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Free Zone Company
Registration
in Egypt

Free Zone Company Registration in Egypt with Andersen Egypt is handled end-to-end, helping you start your business in Egypt’s free zones with confidence, from choosing the most suitable zone and preparing all documentation, to securing approvals and obtaining your final license.

Freezone Company Registration in Egypt

Free Zone Company Registration Under Egyptian Law

In Egypt, free zones are legally defined areas governed by special provisions under the Investment Law No. 72 of 2017 and its Executive Regulations, where companies can register and operate under preferential customs, tax, and regulatory regimes. These zones are administered by the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) and are intended to attract foreign and domestic investment, boost exports, support industrial and commercial activities, and enhance Egypt’s role in global trade.

Under the free zone company registration framework, businesses benefit from a tailored legal environment that promotes competitive international trade and investment
Freezone Company Registration in Egypt​

Types of Free Zones in Egypt

Freezone Types - Andersen Egypt
Type Description Key features
Public free zones icon
Public free zones Shared infrastructure managed by the zone authority.
Operated under government control with established infrastructure and utilities, designed to host multiple projects in one managed area.
  • Pre-developed facilities and utilities
  • Often located near key ports and logistics hubs
  • Examples include Alexandria, Port Said, and Nasr City
Private free zones icon
Private free zones Project-based zones proposed for a specific investment.
Developed and managed around a specific project or site, typically offering more tailored layouts and operational setup, subject to approvals.
  • Custom site and project configuration (approval-based)
  • Can suit specialized industrial or logistics projects
  • Greater flexibility in planning and infrastructure design

Advantages and Incentives for Free Zone Company Registration in Egypt​

Service Cards
Customs Icon

Customs & Tax Exemptions

Capital assets, raw materials, imports/exports to foreign markets are exempt from customs duties and VAT while active in the free zone.

Tax Holiday Icon

Tax Holiday or Privileges

Depending on the project and zone, profits may be exempted from regular corporate tax for a period or treated under special rules.

Simplified Admin Icon

Simplified Administrative Dealings

A single free zone authority is your interface for many approvals and modifications.

Legal Protection Icon

Projects in free zones may be protected from nationalization or expropriation without due process.

Ease of Trade Icon

Ease of Trade

Goods entering or leaving the free zone to foreign markets are exempt from Egyptian customs procedures.

Required Documents for Freezone Company Registration in Egypt

Required Documents – Freezone Company Registration in Egypt
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Steps to Register a Free Zone Company

Steps – Freezone Company Registration
  1. Preliminary Consultation & Zone Selection

    Assess your business model, industry, and logistics to determine whether a public or private free zone is most suitable. This initial assessment is a key starting point for free zone company registration in Egypt.

  2. Feasibility & Project Planning

    Prepare your business plan, production layout, timeline, and technical description (if applicable).

  3. Submit Initial Application / Project Notice

    Submit to the relevant free zone authority or GAFI, with basic shareholder documents and identity papers.

  4. Review & Approvals

    Technical review of project plans, authority checks, and security clearance if foreign investors are involved.

  5. Enter into Lease / Land Allocation / Usufruct Contract

    Secure your space in the zone and pay the required area fees or rents.

  6. Draft and notarize governance documents, appoint managers, and issue powers of attorney as needed.

  7. Obtain Activity License & Free Zone Operation Permit

    The zone authority issues the license to operate under free zone status.

  8. Customs & Import-Export Registration

    Register movement of goods in and out of the zone with customs and complete required documentation.

  9. Ongoing Compliance & Reporting

    Maintain records, comply with reporting obligations, and manage renewals where applicable. Proper compliance ensures that free zone company registration in Egypt remains valid throughout the life of the business.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Free Zone Company Registration – FAQ

What is a free zone company in Egypt?

A free zone company is a business registered to operate inside a designated free zone under a special investment framework, with a separate customs and regulatory environment for eligible activities.

What is the difference between a public free zone and a private free zone?

Public free zones host multiple projects in a managed area, while private free zones are established for a specific project at a dedicated site, subject to approvals.

Who supervises and regulates free zones in Egypt?

Free zones are supervised by the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), with customs supervision operating inside each zone.

Yes. Once incorporated and licensed, a free zone company is a separate legal entity with independent governance and compliance obligations.

What are the main advantages of free zone companies?

  • Special customs treatment for import and export flows
  • Centralized oversight through the free zone authority
  • Operational flexibility for approved activities
  • Ability to transact in foreign currency, subject to banking rules

Do free zone companies pay corporate income tax?

Tax treatment depends on the activity and fee structure applied by the zone. This is commonly assessed during Free Zone Company Registration in Egypt.

What activities are permitted in free zones?

Export-oriented manufacturing, logistics, storage, assembly, and certain services may be permitted, subject to licensing conditions.

Are any activities restricted?

Yes. Certain sectors may be restricted due to regulatory or security considerations and should be confirmed before applying.

What documents are required?

Preparing accurate documentation is a core element of free zone company registration in Egypt and helps avoid approval delays.

  • Project application and activity description
  • Shareholder IDs or passports and powers of attorney
  • Site documents such as lease or usufruct agreements
  • Draft incorporation and management documents

Do foreign documents require legalization?

Yes, foreign-issued documents usually require authentication depending on the country of origin.

What happens after initial approval?

After approval, free zone company registration in Egypt continues with incorporation filings, licensing, and customs onboarding.

Are there ongoing compliance requirements?

Yes. Companies must maintain records, comply with reporting obligations, and renew licenses as required.

Can free zone companies open bank accounts?

Yes. Free zone companies may open local and foreign currency bank accounts, subject to KYC requirements.

What should I prepare before speaking to an advisor?

To streamline free zone company Registration in Egypt, prepare an activity summary, shareholder details, expected trade flows, and preferred location.

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