Tunisia Startup Act: Complete Guide for Entrepreneurs

The Startup Act, adopted by the Assembly of the Representatives of the People in April 2018, is a pioneering law in Africa that provides an advantageous legal and tax framework for innovative startups in Tunisia. At MapWay, we obtained the Startup Act certification with our platform TMaps, and this experience convinced us that this program is a true accelerator for Tunisian entrepreneurs. Here is our complete guide to understanding and benefiting from the Startup Act.

What Is the Startup Act?

The Tunisian Startup Act (Law No. 2018-20 of April 17, 2018) creates a specific status for innovative companies less than 8 years old. It is not an incubation or subsidy program but a legal framework that grants concrete benefits to certified companies. Tunisia is the first country in Africa and the Arab world to have adopted such legislation, inspiring other countries in the region since then.

The goal of the Startup Act is to stimulate innovation, encourage entrepreneurship, attract talent and investment, and position Tunisia as a technology hub in North Africa. Since its adoption, more than 800 startups have obtained the certification, with a concentration in the digital, fintech, agritech and health technology sectors.

Eligibility Conditions

To obtain the Startup Act certification, your company must meet several criteria:

• Less than 8 years old : from the date of its legal incorporation.
• Fewer than 100 employees : at the time of the certification application.
• Annual revenue not exceeding the set thresholds : this limit is regularly adjusted by decree.
• Innovative business model : this is the most subjective but most important criterion. Your product or service must bring a technological innovation, a new business model, or an original solution to an identified problem.
• Independence : the capital must not be held by more than two-thirds by a group of companies whose consolidated revenue exceeds certain thresholds.
• Strong growth potential : the startup must demonstrate scalability potential and significant growth.

Benefits of the Certification

Tax Benefits

Certified startups benefit from an exemption from corporate tax and income tax during the first years of activity. This exemption allows reinvesting profits into growth rather than paying them to the tax authorities. Employer contributions are also covered by the State for a set period, significantly reducing hiring costs.

Entrepreneurship Leave

Public and private sector employees can benefit from a one-year leave, renewable once, to create their startup, with a guarantee of returning to their position. This measure significantly reduces personal risk for potential entrepreneurs who hesitate to leave a stable job.

Founder's Grant

Founders can apply for a monthly grant during the first year of their startup. Although the amount is not enough to live comfortably, this aid helps cover basic needs during the launch phase when the company is not yet generating revenue.

Regulatory Facilitations

The certification facilitates administrative procedures: opening foreign currency accounts, international transfers, allocation of technology cards for online purchases. For a startup like MapWay that works with international geographic data providers and European clients, these facilitations are a concrete, everyday advantage.

The Certification Process

The certification application is done online on the startup.gov.tn platform. The file includes:

• The company's legal documents (articles of incorporation, commercial register)
• A detailed business plan presenting the innovative nature of the project
• A technical description of the product or service
• Evidence of traction (users, revenue, partnerships)
• The development and growth plan

The certification committee evaluates applications and renders its decision within a theoretical timeframe of 20 business days. In practice, the process may take longer. Our advice: prepare a strong application that clearly demonstrates technological innovation and market potential. At MapWay, we highlighted TMaps' innovation in the field of Tunisian mapping and our ability to compete with international solutions.

Our Experience at MapWay

Obtaining the Startup Act certification with TMaps was a turning point for MapWay. The tax benefits allowed us to reinvest in recruiting talented developers and improving our infrastructure. The certification also strengthened our credibility with our clients and partners, both in Tunisia and internationally.

The Startup Act is not perfect — administrative delays remain long, some benefits are difficult to activate in practice, and the grant amount is modest. But overall, it is a program that truly changes the game for Tunisian entrepreneurs. If you are working on an innovative project in Tunisia, we strongly encourage you to submit your application.