Andersen Global
Worldwide Locations:
Egypt
Egypt sits at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east, it provides direct access to major international shipping routes, making it an ideal base when you register a company in Egypt.
As home to one of the world’s most important maritime passages, the Suez Canal strengthens Egypt’s role as a central hub for global trade and logistics.
By choosing to register a company in Egypt, you benefit from efficient access to a vast regional market. Reduced shipping times and lower transport costs are especially valuable for businesses that rely on imports and exports.
Ongoing economic reforms are designed to create a favourable environment for business and investment. These include tax incentives, simplified regulatory procedures, and laws that protect and encourage investors.
Investors who register a company in Egypt can benefit from dedicated free zones and industrial parks that offer tax exemptions, customs incentives, and other advantages that significantly reduce operational costs.
Egypt’s large, young population provides access to a strong labour force and a growing consumer market, supporting both production and demand.
Major investments in transport, energy, and digital infrastructure are improving connectivity and efficiency across the country, further enhancing the benefits when you register a company in Egypt.
Together, these factors create a comprehensive framework that facilitates business operations and supports economic growth, making Egypt an appealing destination for both local and foreign investors looking to register a company in Egypt.
An LLC requires at least two shareholders, who may be individuals or legal entities. There is no maximum limit on the number of shareholders.
LLCs are governed by Egyptian Companies Law No. 159 of 1981 and its amendments, which provide a clear and structured framework for business operations.
Shareholders’ liability is limited to the value of their share contributions. Their personal assets are generally protected from the company’s debts and obligations.
An LLC can be managed by one or more managers, who may also be shareholders. This flexible structure allows for straightforward decision-making and day-to-day management.
There is currently no minimum capital requirement for establishing an LLC in Egypt.
An LLC in Egypt can be fully owned by foreign nationals or entities, making it a popular structure for international investors who wish to register a company in Egypt.
LLCs are subject to corporate tax in Egypt. Shareholders may also be taxed on dividends distributed by the company, in accordance with applicable tax laws.
Forming an LLC requires the submission of key documents, including the company’s Articles of Association, any shareholder agreements, and proof of identity for all shareholders.
To register a company in Egypt as an LLC, the required documents must be filed with the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), and any necessary licenses and permits must be obtained to operate legally in Egypt.
A Joint Stock Company requires at least three shareholders, who may be individuals or legal entities. There is no upper limit on the number of shareholders.
JSCs are also governed by Egyptian Companies Law No. 159 of 1981 and its amendments, ensuring a regulated environment for larger and more complex business structures.
Shareholders are liable only up to the amount of their share contributions, which protects them from personal liability for the company’s debts.
A JSC must have a board of directors responsible for managing the company. Directors may be shareholders and are elected by the shareholders’ general assembly.
A JSC is subject to a minimum capital requirement of EGP 250,000.
JSCs can be fully owned by foreign nationals or entities, supporting international participation and investment in the Egyptian market when you choose to register a company in Egypt.
JSCs are subject to corporate tax in Egypt. Dividends distributed to shareholders may also be taxed, in line with prevailing tax regulations.
Establishing a JSC requires submitting the company’s Articles of Association, shareholder agreements, proof of identity for shareholders, and a certificate evidencing the initial capital deposit.
To register a company in Egypt as a JSC, the incorporation documents must be filed with the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), followed by obtaining all required licenses and permits and complying with the relevant regulatory requirements to operate lawfully.
A sole proprietorship is owned and operated by a single individual or entity, who has full control over all business decisions and operations.
Sole proprietorships in Egypt are governed by the Egyptian Commercial Code, which sets out the legal framework for their establishment and operation.
The owner has unlimited personal liability for all debts and obligations of the business. This means personal assets may be used to satisfy business liabilities.
The sole proprietor manages the business directly. There is no requirement for a board of directors or any formal governance structure.
There are no minimum capital requirements for establishing a sole proprietorship in Egypt.
A sole proprietorship in Egypt can be owned by a foreign national, subject to compliance with applicable local regulations.
Setting up a sole proprietorship requires providing proof of identity, registering a business name, and obtaining any sector-specific licenses or permits needed for the intended business activity.
To register a company in Egypt as a sole proprietorship, the required documents are filed with the relevant local authorities, such as the commercial registry and tax authorities, to ensure the business is legally recognized and authorized to operate.
Step 1:Prepare the Required Documents Gather all essential documentation, including copies of shareholders’ passports or national IDs, proof of address, and a proposed company name.
Step 2:Draft and Sign Legal Agreements Work with our attorneys to prepare the company’s Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association. These documents define the company’s structure, objectives, and operating rules. Once finalized, they must be signed by all shareholders to move forward with registering your company in Egypt.
Step 3:Submit the Application to GAFI Submit the company registration application to the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI). Our specialists handle the filing and follow-up with GAFI to support a smooth and efficient review. GAFI will examine the application and issue approval once all legal and regulatory requirements are satisfied.
Step 4:Obtain the Necessary Licenses After GAFI approval, obtain any industry-specific business licenses required for your activities. Securing these licenses is the final step to fully register a company in Egypt and begin operating legally in the market.
To register a company in Egypt, you generally need the following:
Yes, a foreigner can register a company in Egypt. Foreign investors are usually required to provide a valid passport, visa, and proof of residence in Egypt. Depending on the legal form and type of activity, additional conditions may apply, but foreign ownership is allowed for many common company structures.
For most company types, including LLCs and JSCs, the central authority for registration is the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI). Your incorporation documents are filed with GAFI, and the authority oversees approvals and the issuance of licenses needed to operate legally in Egypt.
Egypt is a strategic hub linking Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, with the Suez Canal providing a vital route for global trade. By registering a company in Egypt, investors gain access to a large local market and wider regional customers, benefit from relatively competitive operating costs, and can take advantage of government reforms and investment incentives aimed at attracting foreign capital and supporting private-sector growth.
When you register a company in Egypt, you can choose from several legal forms, including:
The best option depends on your investment size, liability preferences, and long-term business goals.
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is one of the most popular structures for foreign investors registering a company in Egypt. It offers limited liability, flexible management, no minimum capital requirement, and can be fully owned by foreign nationals or entities, making it attractive for a wide range of businesses.
A Joint Stock Company (JSC) in Egypt is subject to a minimum capital requirement of EGP 250,000. This structure is typically used for larger or more complex projects where share capital is divided into tradable shares.
The time needed to register a company in Egypt usually ranges from several days to a few weeks, assuming all documents are complete and correctly prepared. Additional time may be required if your business activity needs special approvals or industry-specific licenses.
The core steps to register a company in Egypt typically include:
To register a company in Egypt, you typically need:
Yes, in many cases foreigners can have full ownership of a company in Egypt, particularly when forming structures such as LLCs or JSCs. However, certain regulated or strategic sectors may have specific restrictions or require a local partner, so it is important to confirm the rules for your industry before you register a company in Egypt.
Yes, a sole proprietorship in Egypt can be owned by a foreign national, provided that the owner complies with applicable local regulations. This includes meeting any residency, licensing, or sector-specific requirements that may apply to the intended business activity.
When you register a company in Egypt, you should expect registration fees payable to GAFI, notarization fees for the Articles of Association, and any governmental charges for licenses and permits. After incorporation, companies are generally subject to corporate income tax and may also be liable for VAT, payroll taxes, and other ongoing obligations depending on their activities.
Yes. For common company structures such as LLCs and JSCs, profits are subject to corporate tax, and dividends distributed to shareholders may also be taxed in accordance with Egyptian tax law. The exact treatment depends on the applicable tax regulations at the time of distribution.
Yes, Egypt offers a range of incentives to encourage foreign investors who register a company in Egypt. These can include tax reductions or exemptions in certain zones, customs incentives, and special benefits available in free zones or investment zones. The exact incentives depend on the project’s location, sector, and size of investment.
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