Can a foreign spouse get Tunisian citizenship?

Answer by the AvoConsulte editorial team

Yes, a foreign spouse of a Tunisian citizen can acquire Tunisian nationality on easier terms than other foreigners, but it is not automatic. The Tunisian Nationality Code treats a foreign wife and a foreign husband differently.

How it works

• A foreign wife of a Tunisian man can claim Tunisian nationality by declaration once the couple has lived in Tunisia for at least two years (Article 14 of the Code). The President of the Republic can oppose it by decree within a set period (Article 15).
• A foreign husband of a Tunisian woman can apply for naturalisation without the usual five-year residence period, provided the couple lives in Tunisia when he applies (Article 21). Naturalisation is granted by decree and remains discretionary: even a complete file can be refused.

The marriage only counts if it was celebrated in a form recognised by Tunisian law or by the law of the country where it took place (Article 29). A marriage concluded abroad should be transcribed in the Tunisian civil register, through the consulate, so that you can prove it.

Declarations and applications go to the Ministry of Justice, with supporting documents, in particular civil-status records such as the marriage and birth certificates, and proof of residence in Tunisia. Ask the Ministry for its current checklist before collecting anything. Foreign documents generally need an apostille or legalisation and an Arabic translation.

Check before you apply

• Your own country's rules: some countries withdraw their nationality from citizens who acquire another one.
• Possible reform: a bill filed in Parliament in 2026 would tighten naturalisation, in particular by requiring lawful entry and seven years' residence. As of late summer 2026 it had not been adopted. Check whether the Code has changed before you apply.
• Children: under Article 6 of the Code, as amended in 2010, a child born to a Tunisian father or a Tunisian mother is Tunisian, without naturalisation.

For your own situation, consult a lawyer; the AvoConsulte directory lists lawyers registered with the ONAT by city.

This answer was written by the AvoConsulte editorial team and gives general information only: it is not legal advice. For your own situation, consult a lawyer.

Sources

1. Code de la nationalité tunisienne, édition 2018 (Imprimerie officielle de la République tunisienne) IORT, via ecoi.net
2. Nationalité tunisienne : Kaïs Saïed a-t-il changé la loi pour accorder la nationalité après cinq ans de résidence ? (27 août 2026) Business News
3. Accès à la nationalité : une nouvelle proposition de loi déposée au Parlement (1er mars 2026) La Presse de Tunisie