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Country overview
Egypt combines extraordinary historical depth with a rapidly modernising urban infrastructure, particularly in New Cairo and the New Administrative Capital. Cairo is a megacity of 21 million with world-class private universities, hospitals, and a vibrant cultural scene. Cost of living has fallen sharply in USD terms following currency devaluations, making Egypt exceptional value for foreign-income earners. The Red Sea coast (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh) offers resort-quality lifestyle at low cost.
Tax overview
Personal income tax rates range from 0–27.5% on a progressive scale. Corporate tax is 22.5%. Capital gains on listed securities are taxed at 10%; real estate gains taxed at 2.5% of transaction value. Egypt has 60+ tax treaties and offers investment incentive zones with reduced rates.
Safety
Moderate — Cairo and tourist areas are generally safe for foreigners with standard urban awareness. Political protests are controlled and tourist security is heavily prioritised. Sinai and Libya border regions require governmental travel advisories.
Healthcare
Private hospitals in Cairo — including Dar Al Fouad, Cleopatra Hospital, and As-Salam International — offer internationally accredited care at very competitive prices. Complex procedures increasingly handled domestically; evacuation to Dubai or Europe remains an option.
Education
Egypt has 25+ accredited international schools in Cairo following British, American, and IB curricula. The American University in Cairo, British University in Egypt, and German University in Cairo represent a deep international tertiary sector.
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Investment routes
Egypt launched a formal Golden Residency program in 2021 and a Citizenship by Investment program in 2020 via Presidential Decree. The CBI program is dollar-denominated and positions Egypt as Africa's premier investment-citizenship destination.
Citizenship by Investment — Real Estate
PR → Citizenship possibleInvestment required
USD 300,000 in registered property (no nationality restrictions, no hold period)
Residency timeline
Not required prior to citizenship
Citizenship timeline
3–6 months (subject to presidential decree approval)
Citizenship is granted by presidential decree — a discretionary process. Not a guaranteed outcome on meeting financial thresholds alone.
Citizenship by Investment — Bank Deposit
PR → Citizenship possibleInvestment required
USD 500,000 non-refundable deposit in an Egyptian bank for 3 years
Residency timeline
Not required
Citizenship timeline
3–6 months
Deposit is returned after 3 years. Earnings accrued during hold period are forfeited.
Golden Residency (5-Year)
PR → Citizenship possibleInvestment required
USD 200,000 in real estate or business investment
Residency timeline
5-year renewable residency granted in 1–2 months
Citizenship timeline
Citizenship available separately via CBI route
Golden residency does not include a citizenship track; it is a separate, simpler program.
Egyptian citizenship is highly restrictive about dual citizenship for Egyptian nationals, but foreign CBI applicants may hold dual citizenship — this is a key nuance to clarify with legal counsel.
Work permits
Egypt's work permit system is managed by the Ministry of Manpower. Most foreign workers require employer-sponsored permits; investment residence holders have streamlined access. The New Administrative Capital and Special Economic Zones offer incentivised work authorisation.
Standard Work Permit
Employer-sponsored permit for foreigners. Requires investment certificate from GAFI for employers. Limited to 10% foreign-to-local employee ratio in most sectors.
Investment Law Work Authorization
For investors who have registered under Egypt's Investment Law No. 72 of 2017. Grants residency and work rights for investors and key management.
Min. salary: No minimum for investors
Skills migration
Egypt does not have a formal points-based skills migration program. Employment migration is employer-driven. The government has introduced golden residency and investment pathways that function as de facto economic migration.
In-demand professions
Economic opportunity
Egypt is Africa's second-largest economy and the Arab world's most populous country with 105 million consumers. The Suez Canal generates USD 8–10B annually and sits at the crossroads of global shipping. The New Administrative Capital project represents USD 58B in infrastructure investment and is attracting regional and international corporate headquarters.
GDP
$395B (2024)
Unemployment rate
~7%
Key industries
Egypt's startup ecosystem raised over USD 500M in 2023, led by fintech, e-commerce, and edtech. Government incentives in Special Economic Zones include 15-year tax holidays, 0% customs duties on equipment, and subsidised land allocation.
Who this programme suits
Egypt's CBI program primarily attracts Arab investors who want a foothold in Africa's largest Islamic economy, as well as global investors interested in the New Administrative Capital opportunity and Egypt's hydrocarbon sector.
GCC investors seeking a diversified real estate portfolio in a USD 300K+ market with rental income potential
Arab business leaders wanting to establish regional headquarters in the New Administrative Capital
Energy sector professionals and investors tracking Egypt's significant hydrocarbon and renewable energy pipeline
Egyptians in the diaspora considering return investment and residency formalisation
Common origin countries
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