On Monday, Tunisia introduced the Auto-Entrepreneur Card, a new initiative designed to streamline the registration process and offer social benefits to freelancers and self-employed individuals.

This move is part of the country’s broader efforts to formalise the growing freelance sector, which has long operated outside the formal economic framework. With this initiative, Tunisia aims to provide freelancers with the support they need while also positioning itself as a leader in the regional trend of formalising the freelance economy.

The initiative was announced at a press conference, indicating the country’s efforts to establish a formal structure for freelancers and self-employed individuals who have historically functioned outside the formal economic framework. 

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A new era for freelancers in Tunisia

The 2020 decree introduced the newly introduced “Auto Entrepreneur” status, which provides an efficient framework for individuals seeking to initiate small businesses or freelance endeavours. The Auto-Entrepreneur Card initiative seeks to establish Tunisia as a leader in formalising freelancing, a trend that is transforming labour markets worldwide. 

Tunisia’s independent workers have historically faced restrictions in accessing social protections, tax benefits, and administrative support. This card aims to address this issue by offering freelancers with services such as health insurance, retirement benefits, simplified tax processes, and an opportunity for professional legitimacy. 

This initiative is similar to what was introduced in neighbouring Algeria to streamline registration, taxation, and social security processes for aspiring entrepreneurs. It further indicates a regional trend towards the adoption of the freelance economy. 

Like Algeria’s program, Tunisia’s Auto-Entrepreneur Card aims to simplify the often-complex process of setting up and managing a freelance business. By offering a clearer framework for freelancers to operate within, the initiative hopes to make freelancing more accessible and attractive to individuals who may have been hesitant to formalise their work due to the administrative hurdles or lack of social security benefits.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the promising outlook, the Auto-Entrepreneur Card faces several challenges. One of the main concerns is Tunisia’s public sector’s historical struggles with technological proficiency and response times. Tunisia’s digitised system represents progress towards modernity. The promise of a “three simple steps” process for registration could be hindered by bureaucratic delays or insufficient technological infrastructure. Additionally, the program’s success will depend on how effectively the government can address the practical challenges of implementing a new system.

Stemming from Algeria’s program, freelancers are reported to have ambiguity regarding their specific tax obligations, and the program has not addressed issues related to foreign currency withdrawals. Tunisia can mitigate these challenges by establishing clearer guidelines from the outset. As this program develops, it will require ongoing adjustments to meet freelancers’ requirements and respond to the evolving economic environment.

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Eligibility Criteria

To qualify as an auto-entrepreneur in Tunisia, you must meet the following conditions:

• Nationality: Applicants must be Tunisian citizens.

• Business Activity: Engage in industrial, agricultural, commercial, services, artisanal, or trade sectors.

• Annual Revenue: Applicants must have a gross annual turnover of no more than 75,000 Tunisian dinars.

• Prior Registration: Individuals who have already filed a tax declaration before June 10, 2020, are not eligible.

Further registration information can be retrieved from this link.