How to start a business in Egypt as a foreigner (2026)

Investment Law No. 72/2017 allows up to 100% foreign ownership of LLCs and JSCs in most sectors with no Egyptian-partner requirement; carve-outs cap foreign shareholding at 49% for import-for-trade companies and require majority-Egyptian ownership for commercial agencies, media/press and certain strategic/security-related activities.

LLCs have no statutory minimum capital under the Companies Law (issued capital must be paid in full on incorporation, so a nominal amount such as EGP 1,000 is typical). Non-listed JSCs require at least EGP 250,000 (10% paid on incorporation, 25% within three months, balance within five years); listed JSCs require EGP 500,000.

Digital Egypt Investment Licensing Platform: (1) register on the portal; (2) reserve a non-confusion name and select activity; (3) upload founder IDs/passports, articles of association and lease of registered address; (4) pay fees electronically; (5) e-sign the memorandum; (6) receive commercial registration, tax card, VAT and social-security registration, with GAFI handling Bar Association endorsement, FRA approval (where relevant) and Chamber of Commerce membership on the investor's behalf.

Name approval typically 1–2 business days; once a complete file is submitted through GAFI's one-stop shop, incorporation documents (memorandum, commercial register, tax ID, VAT and social-security registrations) can be issued within about one business day, though bank-account opening, sector licences and Central Bank capital-import certification usually extend the practical timeline to several weeks.

LLCs need 2–50 partners (any nationality) and may be managed by a manager of any nationality; JSCs need at least three founders. A foreign manager must obtain security clearance plus a work and residence permit, and any foreigner applying for a work permit must show a bank certificate evidencing a USD 35,000 capital contribution to the company.

Investment Law No. 72/2017 offers general, special and additional incentives (income-tax deductions of 30–50% on investment costs in designated zones/sectors, customs relief, and Golden Licence one-stop approvals for strategic projects); public and private free zones offer full tax and customs exemptions in exchange for export orientation and annual GAFI fees.