diff --git a/.github/workflows/test.yml b/.github/workflows/test.yml
index 8528472cd..27310af8c 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test.yml
@@ -54,5 +54,9 @@ jobs:
       - name: Install dependencies
         run: pip install .
 
+      - name: Prepare a minimal notmuch config file for the tests
+        run: |
+          touch ~/.notmuch-config
+
       - name: Run tests
         run: python3 setup.py test