Employment contracts Tunisia

What should an employment contract in Tunisia include?

Listed below are the general elements of every employment contract made in Tunisia:

• Personal details of both parties, including names and contact details.
• Job position description.
• Employee’s wage and benefits they are entitled to.
• Work schedule, including the hours and the days of working.
• Confidentiality policies to protect the employer’s interest and proprietary rights. 
• Notice periods and conditions under which the employment may be terminated.

It’s advised that both parties read and understand each of the contract’s terms before providing their signatures.

What types of employment contracts exist in Tunisia? 

The following are the most common types of employment contracts in Tunisia:

1. Employee contracts

There are 2 major categories under employee contracts:

• Permanent employment contracts: Permanent employment contracts regulate long-term employment relationships, and as such, they’re the most commonly used type. These contracts don’t feature a fixed end date and can be terminated by either of the parties in adherence to the notice period provided within the contract. If the employer doesn’t provide a written employment contract, termination must be compliant with Tunisian labour regulations.
• Fixed-term employment contracts: Unlike permanent employment contracts, fixed-term contracts must always be in a written form and must define the start and end dates of employment. Fixed-term employment contracts may only be used to cover temporary workforce demands, seasonal work, temporary replacement of employees, and similar circumstances.

2. Apprenticeship employment contracts

Apprenticeship employment contracts are used to provide individuals with practical work experience and training in a specific profession. Employers can use these contracts to hire apprentices for training purposes based on their business needs. Apprentices who complete their training successfully can transition into full-time employees and receive a permanent employment contract.

3. Service contracts

Service contracts are used to hire independent contractors and freelancers for the purpose of completing a specific project or task. These individuals operate independently from any organisation, are not classified as regular employees, and are not entitled to benefits such as healthcare, pension, and others.

How to hire employees in Tunisia? 

Before hiring an employee in Tunisia, employers must meet a few legal requirements, including having a legal establishment, a local bank account, and a tax identification number. Besides legal requirements prior to hiring, employers are also obligated to abide by local employment laws regarding minimum wages, benefits, working hours, and other important requirements.

One way to avoid complex legal systems and streamline your hiring process is to collaborate with a global expansion company like Native Teams. By utilising our employer of record solutions, employers can have their payroll, taxes, and HR paperwork handled in full compliance with labour laws, leaving them free to focus on their core business operations.