Does Tunisia allow dual citizenship?

Answer by the AvoConsulte editorial team

In practice, yes. Tunisian law does not take Tunisian nationality away just because a Tunisian acquires another one, so many Tunisians hold two nationalities. Whether your other country allows dual nationality is a separate question, governed by that country's law.

What Tunisian law says

Under the Tunisian Nationality Code, a Tunisian who voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality does not lose Tunisian nationality automatically: loss can only be pronounced by decree (Article 30). The Code also provides for loss in a specific case, such as a Tunisian who holds a post in a foreign State's public service or army and keeps it after being ordered to resign (Article 32).

What it means in practice

• In Tunisia, Tunisian law governs your personal status. Under Article 39 of the Code of Private International Law, when a person with several nationalities is also Tunisian, Tunisian law applies to their personal status, which matters for marriage, divorce and other family matters.
• Keep your Tunisian documents valid. Renew your national ID card or Tunisian passport, and keep your civil-status records up to date through your consulate.
• Consular help may be limited. Your other country may be unable to intervene for you in Tunisia, because Tunisia sees you as one of its own citizens.
• Children born abroad to a Tunisian father or mother are Tunisian by birth (Article 6 of the Code) and should have their birth transcribed through the consulate.

Check the other country's rules

Some countries require you to give up your previous nationality when you naturalise, or withdraw their own nationality if you acquire another. Check this before applying, as Tunisian law cannot protect you from those rules.

Foreigners who become Tunisian by naturalisation may also face specific rules, such as conditions for some public offices.

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. Loi n° 98-97 du 27 novembre 1998, portant promulgation du code de droit international privé DCAF, Base de données de la législation du secteur de la sécurité en Tunisie