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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Egypt Property Pack
Egypt offers several legal pathways for obtaining residency through investment, with programs ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 depending on your goals.
As of June 2025, Egypt provides both renewable residency permits and a citizenship-by-investment program, making it one of the more accessible Middle Eastern countries for foreign investors seeking long-term residence or a second passport.
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Egypt offers residency permits from $50,000 (1-year) to $200,000 (5-year) through real estate, bank deposits, or business investments, with a separate citizenship program starting at $250,000.
All programs allow family inclusion and are renewable, though citizenship requires maintaining investments for 5 years and takes 6-12 months to process.
| Investment Type | Minimum Amount | Residency Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate | $50,000 | 1 year (renewable) |
| Real Estate | $100,000 | 3 years (renewable) |
| Real Estate | $200,000 | 5 years (renewable) |
| Bank Deposit | $50,000 | 1 year (renewable) |
| Bank Deposit | $100,000 | 3 years (renewable) |
| Business Investment | $35,000 | 1 year (renewable) |
| Citizenship (Donation) | $250,000 | Permanent |
Can you legally obtain residency in Egypt through investment, and what are the official programs available?
Yes, Egypt legally offers multiple residency pathways through investment, with programs officially regulated by the Egyptian Ministry of Interior and the General Authority for Investment (GAFI).
The Egyptian government provides three main investment-based residency programs: real estate investment residency, bank deposit residency, and business investment residency. Each program offers renewable residence permits with validity periods directly tied to your investment amount.
Real estate investment is the most popular route, allowing foreign investors to obtain 1-year, 3-year, or 5-year renewable residency permits based on property purchase amounts of $50,000, $100,000, or $200,000 respectively. Bank deposit programs mirror these thresholds for 1-year and 3-year permits, requiring funds to be deposited in Egyptian state-owned banks.
Business investment offers the lowest entry point at $35,000 for establishing a company, granting a 1-year renewable residency permit. The business must align with Egypt's priority development sectors, including renewable energy, tourism, and technology.
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What are the minimum investment thresholds for each residency pathway?
| Investment Route | Minimum Investment | Residency Period |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate | $50,000 | 1 year renewable |
| Real Estate | $100,000 | 3 years renewable |
| Real Estate | $200,000 | 5 years renewable |
| Bank Deposit | $50,000 | 1 year renewable |
| Bank Deposit | $100,000 | 3 years renewable |
| Business Investment | $35,000 | 1 year renewable |
| Citizenship Donation | $250,000 | Permanent citizenship |
Is there a Golden Visa or Citizenship by Investment program in Egypt?
Egypt operates both a Golden Visa program (investment-based residency) and a separate Citizenship by Investment (CIP) program, though they serve different purposes and have distinct requirements.
The Golden Visa program provides long-term renewable residency permits but does not lead to citizenship. These permits range from 1 to 5 years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as you maintain your investment. The program offers visa-free travel within Egypt and simplified procedures for business activities.
Egypt's Citizenship by Investment program operates separately and offers four main pathways: a $250,000 non-refundable donation to the state treasury, $300,000 in government-owned real estate projects, $350,000 business investment plus $100,000 donation, or a $500,000 refundable bank deposit (held for 3 years without interest).
The citizenship program provides a second passport with visa-free travel to 65+ countries, tax incentives, and no residency or language requirements. Processing takes 6-12 months and includes a mandatory $10,000 government administrative fee.
Citizenship requires maintaining the investment for 5 years to retain the passport, while residency permits only require maintaining investments during the validity period.
What are the exact steps and documents needed to apply for Egyptian residency through investment?
The application process involves submitting investment proof and supporting documents to the Egyptian Ministry of Interior, with processing typically taking 1-3 months for residency permits.
For real estate investment residency, you must first purchase property using funds transferred from abroad, then submit the property deed, proof of payment from foreign sources, and utility bills to demonstrate actual property ownership. The property purchase must be completed before applying for residency.
Required documents include a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity, birth certificates for all applicants, marriage certificates if including a spouse, and comprehensive proof that investment funds originated from outside Egypt. Bank statements showing the fund transfer trail are mandatory.
For business investment residency, you need company registration documents, proof of the $35,000 capital injection, and a business plan demonstrating alignment with Egypt's development priorities. Bank deposit applicants must provide deposit certificates from Egyptian state-owned banks and transfer documentation.
All foreign documents require apostille certification or Egyptian consulate authentication, and Arabic translations certified by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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How long does the residency permit last and is it renewable?
Egyptian investment-based residency permits have validity periods that directly correspond to your investment amount, ranging from 1 to 5 years, and all permits are renewable indefinitely.
A $50,000 investment in real estate or bank deposits grants a 1-year renewable residency permit. The $100,000 investment level provides a 3-year renewable permit, while $200,000 real estate investments offer 5-year renewable permits. Business investments of $35,000 provide 1-year renewable permits.
Renewal requires maintaining your original investment and providing updated documentation proving the investment remains active. For real estate investors, this means retaining property ownership and showing current utility payments. Bank deposit holders must maintain their deposit balance, while business investors need to demonstrate ongoing business operations.
The renewal process typically takes 4-6 weeks and can be initiated 60 days before permit expiration. There are no limits on the number of renewals as long as investment requirements are met.
Permits can be upgraded by increasing investment amounts - for example, a 1-year permit holder can upgrade to a 5-year permit by increasing their real estate investment from $50,000 to $200,000.
Is there a path to Egyptian citizenship after acquiring residency?
Egyptian investment-based residency permits do not automatically lead to citizenship, but Egypt offers a separate fast-track Citizenship by Investment program for those seeking permanent status.
Traditional naturalization in Egypt requires 10 years of continuous residency, fluency in Arabic, and meeting various cultural integration requirements. However, the investment residency permits count toward this 10-year requirement if you maintain continuous residence.
The Citizenship by Investment program offers a much faster alternative, processing applications in 6-12 months without residency or language requirements. This program requires significantly higher investments: $250,000 donation, $300,000 in government real estate, $350,000 business investment plus $100,000 donation, or $500,000 refundable bank deposit.
Citizens must maintain their qualifying investment for 5 years to retain citizenship. Spouses receive passports after 2 years of marriage to an Egyptian citizen, while children under 21 qualify immediately. The program includes a $10,000 administrative fee and comprehensive background checks.
Most investors choose to maintain residency permits rather than pursue citizenship, as residency provides sufficient benefits for property investment and extended stays without the higher financial commitments required for citizenship.
Can you include your spouse and children in the residency application?
Yes, Egyptian investment-based residency permits allow full family inclusion, covering spouses and children under the same application and investment amount.
Spouses automatically qualify for the same residency permit duration as the main applicant, requiring only marriage certificate documentation and passport copies. Children under 21 are included without additional investment requirements, while children over 21 must apply separately or qualify as dependents if they are full-time students or have disabilities.
1. Submit marriage certificates (apostilled and translated to Arabic)2. Provide birth certificates for all children under 213. Include passport copies for all family members4. Pay processing fees for each family member (typically $100-200 per person)5. Complete medical examinations for all applicants over 18Family members receive residency permits with identical validity periods and renewal requirements as the main investor. They can work, study, and travel freely within Egypt, and permits remain valid even if family circumstances change (such as children reaching adulthood).
For the Citizenship by Investment program, spouses receive passports after demonstrating 2 years of marriage to the Egyptian citizen, while unmarried children under 21 qualify immediately. Adult children can apply separately under the investment program.
What are the requirements for getting residency by starting or investing in a business in Egypt?
Business investment residency requires a minimum $35,000 capital investment in an Egyptian company, making it the lowest-cost pathway to Egyptian residency.
The business must be registered as an Egyptian company with foreign investment status, requiring registration through the General Authority for Investment (GAFI). Your business plan must align with Egypt's priority development sectors, including renewable energy, tourism, technology, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Capital requirements include injecting the full $35,000 into the company's Egyptian bank account from foreign sources, with documentation proving the fund transfer origin. The company must maintain active operations and employment of at least one Egyptian national within the first year of operation.
Required documentation includes a comprehensive business plan, company registration documents, proof of capital injection, bank statements showing fund transfers from abroad, and GAFI approval certificates. The business must maintain active status and file regular financial reports to preserve residency eligibility.
Business investment residency grants 1-year renewable permits, with renewals requiring proof of ongoing operations, employment records, and maintained capital levels. This pathway suits entrepreneurs seeking to establish genuine business operations rather than passive investors.
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Is there a real estate investment route, and what types of properties qualify?
Real estate investment is Egypt's most popular residency pathway, accepting residential and commercial properties purchased with foreign-sourced funds anywhere within Egyptian territory.
Qualifying properties include apartments, villas, townhouses, commercial buildings, and land for development. Properties must be purchased using funds transferred from abroad, with bank documentation proving the foreign source of payment. Both new construction and resale properties qualify, with no restrictions on property age or location within Egypt.
Popular investment locations include Cairo's New Administrative Capital, Alexandria's coastal areas, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh resort zones, and emerging developments along the North Coast. Property values in these areas typically provide good rental yields while meeting residency investment requirements.
The property must be registered in the investor's name with full ownership rights, requiring completion of the property deed transfer process through Egyptian authorities. Jointly-owned properties qualify if the investor's share meets the minimum investment threshold.
Property rental income can be generated immediately without affecting residency status, and investors can sell properties after obtaining residency, though selling may affect permit renewal eligibility depending on remaining investment value.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Egypt versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
How long does the entire application process take from submission to approval?
Egyptian residency applications typically process within 1-3 months from complete document submission, while citizenship applications require 6-12 months due to more extensive background checks.
The timeline breaks down into distinct phases: document preparation and authentication (2-4 weeks), initial review by Egyptian authorities (3-4 weeks), background security checks (2-4 weeks), and final approval and permit issuance (1-2 weeks). Complete applications with properly authenticated documents process faster than those requiring additional documentation.
Real estate investment applications often process quicker (6-8 weeks) since property ownership is easily verified, while business investment applications may take longer (8-12 weeks) due to business plan review and GAFI approval requirements. Bank deposit applications typically process within 6-8 weeks once deposit documentation is complete.
Common delays include incomplete Arabic translations, missing apostille certifications, insufficient proof of fund sources, and background check complications. Using experienced legal counsel can reduce processing time by ensuring complete initial submissions.
As we reach mid-2025, processing times have improved due to digitalization initiatives, with online tracking systems allowing applicants to monitor application status throughout the review process.
What are common reasons for rejection or delays, and how can they be avoided?
The most common rejection reasons include insufficient proof of foreign fund sources, incomplete documentation, and security background issues, all of which can be avoided through proper preparation.
1. **Inadequate fund source documentation** - Provide complete bank transfer records, source of funds declarations, and foreign bank statements2. **Missing apostille certifications** - Ensure all foreign documents are properly apostilled before Arabic translation3. **Incomplete Arabic translations** - Use certified translators approved by Egyptian authorities4. **Security background concerns** - Disclose any previous legal issues and provide character references5. **Insufficient investment proof** - Provide comprehensive documentation of investment completion and fund transfersDocumentation delays often occur when applicants submit bank statements showing only the final transfer without demonstrating the original fund source. Egyptian authorities require complete paper trails showing money origination from legitimate sources outside Egypt.
Property investment rejections sometimes occur when investors use domestic financing or fail to prove foreign fund sources. All property purchases must be completed using internationally transferred funds with documented proof of the transfer process.
Working with experienced Egyptian immigration lawyers significantly reduces rejection risks by ensuring complete documentation and proper submission procedures. Legal fees typically range from $2,000-5,000 but can prevent costly delays and rejections.
It's something we develop in our Egypt property pack.
Have foreigners successfully obtained residency in Egypt through investment, and what has been their feedback?
Thousands of foreign investors have successfully obtained Egyptian residency through investment programs, with generally positive feedback regarding the straightforward process and low investment thresholds compared to other countries.
Positive feedback highlights Egypt's accessible $50,000 minimum investment requirement, significantly lower than European Golden Visa programs requiring €250,000-500,000. Investors appreciate the renewable nature of permits, family inclusion benefits, and lack of physical residency requirements to maintain permits.
Successful applicants frequently praise the ability to generate rental income from real estate investments while maintaining residency status. Many investors in resort areas like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh report rental yields of 8-12% annually, making the investment financially viable beyond residency benefits.
Common complaints include bureaucratic processing delays, complex documentation requirements, and language barriers during the application process. Some investors report frustration with inconsistent information from different government offices and recommend using legal representation throughout the process.
Recent investor surveys indicate 85% satisfaction rates with the residency program, with most complaints focusing on processing speed rather than program structure. As of June 2025, processing improvements and online systems have addressed many previous concerns about efficiency and transparency.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Egypt's investment-based residency programs offer accessible pathways for foreign investors, with clear requirements and renewable permits that provide long-term flexibility.
Whether choosing the $50,000 real estate route or the $35,000 business investment option, proper documentation and legal guidance ensure successful applications and avoid common pitfalls.
Sources
- Consortion Law Firm - Golden Visa Options in Egypt
- IMI Daily - Egypt Residence by Investment Program
- Dutch Real Estate Egypt - Egypt Residency by Investment
- Armenian Lawyer - How to Gain Residency in Egypt
- Immigrant Invest - Egypt Citizenship by Investment
- Henley Global - Egypt Citizenship Investment
- IMI Daily - Egypt Citizenship by Investment Program
- GAFI - Egyptian Citizenship Information