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Residency Permits for Foreigners in Egypt

Andersen in Egypt provides expertise, end-to-end support for obtaining a residency permit in Egypt for individuals, families, students and professionals. Whether you are planning to study, work, invest, or reunite with family members, our attorneys ensure a smooth residency process, aligning with both Egyptian regulations and your personal goals.
Residency Permit for Foreigners in Egypt

Benefits of Holding a Residency Permit in Egypt

Holding a residency permit for foreigners in مصر gives you the legal footing to live, exit, and re-enter without overstaying tourist limits, while conducting everyday life with confidence. With resident status, you can open local bank accounts, obtain a tax ID<./a>, sign long-term leases, register utilities and mobile lines, and enter contracts and notarial procedures with recognized resident documentation. You also gain access to education pathways, enrolling children in schools or pursuing university study, and you can subscribe to private health insurance and receive care at clinics and hospitals without the restrictions that often apply to short-term visitors.

If you plan to work or build a business, residency enables you to apply for a work permit, register for social insurance, incorporate or hold shares in Egyptian companies, and operate in compliance with sector-specific rules. Family life is supported as well: you may sponsor qualifying dependents (such as a spouse and children) for their own linked residency so renewals can be managed together. Residents can also rent freely and, where the law permits, purchase real estate; they can obtain a driver’s license and register vehicles. Maintaining continuous, lawful residence strengthens your position for renewals or shifting to longer-term categories as your circumstances evolve, whether tied to employment, study, or investment.
Residency Permit for Foreigners in Egypt

Types of Residency Permits in Egypt

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Residency Permit for Foreigners in Egypt

Work Residency Permit

  • The Work Residency Permit is one of the most common types of Residency Permit for Foreigners in Egypt, especially for expatriates working with local or foreign companies.
  • The employer must sponsor the applicant through the Ministry of Manpower and Immigration.
Family Reunification Residency

Family Reunification Residency Permit

  • This permit allows foreign family members of an Egyptian citizen or a foreign resident to live legally in Egypt.
  • It is a vital pathway for families to stay together under the Residency Permit for Foreigners in Egypt system.
Education Residency Permit

Education Residency Permit

  • Granted to foreign students enrolled in recognized educational institutions in Egypt.
  • Provides a dedicated type of Residency Permit for Foreigners in Egypt.
Tourism Residency Permit Icon

Tourism Residency Permit

  • For those who wish to extend their stay in Egypt beyond the initial visa period for leisure or personal reasons, a Tourism Residency Permit can be an option.
  • While it is a temporary permit, it allows for a legal longer stay.
Investor Residency Permit Icon

Investor & Property-Based Residency

  • Egypt offers a streamlined path to residency for foreign investors, particularly through real estate acquisition.
  • This program is designed to attract foreign capital and stimulate the economy.

Who Can Apply for Residency Permits in Egypt?

Residency Permit Registration in Egypt
Work Work Residency Permit
Family Family Reunification
Education Education Permit
Tourism Tourism Residency
Investor Investor & Property
Work Residency

Work Residency Permit

  1. This permit is for foreign nationals who are employed by an Egyptian company or a foreign business operating in Egypt.
  2. It is a mandatory requirement for anyone wishing to work legally in the country, and it is among the most common types of Residency Permit for Foreigners in Egypt.
  3. It applies to expatriates with a job offer from an Egyptian company or working for a foreign company's branch in Egypt.
Family Reunification

Family Reunification Residency Permit

  1. This permit is for foreign family members of Egyptian citizens or foreign nationals with a valid residency permit in Egypt.
  2. It applies to spouses, minor children, and in some cases, parents or siblings, making it an important category within the overall Residency Permit for Foreigners in Egypt framework.
Education Residency

Education Residency Permit

  1. This residency permit is for foreign students enrolled in recognized Egyptian educational institutions such as universities or schools.
Tourism Residency

Tourism Residency Permit

  1. This permit is for foreign visitors wishing to extend their stay in Egypt beyond the initial visa period for leisure or other non-work/non-study purposes.
Investor Residency

Investor & Property-Based Residency

  1. This residency option is for individuals who wish to obtain a residency permit through significant financial investment in Egypt, such as purchasing real estate or starting a business.
  2. It is designed to attract foreign capital and stimulate the economy.

Resident Visa Requirements

Residency Permit Requirements — Egypt

Work Residency Permit

For foreign nationals employed by an Egyptian company or a foreign branch operating in Egypt.

Eligibility & Documents

  • Signed job offer/contract from an employer registered in Egypt.
  • Employer sponsorship and initial work visa application.
  • Valid passport & recent passport photos.
  • Police clearance certificate (as required).
  • Medical exam at a government-approved lab.

Validity & Notes

Initial Permit~6 months
RenewalAnnually
Work RightsPermitted with valid permit

Tip: Keep copies of stamped pages and receipts.

Main Steps

  1. Employer submits initial work visa request.
  2. Enter Egypt on the issued work visa.
  3. Complete medical tests at an approved facility.
  4. Submit full Work Permit application.
  5. Collect residency card once approved.

Family Reunification Residency

For spouses, children, and sometimes parents of Egyptian citizens or valid residents.

Eligibility & Documents

  • Legalized marriage or birth certificate.
  • Sponsorship/invitation letter from the Egyptian family member.
  • Valid passports & photos for dependents.
  • Proof of sponsor’s valid residency or citizenship.

Validity & Notes

Permit LengthUsually 5-years, renewable
Work RightsNot automatically granted

Main Steps

  1. Prepare legalized & translated documents.
  2. Obtain sponsor letter & proof of status.
  3. Submit application at immigration office.
  4. Collect residency card and renew as required.

Education Residency Permit

For foreign students enrolled in recognized Egyptian institutions.

Eligibility & Documents

  • Enrollment letter from a recognized institution.
  • Valid passport & recent photos.
  • Proof of accommodation and financial means.

Validity & Notes

Permit Length1 year, renewable
Work RightsNot granted unless authorized

Main Steps

  1. Secure admission & obtain enrollment confirmation.
  2. Assemble documentation (passport, photos, proof).
  3. Apply at immigration office.
  4. Renew annually while enrolled.

Tourism Residency

For visitors extending their stay beyond the initial visa period.

Eligibility & Documents

  • Valid passport for extended stay.
  • Entry visa/arrival visa documentation.
  • Proof of accommodation and onward/return plans.

Validity & Notes

Initial Stay~30 days (varies)
ExtensionUp to ~6 months
Work RightsNot permitted

Main Steps

  1. Enter on a tourist visa.
  2. Prepare required documents.
  3. Apply for extension at immigration office.
  4. Collect updated permission.

Investor & Property-Based Residency

Residency tied to property purchase or business investment.

Eligibility & Documents

  • Proof of qualifying property purchase or business investment.
  • Payment proofs and official contracts.
  • Valid passport & photos.

Validity & Notes

≥ $50,0001-year renewable permit
≥ $100,0003-year renewable permit
≥ $200,0005-year renewable permit

Main Steps

  1. Complete qualifying investment.
  2. Gather official proofs (contracts, transfers).
  3. Submit residency application.
  4. Collect residency card & renew as per tier.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Residency Permit FAQ

What is the difference between a visa and a residency permit?

A visa allows you to enter and stay in Egypt for a short period. A residency permit for foreigners in Egypt is a longer-term document that grants you the right to legally live in Egypt for an extended period, often required for work, study, or family reunification. Many foreigners begin with a temporary resident visa before applying for a longer-term residency permit.

How long can I stay in Egypt with a residency permit?

The duration of a residency permit varies. Work permits are usually valid for one year, while property or investor permits can last for one, three, or five years, making them valuable types of residency permit for foreigners in Egypt. A temporary resident card can sometimes be issued first, depending on your case.

Can I work in Egypt with a residency permit?

Not all permits grant the right to work. The work residency permit is designed for employment, while others such as tourism or education generally do not allow work unless you apply separately. This distinction is important when choosing the right residency permit for foreigners in Egypt or moving from a temporary resident visa to a work permit.

How do I get a work residency permit?

The process is two stages: your employer applies for a visa, and upon arrival, you complete a medical test and file your permit application.

What documents are required for a work permit application?

Common documents include your passport, certified qualifications, a work contract, and medical clearance. In some cases, a temporary resident card may be needed while your work permit is processed.

Does a student permit allow me to work?

No, an education residency permit does not allow work. Students must apply for a separate work permit.

Can I switch from an education residency permit to a work residency permit?

Yes, but you must secure a job offer and have your employer sponsor you for a work residency permit. A student permit or temporary resident visa does not automatically allow work.

Do I need to renew my work residency permit every year?

Yes, most work residency permits are issued for one year and must be renewed annually with updated documents and medical tests.

Can my spouse and children join me under my work residency permit?

Yes, you can sponsor dependents under family reunification once your work residency permit is approved.

What are the requirements for family reunification?

You need legalized documents like marriage or birth certificates, plus a sponsorship letter. This pathway is one of the most important under the broader system of residency permit for foreigners in Egypt.

Can I extend a tourist visa?

Yes, typically up to three months by applying at the immigration office during your first month.

How long does a family reunification residency permit last?

Family permits are usually issued for 5 years but can be renewed as long as the family relationship remains valid. Sometimes a temporary resident card is issued first before the full permit.

Can family members work with a family residency permit?

No, a family residency permit does not automatically grant work rights. Family members must apply for a separate work permit if they wish to work.

Can I extend my tourism residency beyond six months?

Generally, no. Tourism residency permits are temporary and cannot usually exceed six months. Long-term residence requires applying under another permit type, often starting with a temporary resident visa.

How much do I need to invest to get a residency permit?

The length of your permit depends on your real estate investment: $50,000 for one year, $100,000 for three years, or $200,000 for five years. Each qualifies as a residency permit for foreigners in Egypt.

What types of investments qualify for investor residency?

Real estate purchases, establishing a company, or making a significant financial investment in Egypt are common qualifying options.

Can I sell my property after getting investor residency?

You must maintain the qualifying investment (such as property ownership) to keep your residency valid. Selling without reinvestment could risk losing your permit.

Do investor residency holders get work rights automatically?

Yes, investor & property-based residency generally includes work rights, unlike family or education permits.

Can my family join me under my investor residency?

Yes, investor residency holders can sponsor their spouse and children under the family reunification residency pathway. In many cases, dependents will first receive a temporary resident card before a full renewal is granted.

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