According to the nationality code, the certificate of Tunisian nationality is issued as a nationality of origin to any person applying for it, by proving that he/she is Tunisian (if she/he was born of a Tunisian father, born in Tunisia of a Tunisian mother and a foreign father, born in Tunisia of father and paternal grandfather both born in Tunisia).
Acquisition of nationality by virtue of the law
Tunisian nationality through the benefit of the law is obtained by:
- A person born abroad to a Tunisian mother and a foreign father under the age of 20
Required documents
- A request with a legalized signature of the person concerned (above 19 years of age). If the applicant is under 19 years old, his parents must submit to his right a joint declaration with legalized signature.
- Original birth certificate of the person concerned (interpreted in Arabic if necessary).
- Certificate of nationality of his mother.
- A foreigner married to a Tunisian if the spouses have been resident in Tunisia for at least two years
Required documents
- A request with the person’s legalized signature.
- 2 original birth certificates of the person concerned.
- Copy of the marriage contract.
- Certificate of nationality of the spouse and an extract of his birth.
- Attestation of residence.
- Tax stamp specific to the nationality certificate (1500 mm).
- A minor foreign national adopted by a Tunisian provided that he or she is not married
Acquisition of citizenship by naturalization
It is possible for foreigners who have been resident in Tunisia for at least five years to apply for Tunisian citizenship by naturalization. This condition (of five years) may be waived if the person concerned proves that his or her nationality of origin was Tunisian. The foreigner married to a Tunisian and the one who presented noble services to Tunisia.
Required documents
- A request with the person’s legalized signature.
- A Bulletin 3 from the interested party.
- Attestation of residence.
- A copy of the marriage certificate, certificate of the spouse’s nationality and a residential certificate of residence.
- The certificate of nationality is issued by the Minister of Justice, who has sole standing for its issue.
However, diplomatic and consular representatives of Tunisia abroad and the cantonal judge of the district in which the applicant for nationality is located, with the exception of the cantonal judge of Tunis, are entitled to issue such a certificate.
All applications for citizenship by naturalization or by virtue of the law, will be submitted to the Ministry of Justice or sent by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt with all the justifications.
