Lending to or borrowing from family in Tunisia without the risks
In Tunisia, lending between individuals is legal but not organised through licensed platforms. It relies on a written acknowledgement of debt with certified signatures, and on interest that must never exceed the excessive-rate thresholds set under Law 99-64.
Family financial support from Tunis to Medenine
Between brothers, cousins or neighbours, many Tunisians help each other pay for a wedding, a dowry, building work or the purchase of a small business. Tunisians living abroad also often fund relatives who stayed in Sfax, Medenine or Kasserine.
No licensed peer-to-peer lending platform
Tunisia has no dedicated framework for online lending between individuals comparable to European platforms. Any company that collects money from the public in order to lend it must be licensed by the BCT, otherwise it is carrying out illegal banking.
Law 2020-37 on crowdfunding
The law of 6 August 2020 regulates donation, equity and loan-based crowdfunding carried out through platforms licensed by the Financial Market Council. Loan-based crowdfunding there finances business projects, not the personal needs of a private individual.
Drafting a solid acknowledgement of debt
The document states the names and ID card numbers, the amount in dinars in figures and words, the repayment schedule and any interest. Having the signatures certified at the municipality gives it a firm date and makes proof easier before the district court.
Interest between individuals and usury thresholds
A private lender who demands interest above the threshold published for the relevant category faces the penalties of Law 99-64. As a benchmark, the average APR on consumer loans stood at 11.23% in the first half of 2026.
The end of post-dated guarantee cheques
For years, lenders demanded a post-dated cheque as security. The cheque reform that took effect in 2025 strictly regulated these practices and partly decriminalised writing cheques without funds, which greatly reduces the appeal of this risky arrangement.
Transferring the money in a traceable way
A bank transfer or postal money order is better than handing over cash. The e-Dinar wallet and the D17 app from La Poste Tunisienne also allow traceable transfers, which are useful as evidence if the loan is disputed later.
Money sent by the diaspora
A Tunisian settled in France or Germany who lends to a relative can transfer foreign currency converted into dinars through an approved bank. Keeping the transfer advice and a note stating that it is a loan avoids any confusion with a gift.
Fake Tunisian lenders on Facebook and WhatsApp
Facebook pages and WhatsApp groups promise quick loans between individuals in return for arrangement fees, a copy of an ID card or a card PIN. No genuine lender asks for an upfront payment before releasing a loan.
Microfinance rather than an informal lender
To fund an activity, an institution licensed by the ACM offers a safer framework than a neighbourhood moneylender, even at a high rate. See our guide to microcredit in Tunisia for loan amounts and the institutions involved.
Recovering the money if the borrower defaults
If the loan is not repaid, the lender sends a formal notice through a bailiff, then brings the case before a judge with the acknowledgement of debt. An order for payment can be faster than ordinary proceedings when the claim is certain.
Comparing with regulated credit
Before asking a relative, it is worth looking at a bank personal loan in Tunisia or the interest-free honour loan. For a regional comparison, see also our page on peer-to-peer loans in Libya and the rules that apply there.
Putting a family loan on a sound footing in Tunisia
- Agree together on the amount in dinars, the term, the instalments and whether a moderate interest rate applies.
- Write a dated acknowledgement of debt that includes the ID card numbers of both parties.
- Have both signatures certified at the municipal office so the document carries a firm date.
- Pay the money by transfer or money order rather than in cash, and keep the bank receipt.
- Record every repayment received and give the borrower a signed receipt to avoid future disputes.
Fees and limits of a private loan in Tunisia
| Item | Order of magnitude | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Signature certification | Small stamp duty (indicative) | Amount set by current tax regulations |
| Agreed interest | Free below the usury threshold | Benchmark: average consumer APR of 11.23% in H1 2026 |
| Transfer or money order fees | Variable | Depends on the bank, La Poste or the transfer service used |
| Bailiff and court proceedings | Variable | Depends on the amount claimed and the court involved |
Papers to keep for a loan between relatives
- Signed and certified acknowledgement of debt
- Copies of the lender's and borrower's ID cards
- Bank transfer advice or postal money order receipt
- Signed repayment schedule and receipts for each repayment
- Written note stating that it is a loan and not a gift, for funds sent from abroad
Common abuses of private lending in Tunisia
- Paying arrangement fees to a stranger met in a Facebook group who promises a loan without a bank within forty-eight hours.
- Lending cash without any written record, which makes proof almost impossible before the district court.
- Demanding very high monthly interest that falls foul of the law on excessive rates.
- Giving a card PIN or access to a banking app to a so-called lender for an alleged payment.
Lenders to contact
- Enda Tamweel: Tunisian microfinance institution granting microloans to micro-entrepreneurs, including in rural areas, backed by banking partners and development funders.
- BH Bank (Banque de l'Habitat): Tunisian bank historically specialised in housing, offering home loans to individuals as well as working-capital financing for professionals and businesses.
Private lending in Tunisia: the legal points
Can a private individual lend with interest in Tunisia?
Yes, provided the agreed rate does not exceed the excessive-rate thresholds published every six months under Law 99-64. Lending to the public on a regular basis, however, remains reserved for institutions licensed by the BCT or the ACM.
Is a certified signature enough as proof?
It certifies the identity of the signatories and the date, which greatly strengthens the acknowledgement of debt. For a large amount, a deed drawn up by a notary or a lawyer offers extra security, particularly when guarantees need to be included.
Are there authorised peer-to-peer lending sites in Tunisia?
Not for personal needs. Law 2020-37 allows crowdfunding platforms licensed by the Financial Market Council, but they finance business projects. A website promising personal loans between strangers should immediately arouse suspicion.
How do you recover money lent in Tunisia that was never repaid?
First send a formal notice through a bailiff, then bring the case before the competent court with the acknowledgement of debt and proof of transfer. An order for payment may be suitable when the sum owed is certain, quantified and due.