RESTRICTED  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  TN/S/O/TUN 
7 July 2005 
 
 (05-2995) 
Council for Trade in Services 
Special Session Original:   French 
 
 
 
TUNISIA 
 
Initial Conditional Offer  
 
 
 The following communication from the delegati on of Tunisia, dated 31 May 2005, is being 
circulated to the Members of th e Council for Trade in Services. 
_______________ 
  
  Tunisia hereby submits its initial conditional o ffer in the framework of the negotiations on 
trade in services.  The offer includes the Schedule of  Specific Commitments and the List of Article II 
(MFN) Exemptions.  New text is bolded.  
 This offer is conditional upon other WTO Me mbers making substantive and satisfactory 
offers in sectors of export interest to Tunisia in the framework of the Doha Development Programme.  
   None of the measures in this offer can be c onstrued as offering the privatization of public 
undertakings or as preventing the public authorities from regulating public services in order to meet 
development objectives.  
  This offer does not prejudge Tunisia's final position on the outcome of the ongoing negotiations on trade in services and the overall negotiations under the D oha Work Programme.  
  Tunisia reserves the right to withdraw, modify or  reduce, fully or partially, this offer at any 
time prior to the conclusion of the negotiations. 
  Tunisia further reserves the right to make amendments or revisions of a technical nature to this initial offer or any subsequent offer. 
  
 TN/S/O/TUN 
Page 2 
TUNISIA - SCHEDULE OF SPECIFIC COMMITMENTS 
 
Modes of supply: 1)  Cross-border supply 2)  Consumption abroad 3)  Commercial presence 4)  Presence of natural persons 
Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
I. HORIZONTAL COMMITMENTS  
 Foreign investment 3) Investments in services other than financial 
services are not limited. 
 
 3) With respect to services activities that are not 
wholly export-oriented, the Investment Commission approves any participation 
exceeding 50 per cent of the equity of the 
company.  
 Movement of personnel 4) Unbound, except in the following cases: 
enterprises that are wholly export-oriented may 
recruit four managerial and supervisory staff 
members of foreign nationality, pursuant to the 
relevant Tunisian legislation. 4) Compliance with the conditions governing the 
entry and stay of foreigners: 
 
 Any foreign natural person wishing to engage in 
a salaried activity of an y kind in Tunisia must 
have a contract of employment endorsed by the competent authorities.  
 Exercise of commercial 
activities 3) and 4) Natural or legal persons who do not possess 
Tunisian nationality may engage directly or indirectly in a commercial activity only under 
the conditions established by the relevant 
Tunisian legislation (Decree Law No. 61-14 of 30 August 1961 and texts governing the various 
commercial activities).
 3) and 4) Foreign natural or legal persons wishing to 
engage in a trading activity in Tunisia must be in possession of a trader's licence. 
 
 Legal persons possess Tunisian nationality 
when they fulfil the following four conditions:  
  The requirements for obtaining a trader's licence 
are as follows: 
 - All foreigners must submit an application 
consisting, in particular, of a personal identification form and documentation 
attesting to the status of the person 
concerned; 
 - In the case of companies, a copy of the 
memorandum and articles of association is 
required. (a) They are established in accordance with the 
laws in force and have their registered place of 
business in Tunisia; 
(b) At least 50 per cent of their share capital must 
consist of registered securities held by Tunisian 
natural or legal persons;
   
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 Page 3Modes of supply: 1)  Cross-border supply 2)  Consumption abroad 3)  Commercial presence 4)  Presence of natural persons 
Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
  The criteria for issui ng a trader's licence are as 
follows: 
 Licences are issued: 
 - To foreigners whose spouse is of Tunisian 
nationality; (c) A majority of their board of directors or 
management or supervisory board must be natural or legal persons of Tunisian nationality; 
  
  - When the person of foreign nationality has 
been a native resident of Tunisia for 
several years; 
 - When the proposed activities will generate 
technology transfer and jobs and/or may 
help to promote exports in the services 
sector.  (d) Their chairman, managing director or 
management must be natural persons of 
Tunisian nationality. 
  In the case of public limited companies and 
where the functions of chairman of the board of 
directors and those of the managing director are separate, the managing director must have 
resident status within the meaning of the 
exchange regulations. 
  
   Natural or legal persons who do not possess 
Tunisian nationality may not engage in the following activities, in any form whatsoever, 
unless otherwise permitted by the competent 
authority:  building manager, commission 
agent, broker, commercial agent, consignee, 
general representative, sales representative, commercial traveller, commercial 
representative. 
  
Exchange control  1) and 2) Pursuant to Article 1 of Law No. 76-18 of 
21 January 1976, as amended by Law No. 93-
48 of 3 May 1993, there are no restrictions on 
transfers relating to foreign payments made in 
connection with:  1) and 2) Unbound   
 TN/S/O/TUN 
Page 4 
Modes of supply: 1)  Cross-border supply 2)  Consumption abroad 3)  Commercial presence 4)  Presence of natural persons 
Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
    - Current transactions undertaken in 
conformity with the legislation governing such transactions;     
  - the net real proceeds of the transfer or 
disposal of capital invested by the importation of foreign currency, even 
where these proceeds ar e greater than the 
amount initially invested, in the case of investments made within the context of the 
relevant legislation;   
  - any exportation of capital and any 
transaction or commitment that gives or 
may give rise to a transfer, relating to transactions other than those mentioned 
above, as well as any foreign debt 
offsetting, are subject to the general authorization of the Minister of Finance 
after consultation with the Central Bank of 
Tunisia.   
 This authorization does not apply in the case of non-
resident enterprises set up in Tunisia, which are free 
to carry out any capital tr ansactions with or in a 
foreign country.   
 In the case of resident enterprises:   
 (a) For borrowing:  None, up to a ceiling of D 10 
million per calendar year for financial 
institutions and D 3 million per calendar year for 
other enterprises, in the context of their activities.
    
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 Page 5Modes of supply: 1)  Cross-border supply 2)  Consumption abroad 3)  Commercial presence 4)  Presence of natural persons 
Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
 (b) For investment abroad: To support their export 
activities, exporting enterprises may finance liaison offices and subsidiaries abroad up to a 
maximum of D 200,000, depending on their 
export turnover.   
  - The purchase of Tunisian stocks conferring 
voting or equity rights in companies 
established in Tunisia is subject to approval by the Investment Commission if 
the proportion of total foreign holdings in 
such companies, including the purchase transaction concerned, amounts to 50 per 
cent or more of the company's equity.  
However, such approval does not apply to foreign acquisition of holdings when the 
company is initially set up or when its 
share capital is incr eased in accordance 
with the legislation in force and in the 
absence of horizontal limitations.   
  - Investment taking the form of a 
contribution in kind is subject to 
authorization, which is granted subsequent 
to an expert appraisal to determine the nature and value of the contribution.
   
 -  Deposits:  Non-residents may freely open 
foreign currency accounts and accounts in convertible dinars. 
- The Central Bank of Tunisia has a 
monopoly with respect to monetary gold transactions.    
 TN/S/O/TUN 
Page 6 
Modes of supply: 1)  Cross-border supply 2)  Consumption abroad 3)  Commercial presence 4)  Presence of natural persons 
Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
  Acquisition of land 3) and 4) None, except for agricultural land, which 
cannot be acquired by fore igners.  Nevertheless, 
foreigners may opt to use agricultural land 
under the long-term leasing system for up to 40 
years, renewable. 3) and 4) The acquisition by foreign investors of land 
or other real estate for the purpose of developing industrial/tourist projects and other 
services is subject to administrative 
authorization.  Authorization is granted once the application has been examined to ensure 
that it is consistent with the use assigned to the 
land (tourism, agriculture, industry) in the national development plan. 
 
   
II. SECTOR - SPECIFIC COMMITMENTS 
 
2. COMMUNICATION 
SERVICES  
 
C. Telecommunications 
services  
 
(a) Point -to-point local 
telephone distribution  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 None as from:
 
 the year 1999 for:  
 -  telex  
 -  packet -switched data transmission  
  
  
 
 
 
 None as from:
 
 the year 1999 for:  
 -   telex  
 -   packet -switched data transmission  
  
  
 
 
 
 For the 
liberalization of 
these serv ices, 
Tunisia requires all 
telecommunications 
services suppliers 
to: 
  
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Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
b) Packet -switched data 
transmission  
 (Local service)  
 
 Frame relay services  
 
d) Telex  
    the year 2000 for:  
 -  mobile telephony  
 -  frame relay services  
 -  paging  
 -  teleconferencing  
 
 the year 2003 for:  
 -  local telephone distribution  
  the year 2000 for:  
 -   mobile telephony  
 -   frame relay services  
 -   paging  
 -   teleconferencing  
 
 the year 2003 for:  
 -  local telephone distribution  - supply rural 
telecommunic
ations 
services,  
 
o) Other  
- Mobile telephony  
 Digital cellular telephony  
- Paging  
- Teleconferencing  
 1) Possible through the Tunisian public 
telecommunications network.  
2) None  
3) The supply of services is possible only through 
the public telecommunications network.  1) None  
 
2) None  
3) None, other than the regulations on the capital 
structure of companies operating in the 
telecommunications sector.   - provide certain 
areas with 
telephony 
services,  
 
- supply distress 
telecommunic
ations 
services,  
 
  The supply of such services requires a start -up 
and operating permit issued in the light of 
national development needs . 
 Conditions for permits:  
 
 -   be a legal person  
 -   be governed by Tunisian law  
 -   51 per cent of equity held by Tunisians  
 -  contribute to 
the national 
training and 
research 
endeavou r in 
the 
telecommunica
tions field.  
  
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Page 8 
Modes of supply: 1)  Cross-border supply 2)  Consumption abroad 3)  Commercial presence 4)  Presence of natural persons 
Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
  
  
 
4)
 None, except the horizontal measures 
concerning residence of aliens in Tunisia.  Foreign equity holdings in Tunisie Télécom of up to 
a maximum of 10 per cent are authorized as from the 
year 2002.  
 
4)  None, excep t the horizontal measures 
concerning residence of aliens in Tunisia.  
   
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 Page 9Modes of supply: 1)  Cross-border supply 2)  Consumption abroad 3)  Commercial presence 4)  Presence of natural persons 
Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
2.C Telecommunications 
services 
 
- Data transmission services 
  
 
  
 
  
- Mobile telephone services 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
- Point-to-point voice 
telephone services 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
1) Possible through the Tunisian public 
telecommunications networks. 
2) None 
3) Allocation of two (02) licences to operators, 
including the traditional operator. 
 
4) None, except the horizontal measures concerning 
residence of aliens in Tunisia. 
 
1) Possible through the Tunisian public 
telecommunications networks.  
2) None 
3) Allocation of three (03) second- and/or third-
generation licences to operators, including the 
traditional operator. 
 The number of operators is restricted by the 
availability of frequency resources reserved 
for mobile telephony. 
4) None, except the horizontal measures concerning 
residence of aliens in Tunisia. 
 
1) Possible through the Tunisian public 
telecommunications networks. 
2) None 
3) Allocation of two (02) licences to operators, 
including the traditional operator. 
4) None, except the horizontal measures concerning 
residence of aliens in Tunisia. 
 
 
  
  
1) None 
 2) None 
3) Establishment of the company under Tunisian 
law 
 
4) None, except the horizontal measures concerning 
residence of aliens in Tunisia. 
 
1) None 
 2) None 
3) Establishment of the company under Tunisian 
law 
 
 
 
 
4) None, except the horizontal measures concerning 
residence of aliens in Tunisia. 
 
1) None  
2) None 
3) Establishment of the company under Tunisian 
law 
 Opening up of 35 per cent of the capital of the 
traditional operator, Tunisie Télécom, to a strategic partner. 
4) None, except the horizontal measures concerning 
residence of aliens in Tunisia.  
  
 
Adoption of the 
reference 
document on 
telecommunications with 
reference to 
Law No. 1-2001 (Telecommunica
tions Code)
  
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Page 10 
Modes of supply: 1)  Cross-border supply 2)  Consumption abroad 3)  Commercial presence 4)  Presence of natural persons 
Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
- Satellite data transmission 
(VSAT) 
 
 
  
 
 1) Possible through the Tunisian public 
telecommunications networks. 
2) None 
3) Allocation of two (02) licences to operators, 
including the traditional operator. 
4) None, except the horizontal measures concerning 
residence of aliens in Tunisia. 
 1) None 
 2) None 
3) Establishment of the company under Tunisian 
law. 
4) None, except the horizontal measures concerning 
residence of aliens in Tunisia. 
 
6. ENVIRONMENTAL  SERVICES 
A. Wastewater management
 
 (CPC 9401**)  
 
1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) None, except for a 49-per-cent limitation on 
foreign equity holdings. 
 
 
  
 
  
 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
  
 
1) Unbound 
2) None 3) Foreign services suppliers must use modern 
technology and new equipment and vehicles 
and have a background in management and are required to transfer  this technology and 
pass on their experience to Tunisian 
personnel. 
 Foreign services suppliers, within the 
framework of joint ventures, are required 
to offer on-the-job training to Tunisian 
personnel. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
   
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Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
B. Solid and hazardous 
waste management 
 (CPC 94020** & 9403**) 1) Unbound 
2) None 3) None, except for a 49-per-cent limitation on 
foreign equity holdings. 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
 1) Unbound 
2) None 3) Foreign services suppliers must use modern 
technology and new equipment and vehicles 
and have a background in management and are required to transfer  this technology and 
pass on their experience to Tunisian 
personnel.   
 Foreign services suppliers must 
demonstrate commitment to recruiting and 
training local human resources. 
 Foreign services suppliers, within the 
framework of joint ventures, are required 
to offer on-the-job training to Tunisian personnel. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.
   
 TN/S/O/TUN 
Page 12 
Modes of supply: 1)  Cross-border supply 2)  Consumption abroad 3)  Commercial presence 4)  Presence of natural persons 
Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
C. Protection of ambient air 
and climate  
 (CPC 9404**) 1) Unbound 
2) None 3) None, except for a 49-per-cent limitation on 
foreign equity holdings. 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.
 1) Unbound 2) None 3) Foreign services suppliers must use modern 
technology and new equipment and vehicles 
and have a background in management and are required to transfer  this technology and 
pass on their experience to Tunisian 
personnel. 
 Foreign services suppliers must 
demonstrate commitment to recruiting and 
training local human resources. 
 Foreign services suppliers, within the 
framework of joint ventures, are required 
to offer on-the-job training to Tunisian personnel. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
   
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 Page 13Modes of supply: 1)  Cross-border supply 2)  Consumption abroad 3)  Commercial presence 4)  Presence of natural persons 
Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
D. Remediation and clean-
up of soil and water  
 (CPC 94060**) 1) Unbound 
2) None 3) None, except for a 49-per-cent limitation on 
foreign equity holdings. 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) Foreign services suppliers must use 
modern technology and new equipment 
and vehicles and have a background in management and are required to transfer 
this technology and pass on their 
experience to Tunisian personnel. 
 Foreign services suppliers must 
demonstrate commitment to recruiting and 
training local human resources. 
 Foreign services suppliers, within the 
framework of joint ventures, are required 
to offer on-the-job training to Tunisian personnel. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
   
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Page 14 
Modes of supply: 1)  Cross-border supply 2)  Consumption abroad 3)  Commercial presence 4)  Presence of natural persons 
Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
E. Noise and vibration 
abatement  
 (CPC 94050**) 1) Unbound 
2) None 3) None, except for a 49-per-cent limitation on 
foreign equity holdings. 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.
 1) Unbound 2) None 3) Foreign services suppliers must use 
modern technology and new equipment 
and vehicles and have a background in management and are required to transfer 
this technology and pass on their 
experience to Tunisian personnel. 
 Foreign services suppliers must 
demonstrate commitment to recruiting and 
training local human resources. 
 Foreign services suppliers, within the 
framework of joint ventures, are required 
to offer on-the-job training to Tunisian personnel. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
  
F. Protection of biodiversity 
and landscape 
 (CPC 94060**) 1) None for advisory services  
2)  None  
3)  None, except for a 49-per-cent limitation on 
foreign equity holdings. 
4)  Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section. 
 1)  None for advisory services 
2)  None 
3)  None 
 
4)  Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   
7. FINANCIAL SERVICES     
A. All insurance and insurance-
related services  
    
 Direct insurance 
 (CPC 8121-8129) 1) Risks situated and persons domiciled in Tunisia 
may be insured only under contracts concluded with resident insuran ce enterprises (Insurance 
Code, Article 44). 1) Unbound   
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 Page 15Modes of supply: 1)  Cross-border supply 2)  Consumption abroad 3)  Commercial presence 4)  Presence of natural persons 
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commitments 
  The air, sea and land transport of goods for 
import must be insured in Tunisia. 
2) None, for natural and legal persons resident 
abroad. 
3) (a) Commercial presence of a foreign supplier 
in the form of a subsidiary company: 
 - Set up in accordance with Tunisian law;  
 2) Unbound 
 
3) Unbound  
 
  
  - as a public limited company or mutual 
society; 
 - minimum capital requirements.
   
  
 
  
 (b) Commercial presence of the foreign supplier 
in the form of a branch office: 
  - work with non-residents. 
 4) Unbound, expect as indicated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
 
 
 4) Unbound 
   
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Modes of supply: 1)  Cross-border supply 2)  Consumption abroad 3)  Commercial presence 4)  Presence of natural persons 
Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
C. Reinsurance and retrocession 
services  
 (CPC 81299) 1) Prior approval of reinsurers wishing to accept 
reinsurance operations fro m the Tunisian market 
(Insurance Code, Article 68). 
 
 Appointment of a representative accepted by the 
Minister of Finance (Insurance Code, Article 68). 
 
2) None 3) - Approval prior to acceptance of reinsurance 
operations; 
 -  Appointment of a responsible officer 
accepted by the Minister of Finance.  
4) Unbound, expect as indicated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) Unbound 
  
 
  
 
2) Unbound 3) Unbound 
 
  
4) Unbound  
 Insurance 
 intermediation 
 (a) Insurance agents for life 
insurance 
 (CPC 81401) 
 
  
 
  
 
 1) Tunisian nationality required (Insurance Code, 
Article 73). 
2) None 
3) Tunisian nationality required (Insurance Code, 
Article 73).  Approval of the Minister of Finance. 
4) Unbound, expect as indicated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
 
 1) Unbound 
 
2) Unbound 
3) Unbound 
 4) Unbound 
  
b) Insurance broking 1) None, other than horizontal limitations. 
2) None 
3) Tunisian nationality required.  Approval of the 
Minister of Finance. 
4) Unbound, expect as indicated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 
3) Unbound  
4) Unbound   
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Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
 Other auxiliary services 
Claim assessment 
 (CPC 81403) 1) Tunisian nationality required (Decree No. 92-
2260 of 31 December 1992). 
2) None 1) Unbound 
 2) Unbound  
 3) Tunisian nationality required (Decree No. 92-
2260 of 31 December 1992). 
4) Unbound, expect as indicated in the horizontal 
section. 
 3) Unbound 
 
4) Unbound   
B. Financial services other than 
insurance  
 (CPC 811) 1) and 2) None, other than horizontal limitations. 
3) (i) "Resident" banks (Law No. 67-51 of 7 
December 1967):  1) and 2) Unbound 
3) None  
 - Approval of the Minister of Finance, granted 
after consultation with the National Credit 
Council and following a report by the Central 
Bank of Tunisia, which is subsequently responsible for informing the interested party of 
the decision taken on its application;   
 - Approval is granted in particular on the basis of 
the applicant's programme of activity, its planned 
technical and financial resources, the status of 
the investors and, where appropriate, their 
guarantor, as well as the good repute of its 
directors. 
   
 - When applying for approval, establishments 
engaged in the banking profession must indicate whether they belong to the category of deposit 
banks ( banques de dépôts ), investment banks 
(banques d'investissements ) or merchant banks 
(banques d'affaires ). 
   
 - They must take the form of a public limited 
company under Tunisian law or any other legal 
status accepted for approval purposes;    
 TN/S/O/TUN 
Page 18 
Modes of supply: 1)  Cross-border supply 2)  Consumption abroad 3)  Commercial presence 4)  Presence of natural persons 
Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
 - Minimum capital requirements.    
 3) (ii) "Non-resident" banks (Law No. 85-108 of 6 
December 1985):  3) Unbound  
  - Foreign banks, branches or agencies of foreign 
banks the registered place of business of which is 
abroad; 
   
 - Public limited company under Tunisian law; 
   
 - Approval of the Minister of Finance, granted 
after consultation with the National Credit 
Council and following a report by the Central Bank of Tunisia, which is subsequently 
responsible for informing the interested party of 
the decision taken on its application. 
   
 3) (iii) Leasing companies (Law No. 94-89 of 26 
July 1994):    
 -  Approval of the Minister of Finance, granted 
after consultation with the National Credit 
Council and following a report by the Central 
Bank of Tunisia, which is subsequently 
responsible for informing the interested party of the decision taken on its application; 
   
 - Resident public limited companies under 
Tunisian law; 
 3) None  
 - Leasing companies may be set up under Law 
No. 85-108 of 6 December 1985 for the 
promotion of banking and financial institutions 
working essentially with non-residents. 
 3) Unbound   
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Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
 3) (iv) Investment companies: 
   
 - Authorization of the Ministry of Finance: 
   
 - Resident public limited companies under 
Tunisian law set up in one of the following categories: 
 3) None  
  a) Closed-ended investment company, with a 
minimum capital requirement;    
  b) open-ended investment company, with a 
minimum capital requirement;    
  c) risk-capital inve stment company, with a 
minimum capital requirement. 
   
 - Investment companies may be set up under Law 
No. 85-108 of 6 December 1985 for the 
promotion of banking and financial institutions working essentially with non-residents. 
 3) Unbound  
 3) (v) Stock-market intermediaries: 
 3) Unbound  
 - Must be approved by the Financial Market Board 
and possess Tunisian nationality, and may be 
natural persons or public limited companies 
specializing in stockbroking activities. 
   
 4) Unbound, except for foreign supervisory staff; 
for non-resident financial institutions:  none. 4) For resident financial institutions:  the Chairman-
Managing Director of a bank established under Tunisian law must be of Tunisian nationality;  if the positions of Chairman of the Board of the Directors and of Managing Director are separate, one of these positions must be filled by a Tunisian national.   
 TN/S/O/TUN 
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Modes of supply: 1)  Cross-border supply 2)  Consumption abroad 3)  Commercial presence 4)  Presence of natural persons 
Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
   The Chairman-Managing Director or the 
Managing Director of a bank established under Tunisian law must have resident status within the meaning of the exchange regulations.  The manager of the Tunisian establishments of a foreign bank must have resident status in Tunisia within the meaning of the exchange regulations.  
However, special exemptions may be granted by 
the Central Bank of Tunisia.  No-one may simultaneously manage, run or have authority to commit two banks, a bank and a financial institution, or a bank and an insurance company. 
  
Inter-bank (wholesale) deposit 
services 
(CPC 81115) 1) Unbound 
2) None for non-resident banks established in 
Tunisia.  Resident banks may freely open the 
corresponding current accounts in accordance with existing regulations.  Other financial 
establishments are subject to authorization by the 
Central Bank. 
 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound  
 3)  None, but non-resident institutions established in 
Tunisia are authorized to receive funds from residents. Such funds must not exceed: 
 3) None for resident institutions.  
 -  For each non-resident inst itution established in 
Tunisia, the subscribed amount of its 
participation, out of its own foreign-currency shareholders' equity, in the capital of resident 
enterprises; 
   
 -  for all non-resident institutions established in 
Tunisia as a whole, the ceiling of 1.5 per cent of 
the deposits of deposit banks.    
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 Page 21Modes of supply: 1)  Cross-border supply 2)  Consumption abroad 3)  Commercial presence 4)  Presence of natural persons 
Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
 4) Unbound 4) Unbound 
  
Other bank deposit services 
(CPC 81116) 1) Unbound 
2) None, however residents are subject to 
authorization. 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound  
 3) None, but non-resident institutions established in 
Tunisia are authorized to receive funds from 
residents. Such funds must not exceed: 
 3) None for resident institutions.  
 - For each non-resident in stitution established in 
Tunisia, the subscribed amount of its 
participation, out of its own foreign-currency shareholders' equity, in the capital of resident 
enterprises;   
 -   for all non-resident institutions established in 
Tunisia as a whole, the ceiling of 1.5 per cent of 
the deposits of deposit banks. 
   
 4) Unbound 
 4) Unbound 
  
Mortgage loan services 
(CPC 81131) 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound  
 3) None, but non-resident institutions established in 
Tunisia are subject to authorization. 3) None, other than horizontal limitations.  
 4) Unbound 4) Unbound 
  
Personal instalment loan services 
(CPC 81132) and credit card 
services (CPC 81133) 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 
3) None for resident institutions. 4) Unbound 
 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 
3) None for resident institutions. 4) Unbound   
 TN/S/O/TUN 
Page 22 
Modes of supply: 1)  Cross-border supply 2)  Consumption abroad 3)  Commercial presence 4)  Presence of natural persons 
Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
Leasing services 
(CPC 81120) 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound  
 3) None, other than horizontal limitations . 3) None for resident institutions.  
 4) Unbound 
 4) Unbound 
  
Intermediation services 
(CPC 81199) 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound  
 3) None, but stock market intermediaries must 
possess Tunisian nationality and be either natural persons or public limited companies specializing 
in stockbroking activities. 
4) Unbound  3) Unbound 
  
 
4) Unbound  
Securities broking services 
(CPC 81321) 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 3) None, but stock market intermediaries must 
possess Tunisian nationality and be either natural 
persons or public limited companies specializing in stockbroking activities. 
4) Unbound 
 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 3) Unbound 
 
  
4) Unbound  
Portfolio management services 
(CPC 81323) 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 3) None, but stock market intermediaries must 
possess Tunisian nationality and be either natural 
persons or public limited companies specializing in stockbroking activities. 
4) Unbound 
 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 3) Unbound 
 
  
4) Unbound  
Loan broking services 
(CPC 81331) 1) None 
2) None 
3) None, other than horizontal limitations. 4) Unbound 1) None 
2) None 
3) None, other than horizontal limitations. 4) Unbound   
  TN/S/O/TUN
 Page 23Modes of supply: 1)  Cross-border supply 2)  Consumption abroad 3)  Commercial presence 4)  Presence of natural persons 
Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
Financial consultancy services 
(excluding exchange offices) (CPC 81332) 1) None 
2) None 3) None, other than horizontal limitations. 
4) Unbound 
 1) None 
2) None 3) None, other than horizontal limitations. 
4) Unbound  
8.A.  Private hospital services 
(9311∗ ∗) 
(Exclusively for the following 
areas of specialization: 
carcinology and the 
radiotherapy component 
thereof, neurology - 
neurosurgery and stereotaxic radio-neurosurgery, 
ophthalmology and state-of-
the-art examination, neonatology and paediatric 
surgery) 
 
 
Health transport services 
(other than medical and 
paramedical services in ambulances) 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
 
 3) None 
 Limits on equity held by foreign investors, as 
specified in the horizo ntal section, do not 
apply in this instance. 
4) Unbound 
  
1) Unbound* 
2) None 3) None 
 
4) Unbound 
 1) Unbound* 
2) Social insurance co verage for health care 
received abroad by Tunisians is restricted to 
treatment unavailabl e in Tunisia.   
3) None 
 
  
4) Unbound 
  
1) Unbound* 
2) None 3) Enterprises may only employ drivers of 
Tunisian nationality. 
4) Unbound  
                                                      
∗ Unbound for technical reasons.  
∗ Unbound for technical reasons.   
 TN/S/O/TUN 
Page 24 
Modes of supply: 1)  Cross-border supply 2)  Consumption abroad 3)  Commercial presence 4)  Presence of natural persons 
Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional 
commitments 
9. TOURISM AND 
TRAVEL-RELATED SERVICES 
 
A. Hotel and restaurant 
services  
 
 Hotels  (CPC 6411) 
  
  
 
  
 
1) Unbound
* 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, expect as indicated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
  
 
  
 
1) Unbound 2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, expect as indicated in the horizontal 
section.
 
 
  
 Restaurants (excluding 
unclassified restaurants) 
  (CPC 6421) 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, expect as indicated in the horizontal 
section. 
 1) Unbound* 
2) None 
3) None 
4) Unbound, expect as indicated in the horizontal 
section. 
  
B. Travel agency and tour 
operator services  
    
 Travel agencies 
 (CPC 7471) 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) Unbound 
4) Unbound 1) Unbound 
2) None 
3) Unbound 
4) Unbound   
 
 
                                                      
 
* Unbound for technical reasons.  
  TN/S/O/TUN
 Page 25TUNISIA - LIST OF ARTICLE II (MFN) EXEMPTIONS 
 
Sector or subsector  Description of measure indicating 
its inconsistency with Article II Countries to which the 
measure applies Intended duration Conditions creating the need for the 
exemption  
Maritime transport 1) Right to control and take all 
necessary and appropriate measures with respect to 
foreign maritime transporters 
whose countries affect Tunisian maritime transport 
and shippers. All countries Not specified - To  prevent, offset and counter 
all discriminatory measures and restrictive and harmful actions 
affecting Tunisian maritime 
transporters and maritime trade. 
 2) Right to maintain, negotiate 
and conclude any bilateral, 
regional, multilateral or other 
agreement, understanding or arrangement relating to 
maritime transport, 
conditions of access to ports and auxiliary services and 
also to maritime training, 
safety and accident prevention. All countries Not specified - To  promote the transport sector, 
trade and regional integration 
through fair, equitable and 
effective rules and through the strengthening and improvement 
of bilateral, regional and 
multilateral co-operation. 
 3) Validity of all provisions of 
national law and regulations, in particular concerning 
national coastal shipping 
(cabotage) and commercial presence, as well as of the 
international conventions 
ratified by Tunisia in the field of maritime transport. All countries Not specified 1) To promote Tunisian shipping 
and national maritime transport capacity. 
 
2) To reduce the adverse impact of 
loss of freight on the balance of 
payments.  
 TN/S/O/TUN 
Page 26 
Sector or subsector  Description of measure indicating 
its inconsistency with Article II Countries to which the 
measure applies Intended duration Conditions creating the need for the 
exemption  
 Main legislative references: 
 
* Maritime Trade Code (Law 
No. 62-13 of 24 April 1962);  All countries Not specified 3) To facilitate international trade 
in a predictable and stable 
environment. 
 * Maritime Navigation 
Administrative Police Code 
(Law No. 76-59 of 11 June 
1976);    4) To serve the national interests 
in respect of economic security 
(strategic deliveries and shipments). 
 * Law No. 77-13 of 17 March 
1977 on the organization of 
the maritime professions, and the Implementing Order 
thereto;
    
 * Customs Code (Law No. 72-
19 of 10 March 1972); 
* Code of Conduct for Liner 
Conferences.    
Road transport - The provision of road 
transport services by foreign 
natural or legal persons from, 
to and/or in Tunisian territory, as well as their 
commercial presence, are 
restricted to nationals of countries with which Tunisia 
has concluded or may 
conclude an international agreement in this field, or 
under a partnership 
agreement.
 All countries Not specified - To  promote the road transport 
sector by the implementation of a system of mutually 
advantageous cooperation.  
  TN/S/O/TUN
 Page 27Sector or subsector  Description of measure indicating 
its inconsistency with Article II Countries to which the 
measure applies Intended duration Conditions creating the need for the 
exemption  
Co-production of films Bilateral (governmental) 
framework agreements on the co-
production of films (existing or future). All countries Not specified - To promote cultural links 
between the countries 
concerned. 
Bilateral social security 
agreements Extension of the social security 
and health benefits to citizens of 
other countries. All countries Not specified - To preserve the social security 
rights of nationals of the two 
contracting parties concerned. 
 
__________