Tunisia Film Cash Rebate

How Does Tunisia's Film Cash Rebate Work?

Tunisia offers a 25% cash rebate on qualifying production expenditure, administered by the CNCI (Centre National du Cinema et de l'Image). As North Africa's established filming hub, Tunisia has decades of experience hosting major international productions and provides a cost-effective gateway to Mediterranean, desert, and historic North African locations.

The rebate program supports Tunisia's longstanding position as a premier filming destination, building on a production heritage that includes "Star Wars," "The English Patient," "Raiders of the Lost Ark," and numerous other Hollywood and European productions.

Rebate Structure

• Rebate rate: 25% of qualifying Tunisian production expenditure
• Incentive type: Cash rebate
• Qualifying spend: Goods, services, and salaries sourced from Tunisian companies and residents
• Program funding: Subject to annual government budget allocation

Qualifying expenditure includes local crew wages, equipment rentals, studio costs, set construction, accommodation, catering, transportation, and other production services sourced within Tunisia.

What Productions Are Eligible?

• Feature films and short films
• Television series and miniseries
• Documentaries
• Commercials and advertising productions
• International co-productions with Tunisian partners

Why Productions Choose Tunisia

Legendary filming locations. The Sahara Desert, ancient Roman ruins at Carthage and Dougga, Mediterranean coastal towns, traditional medinas, and the iconic "Star Wars" sets at Matmata and Tozeur.

Production heritage. Tunisia has hosted international film crews since the 1960s. Local crews, fixers, and production services companies have deep experience supporting large-scale shoots.

Cost efficiency. Tunisian production costs, including crew rates, set construction, and location fees, are a fraction of European or North American rates.

Proximity to Europe. Just two hours by air from major European cities like Paris, Rome, and London. Tunisia operates in the CET time zone, aligning with European production schedules.

Location versatility. Tunisia can double for the Middle East, ancient Egypt, biblical-era settings, North African cities, and generic desert or Mediterranean environments.

How Do You Apply for Tunisia's Film Cash Rebate?

• Contact CNCI to discuss project eligibility and requirements
• Submit a production application with budget and shooting schedule
• Obtain CNCI approval before commencing production in Tunisia
• Complete filming while tracking all qualifying Tunisian expenditure
• Submit audited final expenditure documentation to CNCI
• Cash rebate is disbursed upon verification of qualifying costs

Tunisia Film Cash Rebate: Key Facts

• Rebate rate: 25% cash rebate
• Credit type: Cash rebate
• Administering body: CNCI (Centre National du Cinema et de l'Image)
• Notable productions: "Star Wars" (Tatooine scenes), "The English Patient," "Raiders of the Lost Ark"
• Location highlights: Sahara Desert, Carthage ruins, Matmata, Mediterranean coast
• Official resource: CNCI