Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interviews
    • News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Escape Plan
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Events
    • Shop
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • United Kingdom
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
      • Middle East
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interviews
    • News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Escape Plan
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Events
    • Shop
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • United Kingdom
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
      • Middle East
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
👤

THE NUMBER ONE SOURCE FOR EXPATS, DIGITAL NOMADS, AND DREAMERS.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Your Escape Plan

Working Abroad in Egypt as an Expat

  • BY EA Editors
  • December 14, 2017
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0

Working Abroad in Egypt as an Expat.

Egypt is a dream destination for many, thanks to its various famous sites. The cost of living is low and expats can settle in Cairo, Egypt’s largest city, to find work if they’re looking for it. Most American and European expats are known to head to that city for work opportunities, but they can be difficult to find. There is a high unemployment rate, which means that, although you may be lucky enough to find something just right for you, chances are you’ll have a tough time of it. This doesn’t mean, however, that opening a business in Egypt would be a bad idea. The people are relatively educated and looking for work. Whichever course of action you prefer to take to enter the workforce in Egypt, here are some things that will be important to know.

 

Work Permit

You can work in Egypt as a foreign national as long as you have a work permit. You’ll obtain an entry/tourism visa upon entering the country, and from there you can apply for the work permit. In order to do so, you’ll have to have a job already lined up, so that your employer can be available to participate in the process. The work visa is valid for one year and it is renewable. The Egyptian bureaucracy is known for being a bit difficult to work within these matters, so it will be helpful to have your employer highly involved in pushing things along.

 

Documentation

The list of the necessary documentation for applying for the work permit is extensive. You’ll need all of the same items you’d need to apply for a visa and more. Here is a list, but double-check with your local embassy just in case anything changes:

  • A valid passport (with valid Egyptian residence status)
  • 7 passport-sized photos
  • Two copies of your employer’s incorporation contract
  • Two copies of your Tax ID card (go to the Ministry of Manpower for help on getting this)
  • Two copies of your academic qualifications (such as university degrees and professional certifications)
  • A copy of the commercial register from your employer
  • Any licenses required for practicing your profession (have both the original and copies, just in case)
  • A letter from your employer explaining why it is necessary to hire a foreigner rather than a qualified Egyptian citizen
  • Approval from the Authority related to your profession (e.g. Investment, Petroleum – get this from the office of that Authority)
  • A representative from your employer who will “sponsor” your work permit
  • Proof of test showing you are free of HIV/AIDs
  • Approval from Egypt’s State Security Service showing that you are not a threat to national security or public safety (this can be obtained through a division at the Ministry of Manpower).

The application fee is 1,000  EGP, which translates to $56.28 USD.

 

Starting a Business Abroad in Egypt

There are typically three types of companies you can start in Egypt as a foreigner. You can begin a sole proprietorship, a joint-stock, or a limited liability company. No matter which company type you choose, you’ll still have to register it with the General Authority for Investment (GAFI). You’ll need a lawyer in order to prepare the necessary paperwork for this.

If you are interested in starting a sole proprietorship, or a company with a single owner like a restaurant or shop, you’ll need to supply the proper paperwork. You’ll need a permit for pretty much every aspect of the business, from serving food to hygiene and everything else. Again, a lawyer can help you with this.

For joint-stock companies, you’ll need at least three shareholders to go in with you. The minimum for issued capital is around $50,000 USD, and at least 25 percent of that must be paid at the time of incorporation – the rest can be paid within 10 years. At least 49 percent of this capital must be available to the Egyptian public through the Egyptian stock exchange. In addition, employees will have to have a role in company management and receive a minimum of 10 percent of net profits.

Finally, if you’re interested in starting a limited liability company while abroad in Egypt, that company will not be allowed to participate in banking, finance, or insurance activities. The starting capital is about $2,813 USD and one in three managers must be Egyptian. However, the LLC does not have to share profits with employees unless they rise above 250,000 EGP ($14,000 USD, roughly).

Enjoy this podcast from The Expat Money Show – JohnnyFD who talks about moving from the USA and living in Bali and Thailand.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article: Working Abroad in Egypt as an Expat. If you have any questions, please contact our office HERE.

I’ve included some great articles for you to read, enjoy!

Egypt

Residency Options In Egypt

Investment Options in Egypt

Retire Overseas in Egypt

Getting Residency In Egypt

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Related Topics
  • cost of living
  • expats
  • getting settled
  • working in Egypt
Previous Article
  • Digital Nomadism

Investing in Japan

  • BY EA Editors
  • November 22, 2017
View Post
Next Article
  • Portugal

Portugal’s Golden Visa

  • BY staffwriter
  • January 31, 2018
View Post
You May Also Like
Welcome sign in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a laid-back Caribbean town that offers one of Costa Rica’s most colorful and affordable coastal lifestyles.
View Post
  • Costa Rica
Moving to Costa Rica: Your Guide for a Smooth Transition
  • BY Carla Rodrigues
  • October 20, 2025
Top 10 Cities in Ecuador to Visit and Live In
View Post
  • Know Before You Go
Top 10 Cities in Ecuador to Visit and Live In
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 17, 2025
Starting a Business Abroad - A world of new markets and global possibilities
View Post
  • Business
The Beauty of Starting a Business Abroad
  • BY Aneesa Marufu
  • October 17, 2025
Costa Rica Cost of Living Guide: Prices, Budgets, and Tips
View Post
  • Costa Rica
Costa Rica Cost of Living Guide: Prices, Budgets, and Tips
  • BY Carla Rodrigues
  • October 15, 2025
How to Legally Pay Less Tax Abroad
View Post
  • Plan B
How to Legally Pay Less Tax Abroad
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 15, 2025
7 Best Cities to Live in Mexico for Safety, Cost, and Lifestyle
View Post
  • Mexico
7 Best Cities to Live in Mexico for Safety, Cost, and Lifestyle
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 14, 2025
Cost of Living in Spain: What to Expect in 2026
View Post
  • Spain
Cost of Living in Spain: What to Expect in 2026
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 13, 2025
Buying a Property abroad
View Post
  • Your Escape Plan
Why More Investors Are Buying Homes Offshore
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 8, 2025
Trending Posts
  • Buying a Property abroad 1
    • Your Escape Plan
    Why More Investors Are Buying Homes Offshore
    • October 8, 2025
  • Life between borders 2
    • Field Notes
    Living Between Continents, Cultures, and Contradictions
    • October 13, 2025
  • How to Legally Pay Less Tax Abroad 3
    • Plan B
    How to Legally Pay Less Tax Abroad
    • October 15, 2025
  • Living in Paris: Digital Nomad Guide 4
    • Digital Nomadism
    A Digital Nomad’s Guide to Living Like a Local in Paris
    • October 10, 2025
  • Starting a Business Abroad - A world of new markets and global possibilities 5
    • Business
    The Beauty of Starting a Business Abroad
    • October 17, 2025
Subscribe
Know Before You Go
  • Welcome sign in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a laid-back Caribbean town that offers one of Costa Rica’s most colorful and affordable coastal lifestyles. 1
    • Costa Rica
    Moving to Costa Rica: Your Guide for a Smooth Transition
    • October 20, 2025
  • Top 10 Cities in Ecuador to Visit and Live In 2
    • Know Before You Go
    Top 10 Cities in Ecuador to Visit and Live In
    • October 17, 2025
  • Costa Rica Cost of Living Guide: Prices, Budgets, and Tips 3
    • Costa Rica
    Costa Rica Cost of Living Guide: Prices, Budgets, and Tips
    • October 15, 2025
  • 7 Best Cities to Live in Mexico for Safety, Cost, and Lifestyle 4
    • Mexico
    7 Best Cities to Live in Mexico for Safety, Cost, and Lifestyle
    • October 14, 2025
  • Cost of Living in Spain: What to Expect in 2026 5
    • Spain
    Cost of Living in Spain: What to Expect in 2026
    • October 13, 2025
Learn More
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
Why Subscribe

The newly imagined Escape Artist brings you fresh content with a global focus, and sharp, up-to-the-minute coverage of the joys, challenges, and opportunities of life abroad.

For a limited time, we’re offering a special discount on all subscription deals, so be sure to lock-in these incredible savings and start receiving top-notch travel and expat content today!

Sign up for the EA Newsletter

Get important news delivered directly to your inbox and stay connected!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Escape Artist
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Disclaimer

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Newsletter Subscription
Our Spring Sale Has Started

You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/