Whether you already live in Tunisia, are part of the diaspora or are considering moving there, you are entering a diversified, Europe-oriented economy. Unemployment is high (around 15%, and over 40% among young people), but a paradox creates opportunities: the massive emigration of graduates generates real skills shortages. Here is how to find a job, an internship or an apprenticeship there.
Why work in Tunisia?
Because the country is an offshoring hub for Europe, French-speaking, and brain drain leaves many skilled roles to fill, especially in engineering, health and digital.
- A French-speaking environment close to Europe.
- An offshoring hub (service centers, ICT) geared to European markets.
- Skills shortages tied to graduate emigration.
- A low cost of living and an attractive setting.
How does the Tunisian labor market work?
It is a contrasted market: unemployment is high, especially among youth and women, but about 70% of young graduates seek to leave, creating shortages in engineering, medicine and education. Networking remains central, and the economy is split between "offshore" sectors (export-oriented, tax-advantaged) and "onshore."
- High unemployment but shortages of skilled profiles.
- Strong talent emigration (brain drain).
- An economy split between offshore (export) and onshore.
- The weight of networking and direct contact.
Which sectors hire the most in Tunisia?
Services dominate the economy (over 60% of GDP), with promising export-linked sectors.
- ICT and offshoring: software, service centers for Europe.
- Engineering and industry (mechanical, electronics, textiles), tied to European chains.
- Tourism and hospitality, historic pillars.
- Health, short on qualified staff.
- Chemicals and agri-food.
Which cities should you target in Tunisia?
- Tunis: the capital, services, ICT, finance and headquarters.
- Sfax: industry, trade and services.
- Sousse: tourism, industry and offshoring.
- Nabeul and Bizerte: industry and activity zones.
Steps to work in Tunisia as a foreigner
A foreign employee needs a work contract approved by the authorities and a residence card. The employer must, in principle, justify the use of a foreign skill; offshore sectors benefit from streamlined procedures.
- Work contract approved by the relevant ministry.
- Residence card for long stays.
- Streamlined procedures in offshore companies.
- Facilities for the diaspora.
Salaries and cost of living: what to expect
Tunisian salaries are much lower than in Europe, but the cost of living is very low, preserving decent purchasing power, especially for skilled profiles and in offshoring.
- Higher pay in offshoring and engineering.
- A cost of living among the lowest in the region.
- Enhanced packages for rare profiles.
How to find a job, internship or apprenticeship in Tunisia?
- Targeted unsolicited applications (see below).
- Networking and referrals.
- Job fairs and engineering-school forums.
- Offshoring companies, very open to recruitment.
The unsolicited application: the key to Tunisia's hidden job market
In Tunisia, many roles are filled through relationships and without an ad. The unsolicited application, targeting companies directly (especially offshore and engineering), is one of the most effective approaches, all the more so as skills shortages work in your favor.
- You reach companies that hire quietly.
- You benefit from shortages of skilled profiles.
- You start the direct relationship, highly valued.
- You stand out from conventional applications.
Succeeding in your professional integration: our tips
- Leverage your technical skills, sought after despite overall unemployment.
- Target offshoring and export sectors.
- Build your professional network.
- Highlight your French-English bilingualism.
Your next steps to work in Tunisia
Target a city and a promising sector, prepare a CV in French (and English for offshoring), then contact companies directly. Skills shortages reward initiative and direct contact.