Tunisia to Spain: Complete Visa and Immigration Guide
If you’re from Tunisia and considering Spain, the geographic proximity works in your favor. Just 1,200 kilometers across the Mediterranean, Spain is a natural destination for Tunisians seeking opportunities in Europe. Your French language skills share Latin roots with Spanish, making the transition smoother than you might expect.
Key Facts for Tunisian Citizens
- Visa Required: Yes
- Most Common Visas: Work, Student, Family Reunification
- Processing Time: 15-60 days at consulate
- Spanish Consulate: Embassy in Tunis
- Citizenship Timeline: 10 years
- Tax Treaty: Yes
- Dual Citizenship: Yes (Tunisia allows)
Why Tunisians Choose Spain
Tunisia’s geographic proximity to Spain makes it a natural destination for those seeking new opportunities in Europe. Many Tunisians speak French fluently, which shares Latin roots with Spanish, and the transition becomes considerably smoother than you might expect.
Visa Requirements: Yes, Tunisians Need One
Tunisian passport holders require a visa to enter Spain and the broader Schengen zone. There’s no visa-free access, which means every trip requires advance planning and paperwork. You can’t simply book a flight and figure things out when you arrive.
The Schengen short-stay visa allows up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You’ll apply at the Spanish Embassy in Tunis or through the visa application centre.
Visa Options for Tunisian Citizens
Not sure which visa fits your situation? Each path has different requirements, timelines, and tax implications. Book a consultation and we’ll map out the optimal visa and tax strategy for your move.
Spanish Consulate in Tunisia
Tunis – Embassy of Spain
22 & 24, Av. Dr. Ernest Conseil, Cité Jardin, 1002 Tunis
Tel: +216 71 78 22 17 / +216 71 79 29 90
Email: [email protected] (long-stay visas)
Covers: All Tunisia
Visa Application Centre
Rue Othman Ibn Affan, UV4 Bloc 151, Menzah 6, Tunis
Tel: +216 58 574 499 / +216 71 232 942
Tax Considerations
Tax Treaty: Tunisia-Spain
Spain and Tunisia have an active double taxation agreement that prevents being taxed twice on the same income.
Key Points:
- Treaty covers: Dividends, royalties, interest, capital gains
- Relief method: Credit method (default) or exemption for qualifying income
- Spanish rates: 19%-47% progressive income tax
- Beckham Law: 24% flat tax for 6 years on Spanish income for qualifying new residents
Required Documents
Required Documents:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Criminal Record from Tunisia, apostilled (Hague member since 2018)
- Birth Certificate apostilled
- Medical Certificate from authorized doctor
- Proof of Income (bank statements, employment letters)
- Health Insurance travel insurance €30,000 minimum for short-stay
- Proof of Accommodation
- Return Ticket for short-stay visas
Tunisia is a Hague Apostille Convention member since 2018. Apostilles issued by Tunisian Notaries (sole authority since March 2019). Note: some countries historically haven’t accepted Tunisian apostilles, but Spain generally does. We handle document preparation for you.
Dual Citizenship: Allowed
Good news: Tunisia permits dual citizenship under the Tunisian Nationality Code. You can retain your original nationality when naturalizing elsewhere, and keep Tunisian nationality when acquiring foreign citizenship.
Spain requires a formal renunciation declaration, but Tunisia doesn’t recognize it. Result: you keep both citizenships in practice.
Note: Some high government positions in Tunisia may require single nationality. Use your Spanish passport for travel after naturalizing.
Path to Spanish Citizenship
Tunisian nationals must wait 10 years of legal, continuous residence before applying for Spanish citizenship. This is the standard timeline for most nationalities.
During those 10 years, maintain legal status without gaps. Each residence permit renewal matters. Any period of irregular status or extended absence from Spain can reset your timeline.
Requirements:
- CCSE exam (Spanish government, society, culture)
- DELE A2 (Spanish language proficiency)
- Both offered through Instituto Cervantes, with testing in Tunisia if needed
French Advantage: Your French language skills help. French shares Latin roots with Spanish, so you’ll likely acquire Spanish faster than speakers of non-Romance languages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Tunisian citizens need a visa for Spain?
Yes. Tunisian passport holders require a visa to enter Spain and the Schengen zone. There’s no visa-free access. Apply at the Spanish Embassy in Tunis or the visa application centre.
Can I keep my Tunisian citizenship when becoming Spanish?
Yes, in practice. Tunisia allows dual citizenship. Spain requires a formal renunciation declaration, but Tunisia doesn’t recognize it. You effectively become a dual citizen, keeping both passports.
Is there a tax treaty between Tunisia and Spain?
Yes. An active double taxation agreement exists. It covers dividends, royalties, interest, and capital gains, preventing double taxation through credit or exemption methods.
Can I apostille my Tunisian documents?
Yes. Tunisia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2018. Tunisian Notaries are the sole authority for issuing apostilles since March 2019.
We Handle Everything
Spanish bureaucracy is relentless. Visa applications, tax residency, NIE appointments, ongoing compliance. Getting any of it wrong costs time and money. We handle the paperwork and planning so you can focus on actually building your life here.
This guide provides general information about moving from Tunisia to Spain. Requirements can change. Contact us for personalized advice on your situation. Information accurate as of January 2026.