Source: https://rivet.global/blog/tunisia-it-exporters-bct-exchange-rules
Published: 2026-11-01 · Updated: 2026-11-01 · By William Sunjo M.

# Tunisian IT exporters under the Central Bank's exchange rules

The Tunisian dinar is not freely convertible. How IT exporters receive foreign payments under Central Bank rules, hold foreign currency, and what may change.

## Key takeaways

- The Tunisian dinar is not freely convertible, and foreign exchange is regulated by the Banque Centrale de Tunisie.
- Exporters must repatriate export proceeds to Tunisia within the deadline in the exchange regulation.
- Exporters can keep a share of proceeds in foreign currency or convertible dinar accounts.
- Residents generally need authorisation to hold accounts abroad; a revised exchange code has been under discussion.

A Sfax software company builds applications for a Lyon insurer and a Paris retailer. Each euro payment arrives at its Tunisian bank within the regulation's deadline. Part is kept in a foreign currency account to pay for cloud services and software licences; the rest is converted to dinars for salaries.

## A non-convertible dinar

The Tunisian dinar is not freely convertible. The Banque Centrale de Tunisie (BCT) administers the exchange regulation, which sets how residents receive, hold and spend foreign currency.

## Repatriation

Exporters, including IT service exporters, must repatriate export proceeds to Tunisia within the regulation's deadline, through Tunisian banks.

## Keeping foreign currency

Exporters can keep a share of proceeds in foreign currency accounts or convertible dinar accounts and use them for permitted payments abroad, such as software, services and equipment. This matters for IT companies with many foreign subscriptions.

## Accounts abroad

Residents generally need BCT authorisation to hold accounts abroad. A revised exchange code, discussed for several years, aims to liberalise some rules. Check its status before planning.

## Totally exporting companies

Companies under Tunisia's totally exporting regime have specific rules and benefits. See our separate guide for those companies.

## Where Rivet fits

Rivet opens business accounts for registered companies after verification. Tunisia-registered companies must repatriate proceeds under BCT rules and generally need authorisation for accounts abroad, so check with your bank first. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold the funds.

## Questions

### Can Tunisian companies hold accounts abroad?

Generally only with Central Bank authorisation, under the exchange regulation.

### Do exporters have to repatriate proceeds?

Yes, within the deadline set by the regulation, through Tunisian banks.

### Can exporters keep foreign currency?

Yes, a share can be held in foreign currency accounts or convertible dinar accounts, and used for permitted payments.

### Is the exchange regulation changing?

A new exchange code has been discussed for several years to liberalise some rules. Check its status with your bank or adviser.