| LLC | PLC | Branch | Rep Office | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Name | SARL | SA | Succursale | Bureau de Liaison |
| Company Setup Time | 15 days | 20 days | 20 days | 20 days |
| Bank Account Opening | 10 days | 10 days | 10 days | 10 days |
| Government Grants Available | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Government Contracts Bidding | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Legal Liability | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Client Required to Travel | No | No | No | No |
| Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry |
Corporate Structure Explained
Tunisia limited liability company (SARL)
- The Tunisia Limited Liability Company is used by investors who plan to invest in small and medium-sized enterprises. It must have at least two shareholders and one director. Both shareholders and directors can be of Tunisian or foreign citizenship. There is no deliberate joint venture obligation to set up a foreign-owned business if and only if the company does not intend to participate in commercial trade, and the company has a paid-up capital of USD 500 (TND 1,000).
- Tunisian business entities must register for VAT and corporate income tax during the registration procedures. If the limited liability company has total assets of $55,000 or less, apointing a statutory auditor is not required.
The Tunisia public liability company (SA)
- The minimum capital requirement for setting up a public limited company (PLC) in Tunisia (i.e. USD 3,000) is very low compared to other countries. But the paid-up capital requirement is only available to business entities which attract third-party investment. For the incorporation of PLC at least seven shareholders and three directors are needed. Foreign investors are only allowed to acquire 49 percent of the company’s shareholding or they must obtain approval from the Higher Investment Board.
- Tunisian PLCs, unlike LLCs are required to appoint a statutory auditor to maintain and audit the accounts of the company.
The Tunisia branch office (succursale)
- A company registering its branch in Tunisia is given relaxation in its accounting and other bookkeeping obligations as compared to an LLC. Anyhow, the international company is deemed to be responsible for the operational losses and other debts that are incurred by its local branch.
- A company registering its branch in Tunisia is given relaxation in its accounting and other bookkeeping obligations as compared to an LLC. Anyhow, the international company is deemed to be responsible for the operational losses and other debts that are incurred by its local branch.
The Tunisia branch office (succursale)
- Foreign companies can establish their branches in Tunisia as per Tunisia Companies Law. In this case, the parent company will define the operation scope of the company. For the registration of the branch at least one resident director shall be appointed. The director shall be Tunisian resident but can be of any nationality. In order to proceed its operations in Tunisia, the company will be required to register itself with Tunisia Trade Registry.
- A company registering its branch in Tunisia is given relaxation in its accounting and other bookkeeping obligations as compared to an LLC. Anyhow, the international company is deemed to be responsible for the operational losses and other debts that are incurred by its local branch.
Tunisia representative office (bureau de liaison)
- The representative office of a foreign company must appoint at least one director, who must be a Tunisian resident. This entity would be used as a liaison office and its commitment should be limited to market research and promoting the business of its parent company.