a mild climate, the sea half an hour from the centre, French in business and one of the lowest costs of living on the Mediterranean. Russian citizens enter visa-free for 90 days, so the city is popular with remote workers and those spending the winter here. Long-term living requires residence through work, business or family, and a property purchase by a foreigner requires the governor's authorisation.

What it costs to live in Tunis

Prices come from two independent 2026 price databases, with dinars converted at the Central Bank of Tunisia rate of early October 2026, 2.9918 dinars per dollar. A square metre in the centre costs about $1,410-1,480, more in the coastal suburbs.

Where to live in Tunis: districts

• La Marsa and Gammarth - northern seaside suburbs with beaches, cafés and villas, popular with foreigners.
• Sidi Bou Said - a white-and-blue village on a hill above the sea, quiet and expensive.
• Carthage - a historic suburb with ruins, residences and calm streets.
• Les Berges du Lac - a modern business district with offices, embassies and new buildings.
• Ennasr and El Menzah - residential areas with moderate prices.
• Centre and medina - the old town and Avenue Bourguiba, colourful but noisy.

Entry and residence

Russian citizens enter Tunisia visa-free and may stay up to 90 days. For longer stays people obtain a residence permit: through an employment contract with a work permit, their own company, marriage or as a family member. There is no separate remote work visa, so many people live here seasonally within the visa-free period. Residence documents are filed with the police at your place of residence.

Taxes in Tunisia

Under the 2025 finance law, income tax is progressive: up to 5,000 dinars a year, about $1,680, 0%, then 15%, 25%, 30%, 33%, 36% and 38%, and income above 70,000 dinars, about $23,400, is taxed at 40%. Salary tax is withheld by the employer. Tax residence arises from a permanent home in the country or a stay of more than 183 days a year.

Buying and renting

A property purchase by a foreigner requires prior authorisation from the governor of the region where the property is located, and the deal cannot close without it. Obtaining the authorisation takes two to six months, so the timeline is planned in advance, and the deposit is paid only after the title check. Leases are usually for a year, and short-term rents in the coastal suburbs rise noticeably in summer.

Climate and everyday life

The Mediterranean climate brings hot, dry summers around 30-33 degrees and mild, rainy winters around 10-17 degrees. The state language is Arabic, French is widely used in business and documents, and English is spoken mainly by young professionals. A suburban train runs to La Marsa, along with trams and taxis. Healthcare means public hospitals and good private clinics that attract patients from neighbouring countries. French and international schools are available for children.

Pitfalls

• No remote work visa: without a job or business you can stay only within 90 days.
• Buying property requires the governor's authorisation and takes months.
• Restrictions on taking currency out and exchanging dinars.
• Bureaucracy and documents in French or Arabic.
• A high top income tax rate of 40%.

Murblz specialists help obtain residence, set up a company and buy property with the governor's authorisation. A consultant in the chat will calculate the cost of support.