In Tunisia, short-term rentals are commonly referred to in Arabic as "إيجارات قصيرة المدى" (Ijarat Qasira al-Mada) or "إيجارات سياحية" (Ijarat Siyahiya), translating to "short-term rentals" and "tourist rentals," respectively. On international booking platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, these accommodations are typically listed under terms such as "vacation rental," "holiday rental," or "guesthouse."
A short-term rental in Tunisia is generally defined as a residential dwelling rented out for a period of less than 30 consecutive days. This encompasses various property types, including apartments, villas, and private rooms. It's important to note that hosting foreign guests in Tunisia requires proper authorization, as operating without the necessary licenses is considered illegal.
For property owners, compliance with local regulations is essential. This includes obtaining the appropriate licenses and adhering to taxation requirements. Travelers seeking short-term accommodations in Tunisia can find a variety of options on platforms like Airbnb, which features guesthouses and other rental properties across the country.
While Tunisia’s STR market is growing—driven by both local entrepreneurs and international investors—the sector remains subject to general housing, commercial, and tourism laws rather than a dedicated STR law. As a result, property owners often rely on international benchmarks and self-regulatory guidelines to structure their offerings. The STR model has gained popularity due to its flexibility, lower operating costs, and the increasingly personalized experience it offers tourists. However, the absence of a dedicated legal framework sometimes creates uncertainties regarding licensing, taxation, and consumer protection. This evolving landscape presents both opportunities and challenges for hosts who wish to formalize their operations while providing authentic cultural experiences.

In Tunisia, subletting is legally acceptable as long as the original lease agreement permits it. Tenants wishing to offer their rented property as a short-term rental—commonly advertised on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com—must obtain explicit written consent from their landlord. Tunisian law governs subletting primarily through the lease contract; if the lease expressly prohibits subletting, tenants must adhere to that condition to avoid breaching the agreement. Conversely, if the lease is silent on subletting or allows it with the landlord's approval, the tenant is legally permitted to list the property for short-term rental.
In practice, many property owners in Tunisia are increasingly aware of the commercial opportunities presented by short-term rentals and may negotiate lease terms that permit subletting. However, disputes can occur when tenants sublet without the required authorization. In such cases, landlords have the right to terminate the lease or seek legal recourse under Tunisian contract law. Given the growing popularity of short-term rentals in tourist areas like Hammamet and Djerba, it is advisable for both landlords and tenants to clearly define subletting provisions in their lease agreements. This helps prevent potential conflicts and ensures that short-term rental operations are conducted legally and transparently.

Tunisia does not have a national law dictating the maximum length of stay at tourist accommodations. Instead, the duration of a guest's stay is generally determined by their arrangement with the hotel, guesthouse, or short-term rental provider. It's crucial to differentiate this from Tunisian tourist visa rules, which often limit visa-free stays for foreigners to 90 days. Staying longer than 90 days typically requires a long-term visa. While accommodation stays are flexible based on agreement, the average tourist stay in Tunisia was around 4.4 days in 2020. Operators of tourist accommodations should also be aware of and comply with any local regulations from municipalities that might indirectly affect guest stay durations. Ultimately, the length of stay in Tunisian tourist accommodations is primarily agreed upon between the guest and provider, while respecting visa rules and local guidelines.

In Tunisia, operating short-term rentals legally requires hosts to obtain proper authorization, such as a hostel or hotel license, especially when accommodating foreign guests. Operating without this authorization is illegal. Hosts must also comply with local tax regulations, including declaring rental income and paying applicable taxes, for which consulting a local tax advisor is recommended. Furthermore, it is essential to ensure the rental property is appropriately zoned for short-term rentals and adheres to all relevant property laws. To ensure full compliance, hosts should verify regulations and obtain necessary licenses from local authorities before listing their property and stay informed about any changes in Tunisian short-term rental laws.

To legally operate tourist accommodations in Tunisia, hosts must adhere to national registration and permit requirements overseen by the National Tourism Office (ONTT). This process, formalized by Decree No. 2016-41 and the Tourism Code (Law No. 2017-58), mandates that all entities offering tourist lodging—including hotels, guest houses (بيوت الضيافة), short-term rentals (إيجارات قصيرة المدى), and tourist residences (المنشآت السياحية)—must register. Obtaining a Tourist Accommodation License is essential for all properties, and a Classification Certificate may also be required depending on desired property rating. The ONTT manages a central database of licensed accommodations, and the permit acquisition involves a five-step procedure. Initially, hosts must submit an application to the ONTT or its regional delegations, including a completed application form, property ownership proof or lease agreement, floor plans, property photos, and evidence of safety and hygiene compliance like a fire safety certificate. Following application, the ONTT conducts a property inspection to verify adherence to tourist accommodation standards, assessing safety measures, hygiene, cleanliness, and available amenities. Hosts seeking property classification can request a specific inspection for star rating assignment based on amenities and services. Upon successful application and inspection, applicable fees, ranging from approximately 100–500 TND for registration and 200–1,000 TND for classification, must be paid. After fee payment and application approval, the ONTT issues the Tourist Accommodation License, which requires annual renewal. Essential documents for the application include property ownership or lease agreements, host identification, property floor plans and photos, safety and hygiene compliance certificates, a Tax Identification Number, and bank details for fee payments. Operators should also anticipate costs for registration, classification (if chosen), annual renewal, and potential additional inspection fees.

Tunisia currently lacks a national association dedicated solely to short-term rentals (STRs). However, STR operators can engage with these broader tourism/hospitality organizations:

1. Fédération Tunisienne de l’Hôtellerie (FTH)Purpose: Main hospitality federation representing hotels and guest accommodations. Offers regulatory guidance and advocacy. Membership: Hotels, resorts, and some guesthouses. Contact: Website: www.fth-tunisie.com Email: contact@fth-tunisie.com Phone: +216 71 341 255
2. Office National du Tourisme Tunisien (ONTT)Purpose: Government tourism body providing policy updates, marketing support, and industry guidelines. Contact: Website: www.tunisietourisme.gov.tn Email: info@ontt.tourism.tn Phone: +216 70 107 000
3. Chambre Nationale des Propriétaires et Gérants d’Hôtels (CNPGH)Purpose: Advocates for hotel owners/managers; offers training and compliance resources. Contact: Address: 2 Rue d’Alger, Tunis 1000, Tunisia Phone: +216 71 328 100