Egypt
Citizenship by Investment
Egyptian Citizenship by Investment
Professional Consulting from NTL
Program Highlights
- Minimum Investment: USD 250,000 (non-refundable donation) or USD 300,000 (real estate)
- E-2 Treaty Country: Egyptian citizens can apply for the U.S. E-2 investor visa after 3 years of residency
- Family Inclusion: Spouse (receives citizenship 2 years after the main applicant) and children under 21
- No Residency Requirement: No minimum residency before or after citizenship grant
- Dual Citizenship: Allowed without renouncing current nationality
- Processing Time: 6 to 12 months from complete submission
- Program Since: Established in 2019, officially launched in March 2020
About Egypt
Egypt, officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a transcontinental country located in northeastern Africa and southwestern Asia. With a population exceeding 110 million, Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world and the third most populous in Africa. The country holds significant strategic importance due to its control of the Suez Canal, one of the world's most vital maritime trade routes connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.
Location
Northeast Africa and Sinai Peninsula (Asia), bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Libya, Sudan, Israel, and Gaza Strip
Area
1,002,000 square kilometers (387,000 square miles)
Population
Approximately 110 million
Capital
Cairo
Official Language
Arabic (English widely used in business)
Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Government
Presidential Republic
Economy
Diverse: Suez Canal revenues, tourism, agriculture, energy, manufacturing
Legal Framework
Governing Legislation
Law No. 190 of 2019
This law, issued by the Egyptian Parliament in 2019, amended the existing Egyptian Nationality Law (Law No. 26 of 1975) to establish the legal framework for granting Egyptian citizenship to foreign investors. It provides the legal authority for the Citizenship by Investment program.
Prime Ministerial Decree No. 876 of 2023
Issued in 2023, this decree amended the investment thresholds and program requirements, setting the current minimum for real estate investment at USD 300,000.
Investment Law No. 72 of 2017
This law regulates procedures for establishing and participating in commercial projects in Egypt, providing the legal framework for business investments under the citizenship program.
Citizenship by Investment Unit
The program is administered by a specialized Citizenship by Investment Unit operating under the Prime Minister's Office, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General Authority for Investment (GAFI), and the Central Bank of Egypt.
Program History
The Egyptian Citizenship by Investment program was officially launched on March 14, 2020, when the government published the provisions of Law No. 190 of 2019. Since launch, the program has received over 1,000 applications from international investors.
Investment Options
The Egyptian Citizenship by Investment program offers four qualifying investment routes under Law No. 190 of 2019 and subsequent amendments:
Mandatory Government Fees
In addition to the selected investment amount, all applicants must pay mandatory government application fees:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Government Application Fee | USD 10,000 | Non-refundable, paid prior to submission |
| Payment Source | - | Must be transferred from a foreign bank account (Egyptian account transfers not accepted) |
| Professional Consulting Fees | Variable | Legal services, due diligence, document preparation, and application support |
The total program cost includes: (1) selected investment amount (donation, real estate, business, or deposit), (2) mandatory USD 10,000 government fee, (3) professional and consulting fees, (4) additional costs such as medical examinations, document certification, notarization, and translations.
Eligibility Requirements
Main Applicant Criteria
| Requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Age | Minimum 18 years |
| Health | Good health, no contagious diseases (medical certificate required) |
| Character | Good conduct with clean criminal record |
| Financial Capacity | Sufficient lawful funds to complete qualifying investment |
| Source of Funds | Lawful and verifiable source for investment funds |
| Nationality | Open to all nationalities (no officially announced exclusion list currently) |
Eligible Dependents
Legally married spouse of the main applicant. Under Egyptian law (following Sharia principles), male applicants may include up to 4 legal wives. Spouse receives citizenship 2 years after the main applicant.
Unmarried biological or legally adopted children under 21. Children receive citizenship simultaneously with the main applicant. Children born after approval automatically acquire citizenship upon document submission within 6 months.
- Parents: Not eligible for inclusion
- Adult Children (21+): Not eligible unless separate application
- Siblings: Not eligible for inclusion
- Extended Family: Not eligible under the program
Character and Background Requirements
- Clean criminal record from country of citizenship
- Clean criminal record from country of residence (if different)
- Clean criminal records from any country resided in
- No security concerns or threats to public order
- Good moral conduct and reputation
Program Benefits
Citizenship Benefits
Allowed without renouncing current nationality (subject to home country laws).
Spouse and children under 21 eligible in one application.
Citizenship passes to future generations born after grant.
No minimum residency requirement before or after citizenship.
Gateway to African, Arab, and Asian markets with cross-continental business opportunities.
Right to establish and operate businesses throughout Egypt with full ownership rights.
Access to Egyptian education system and national healthcare services.
Applications typically processed within 6 to 12 months from complete submission.
U.S. E-2 Investor Visa
Egypt signed an E-2 treaty with the United States on June 27, 1992. Egyptian citizens can apply for the U.S. E-2 investor visa, allowing investment and work in the United States.
E-2 Visa Overview:
- Residency Requirement: Egyptian citizens must prove 3 years of residency in Egypt before E-2 eligibility
- Investment: Substantial investment in a U.S. business (typically minimum USD 100,000, varies by business type and consulate)
- Validity: Initial validity 2 to 5 years depending on reciprocity schedule
- Renewability: Indefinitely renewable in 5-year increments as long as business operates
- Family: Spouse can obtain U.S. work authorization; unmarried children under 21 can accompany
- Visa Type: Non-immigrant (does not directly lead to permanent residency)
- Application: Submitted at U.S. embassy/consulate after business establishment
Note: E-2 visa decisions are made by the U.S. Department of State. Approval depends on business viability, investment sufficiency, and applicant qualifications. Egyptian citizenship provides eligibility but does not guarantee E-2 approval.
Global Mobility
Egyptian passport holders enjoy visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or e-visa access to over 50 countries worldwide, including:
- Middle East: Jordan, Lebanon, Sudan, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain
- Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros, Cape Verde
- Asia: Hong Kong (90 days), Malaysia (90 days), Maldives (30 days), Indonesia (30 days), Philippines (30 days), Thailand (visa on arrival)
- Caribbean: Haiti, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Europe: Limited visa-free access; Schengen visas typically required but may be available with 5-year multiple-entry validity
Note: Visa-free access policies are subject to change by destination countries. Applicants should verify current visa requirements before travel.
Regional Economic Access
Access to Arab League markets and regional trade agreements.
Participation in African Continental Free Trade Area and regional economic cooperation.
Strategic location connecting Middle East, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa markets.
Economic advantages from one of the world's most strategic maritime trade routes.
Application Process
While direct applications are theoretically possible, the complexity of Egyptian administrative procedures, Arabic language requirements, and coordination across multiple government agencies strongly favors professional legal representation. NTL provides comprehensive application support with a licensed Egyptian legal counsel.
Process Timeline
Initial Consultation and Eligibility Assessment
Comprehensive review of eligibility, investment route selection, family composition analysis, and cost estimation.
Document Preparation and Collection
Collection of identity documents, criminal record certificates from all relevant jurisdictions, source of funds documents, medical certificates, and supporting documents for all applicants and dependents.
Document Authentication and Translation
All documents must be authenticated or apostilled and officially translated into Arabic by certified translators.
Payment of Government Application Fee
Transfer of USD 10,000 government fee from a foreign bank account to the designated government account.
Application Submission
Submission of complete application package to the Citizenship by Investment Unit at the General Authority for Investment (GAFI) or through an authorized representative.
Due Diligence and Security Clearance
Government conducts comprehensive background checks, criminal record verification, source of funds review, and security clearance. This stage may take up to 90 days.
Principle Approval
Upon successful due diligence, the Citizenship by Investment Unit issues a principle approval letter confirming government grant of citizenship subject to investment completion.
Temporary Residence Permit
Upon principle approval, applicant receives a 6-month temporary residence permit allowing entry to Egypt to complete investment and additional requirements.
Investment Execution
Completion of selected investment route: donation transfer, real estate purchase, business investment, or bank deposit. Submission of proof of investment completion to authorities.
Prime Minister Final Approval
After investment completion, application submitted for final approval by the Prime Minister and issuance of citizenship decree.
Naturalization Certificate
Prime Minister issues naturalization certificate confirming citizenship grant. Certificate signed by the Egyptian Prime Minister.
Egyptian Passport Application
Apply for Egyptian passport after naturalization certificate issuance. Passport obtainable in Egypt or at Egyptian diplomatic missions worldwide.
Applications typically processed within 6 to 12 months from complete submission. Actual timelines vary based on application complexity, document completeness, due diligence requirements, and current processing volumes at the Citizenship by Investment Unit.
Required Documents
Identity Documents
- Valid passport (certified copy of all pages)
- Birth certificate for all applicants
- National ID card (if applicable)
- Four passport-sized photos (recent, white background)
Civil Status Documents
- Marriage certificate (for spouse inclusion)
- Divorce decree or death certificate (if previously married)
- Birth certificates for all dependent children
- Adoption certificates (if applicable)
Criminal Record Certificates
- Criminal record certificate from country of citizenship
- Criminal record certificate from country of residence (if different)
- Criminal record certificates from any country resided in the past five years
- All certificates must be recent (typically within 6 months of submission)
- Certificates must be authenticated or apostilled
Financial Documents
- Bank statements showing source of investment funds
- Source of wealth documents (employment records, business ownership, inheritance, asset sales, etc.)
- Bank reference letters
- Proof of net worth
- Tax returns or tax clearance certificates
- Business registration documents (if business owner)
- Asset ownership documents
Medical Certificates
- Comprehensive medical report from licensed physician
- Confirmation of no contagious diseases
- Medical examination must be completed on the specified form
Investment Documents
- Donation Route: Bank transfer confirmation and receipt
- Real Estate Route: Sale and purchase agreement, proof of USD payment, property valuation, title deed, building permit verification
- Business Route: Business plan, financial projections, company registration documents, proof of capital transfer, ownership documents
- Deposit Route: Bank deposit certificate, deposit confirmation from Central Bank of Egypt or approved bank
Document Authentication: All documents must be authenticated or apostilled by the competent authority in the issuing country. Documents in languages other than Arabic or English must be officially translated by certified translators and authenticated.
Post-Approval Considerations
Investment Holding Periods
- Donation: Non-refundable with no holding period
- Real Estate: Mandatory 5-year holding period. Property can be sold after 5 years. Early sale requires USD 250,000 donation to retain citizenship.
- Business: 5-year holding with minimum 40% ownership and operational requirement. Bankruptcy before 5 years requires USD 250,000 donation to retain citizenship.
- Bank Deposit: 3-year holding period. Early withdrawal incurs 20% penalty and may require USD 250,000 donation to retain citizenship.
Taxation
Territorial Tax System: Egyptian citizens who are not tax residents in Egypt are taxed only on Egypt-sourced income. Tax residency is determined by physical presence and domicile, not citizenship status.
Tax Residency Requirements: Tax residency generally requires physical presence in Egypt or establishing domicile. Citizenship alone does not create tax residency.
Double Taxation Treaties: Egypt maintains double taxation treaties with over 80 countries, providing relief from double taxation on income.
Gift and Inheritance Tax: Egyptian citizenship subjects worldwide assets to Egyptian gift and inheritance tax provisions. Professional tax advice is recommended.
Maintaining Dual Citizenship
Egyptian law allows dual citizenship. However, Egyptian citizens acquiring foreign nationality must comply with specific requirements:
- Under Article 10 of Law No. 26 of 1975, Egyptian citizens must obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Interior before acquiring a foreign passport
- Citizens acquiring a second nationality must apply to retain the Egyptian passport within 12 months
- Non-compliance may result in automatic loss of Egyptian citizenship
Note: Participants in the Citizenship by Investment program should consult legal advisors regarding dual citizenship compliance requirements.
Spouse Citizenship Timeline
Under Egyptian nationality law, spouses of Citizenship by Investment participants receive citizenship 2 years after the main applicant's grant. This 2-year waiting period is mandatory under current program regulations.
Program Changes
The Egyptian Citizenship by Investment program operates under Law No. 190 of 2019 and implementing regulations, both subject to amendment. Investment thresholds, fees, procedures, and program conditions may change by government decision.
Recent Program Amendments:
- March 2023: Reduced real estate minimum from USD 500,000 to USD 300,000
- October 2024: Permitted joint real estate investments, introduced private developer purchase requirements, mandatory building permit verification
NTL: Professional Consulting Services
NTL provides comprehensive professional consulting services for the Egyptian Citizenship by Investment program with licensed Egyptian legal counsel and extensive program expertise.
Our Consulting Services
Eligibility and Suitability Assessment
Comprehensive review of applicant eligibility, family composition, investment route suitability, and program objectives.
Investment Route Analysis
Detailed comparison of donation, real estate, business, and deposit routes considering family size, liquidity preferences, holding period commitments, and currency risks.
Document Preparation and Review
Complete document collection, verification, Arabic translation, authentication/apostille coordination, and application form preparation.
Source of Funds Documentation
Guidance on preparing comprehensive source of wealth and source of funds documentation to meet government due diligence requirements.
Application Submission
Submission of complete application package to the Citizenship by Investment Unit through licensed legal representation.
Government Liaison and Case Management
Ongoing communication with the Citizenship by Investment Unit, response to information requests, status updates, and case monitoring throughout processing.
Investment Execution Support
Coordination of investment completion post-principle approval, including real estate transactions, bank account opening, business registration, or deposit placement.
Naturalization Certificate and Passport Acquisition
Coordination of naturalization certificate issuance and Egyptian passport application processing.
Compliance Standards
NTL operates in full alignment with Egyptian program requirements and international best practices:
Partnership with licensed Egyptian legal practitioners experienced in nationality and immigration law.
Comprehensive client verification and source of funds review prior to application submission.
All services provided in accordance with Law No. 190 of 2019 and implementing regulations.
Adherence to international standards for citizenship and residency consulting services.
Request Your Eligibility Assessment
Contact NTL for a confidential consultation on the Egyptian Citizenship by Investment program. Our licensed consultants will assess your eligibility, explain investment options, and clarify the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum investment is USD 250,000 through a non-refundable donation to the Egyptian state treasury, or USD 300,000 for real estate investment with a 5-year holding period.
Applications are typically processed within 6 to 12 months from complete submission. Actual timelines vary based on application complexity, due diligence requirements, and current processing volumes.
Yes. Egypt allows dual citizenship. Applicants are not required to renounce their current nationality. However, Egyptian citizens acquiring foreign nationality must comply with notification requirements under Egyptian law.
Yes. Egypt is an E-2 treaty country. Egyptian citizens can apply for the U.S. E-2 investor visa after 3 years of residency in Egypt. The E-2 visa allows investment and work in the United States.
No. There is no minimum residency requirement before or after citizenship grant. However, applicants receive a 6-month temporary residence permit after principle approval to complete investment and additional requirements in Egypt.
Eligible dependents include the legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21. Spouse receives citizenship 2 years after the main applicant. Parents, adult children over 21, and siblings are not eligible.
Yes. After holding the real estate investment for 5 years from citizenship grant, you can sell the property freely. Sale before the 5-year period requires a USD 250,000 non-refundable donation to retain citizenship.
The bank deposit is refunded after 3 years in Egyptian Pounds at the Central Bank of Egypt's prevailing exchange rate upon withdrawal. The Egyptian Pound has experienced significant devaluation, with investors incurring 12-15% losses due to currency devaluation in 2024 per Central Bank data. This creates substantial exchange rate risk.
No. Real estate investments in the Sinai Peninsula do not qualify for citizenship. Only properties on the Egyptian mainland are eligible.
Egyptian passport holders enjoy visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or e-visa access to over 50 countries worldwide, including Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, and many Middle Eastern and African countries.
The Egyptian Citizenship by Investment program operates under Law No. 190 of 2019, Prime Ministerial Decree No. 876 of 2023, and implementing regulations, all subject to amendment. Program requirements, investment thresholds, fees, and procedures may change by government decision.
Applications are reviewed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit under the Prime Minister's Office. Final citizenship decisions are made by the Egyptian Prime Minister. NTL provides professional consulting services to support compliant applications but does not guarantee approval, processing timelines, or investment outcomes.
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