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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Egypt Property Pack
Egypt offers several pathways for retirees seeking long-term residency, though it doesn't have a traditional "retirement visa" like some countries. Instead, retirees can obtain renewable residency permits through investment options or proof of steady income.
The Egyptian government has created investment-based residency programs that allow foreigners to secure 1 to 5-year renewable permits by purchasing real estate starting at $50,000 or making bank deposits. These programs are particularly attractive for retirees looking to relocate to a country with low living costs and favorable exchange rates for foreign pensioners.
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Egypt provides investment-based residency options for retirees starting at $50,000 for real estate purchases or bank deposits. The country also offers a Citizenship by Investment program for those willing to invest $250,000 or more.
Most retirees find success with the real estate investment route, which provides renewable residency permits and the ability to include family members in their applications.
| Investment Type | Minimum Amount | Residency Duration | Family Inclusion | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate | $50,000 | 1 year | Yes | Renewable |
| Real Estate | $100,000 | 3 years | Yes | Renewable |
| Real Estate | $200,000 | 5 years | Yes | Renewable |
| Bank Deposit | $50,000 | 1 year | Yes | Renewable |
| Bank Deposit | $100,000 | 3 years | Yes | Renewable |
| Business Investment | $400,000 | 5 years | Yes | Renewable |
| Citizenship Investment | $250,000 | Permanent | Yes | Not required |
What are the current retirement visa options available in Egypt?
Egypt does not offer a specific "retirement visa" category like countries such as Malaysia or Portugal.
Instead, Egypt provides renewable residency permits for retirees through two main pathways: investment-based residency and income-based residency. The investment route requires purchasing real estate worth at least $50,000 or making bank deposits starting at the same amount.
The income-based option allows retirees to apply for renewable residency by demonstrating steady pension income or sufficient savings to support themselves without working in Egypt. This option is more flexible but requires annual renewal and proof of continued financial stability.
Most foreign retirees choose the real estate investment path because it provides longer-term security and the opportunity to own property in popular areas like Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh.
As of June 2025, these residency permits remain the primary legal pathway for retirees seeking long-term residence in Egypt.
What are the exact age and income requirements to qualify for a retirement visa in Egypt?
Egypt imposes no minimum age requirements for its retirement residency programs.
For income-based residency, you must demonstrate a stable monthly income of approximately $1,000 to $1,500, though this amount is not officially codified in Egyptian law. The Egyptian authorities typically accept pension statements, social security payments, or investment income as proof of financial stability.
Bank statements showing consistent deposits over the past 6 to 12 months are usually required, along with documentation proving the source of income. Some Egyptian consulates request evidence of $24,000 to $36,000 in annual income for individual applicants.
For married couples applying together, the income requirement may increase to approximately $1,500 to $2,000 monthly, depending on the specific embassy or consulate processing the application.
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Does Egypt offer any type of Golden Visa or long-term residency for retirees through investment?
Yes, Egypt operates a formal Residency by Investment program often referred to as a "Golden Visa" program.
This program allows retirees and other foreign investors to obtain renewable residency permits by making qualifying investments in Egyptian real estate, bank deposits, or business ventures. The program is administered by the Egyptian Investment Authority and the Ministry of Interior.
Real estate investments of $50,000 grant 1-year renewable residency, $100,000 provides 3-year renewable residency, and $200,000 secures 5-year renewable residency. Bank deposits follow the same structure for 1-year and 3-year permits.
Business investments require higher thresholds, with $400,000 providing 5-year renewable residency for those establishing or investing in Egyptian companies.
The Golden Visa program has gained popularity among European and North American retirees since its introduction, with processing times typically ranging from 3 to 6 months.
Is there a path to permanent residency or citizenship in Egypt through retirement or investment?
Egypt does not offer permanent residency through its standard investment or retirement programs.
However, Egypt does provide a Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) that allows investors to obtain Egyptian citizenship within 6 to 12 months by making substantial investments starting at $250,000. This program is separate from the residency-by-investment options and provides full Egyptian citizenship rather than just residency.
Alternatively, foreigners who maintain continuous legal residence in Egypt for 10 years may apply for citizenship through naturalization, though this process is not guaranteed and involves extensive background checks and integration requirements.
The investment-based residency permits are renewable indefinitely as long as the qualifying investment is maintained, providing long-term security without the need for permanent residency status.
Most retirees find the renewable residency option sufficient for their needs, as it provides the same practical benefits as permanent residency while maintaining flexibility.
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What are the investment thresholds required if I want to get residency in Egypt as a retiree?
Egypt's investment thresholds for residency are clearly defined and relatively accessible compared to other Middle Eastern countries.
| Investment Type | Minimum Amount (USD) | Residency Duration | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Purchase | $50,000 | 1 year renewable | Property must be maintained |
| Real Estate Purchase | $100,000 | 3 years renewable | Property must be occupied |
| Real Estate Purchase | $200,000 | 5 years renewable | Property ownership deed required |
| Bank Deposit | $50,000 | 1 year renewable | Funds remain liquid |
| Bank Deposit | $100,000 | 3 years renewable | Egyptian bank required |
| Business Investment | $400,000 | 5 years renewable | Active business operations |
| Government Bonds | $250,000 | 5 years renewable | Non-transferable bonds |
Can I get a retirement visa or residency by investing in real estate in Egypt, and if so, what are the conditions?
Yes, real estate investment is the most popular pathway for obtaining residency in Egypt among retirees.
The property must be purchased at fair market value and verified through an official valuation certificate from a licensed Egyptian appraiser. You must maintain ownership of the property throughout the residency period and use it as your primary residence or investment property.
Eligible property types include apartments, villas, townhouses, and commercial real estate, but the property must be located within Egypt's borders and properly registered with Egyptian authorities. Properties in popular expat areas like New Cairo, North Coast, and Red Sea resorts are commonly chosen by foreign retirees.
Required documentation includes a valid passport, property ownership deed, professional valuation certificate, proof of investment funds source, and completed residency application forms.
The property cannot be sold or transferred during the residency period without potentially affecting your residency status, making this a long-term commitment for serious retirees.
Are there business or entrepreneurial investment options for retirees, and what are the minimum capital and requirements?
Egypt offers several business investment pathways for retirees seeking residency through entrepreneurial activities.
For investment-based residency (not citizenship), the minimum business investment is $400,000 for a 5-year renewable residency permit. This investment can be made through establishing a new company or investing in an existing Egyptian business.
Smaller business ventures are also possible with lower capital requirements: Joint stock companies require 250,000 to 1,000,000 EGP ($8,000 to $32,000), Limited liability companies need 50,000 to 1,000,000 EGP ($1,600 to $32,000), and One-person companies start at 50,000 EGP ($1,600).
However, these smaller investments typically don't qualify for the investment-based residency program and would require separate work permits or business visas.
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Can I include my spouse and children when applying for a retirement visa or investment-based residency in Egypt?
Yes, Egypt's investment-based residency program allows you to include your immediate family members in your application.
Eligible family members include your spouse and dependent children under 18 years of age. Adult children over 18 may be included if they are financially dependent and unmarried, though this requires additional documentation and approval.
All family members receive the same residency duration as the primary applicant, and their permits are renewed simultaneously. Family members can live, study, and in some cases work in Egypt under these permits.
The investment amount remains the same regardless of family size - a $100,000 real estate investment covers the entire family for 3-year renewable residency.
Each family member must provide their own passport, health certificates, and background checks as part of the application process.
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 is the retirement visa or investment permit valid for, and is it renewable?
Investment-based residency permits are issued for 1, 3, or 5 years depending on the investment amount, and all are renewable indefinitely.
$50,000 investments (real estate or bank deposit) provide 1-year permits that must be renewed annually. $100,000 investments grant 3-year permits renewable every three years, while $200,000+ investments secure 5-year permits with five-year renewal cycles.
Renewal requires maintaining the original investment, providing updated financial documentation, and paying renewal fees that typically range from $500 to $1,500 depending on the permit duration.
The renewal process usually takes 30 to 60 days and can be initiated up to 90 days before the current permit expires. Late renewals may incur penalties or require restarting the entire application process.
As long as you maintain your investment and meet basic residency requirements, these permits can be renewed indefinitely, providing long-term security for retirees.
What are the specific documents and application steps required for the retirement visa or investment residency process?
The application process requires comprehensive documentation and follows a structured timeline.
Required documents include: Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity, completed residency application forms, proof of investment (property deed, bank deposit confirmation, or business registration), professional property valuation certificate (for real estate), health insurance coverage, police clearance certificate from your home country, and proof of income source for the investment funds.
Application steps follow this sequence: 1) Choose your investment type and secure the required funds, 2) Complete the investment (purchase property, make bank deposit, or establish business), 3) Gather and notarize all required documents, 4) Submit application to Egyptian authorities through the Investment Authority or Ministry of Interior, 5) Undergo background checks and security clearance, 6) Attend interview if requested, 7) Receive residency permit upon approval.
Processing time typically ranges from 3 to 6 months, with expedited processing available for additional fees in some cases.
Application fees range from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the investment type and residency duration requested.
Are there any real-world testimonials or stories from people who successfully obtained retirement residency in Egypt?
Many American and Canadian retirees report highly positive experiences with Egypt's residency programs, particularly praising the affordable cost of living and welcoming local communities.
A common success story involves North American retirees who find their monthly pensions stretch 3 to 4 times further in Egypt compared to their home countries, allowing for upgraded lifestyles including domestic help, private healthcare, and regular travel within the region.
European retirees frequently mention the year-round warm weather, proximity to historical sites, and access to modern amenities in cities like Cairo and Alexandria as major advantages of their relocation.
Many successful applicants report that the real estate investment route provided the most straightforward path, with properties in compound developments offering security, community, and Western-style amenities.
Retirees consistently highlight the importance of working with local real estate agents and legal advisors familiar with the residency investment process to navigate bureaucratic requirements successfully.
What problems or failures have people encountered when trying to get retirement or investment-based residency in Egypt?
The most common failures occur due to incomplete or incorrect application documentation, particularly errors in passport details, investment proof, or property valuation certificates.
Many applicants encounter delays when their source of funds documentation doesn't meet Egyptian banking standards, especially when funds come from cryptocurrency, offshore accounts, or complex investment vehicles.
Property-related issues frequently arise when buyers don't verify that their chosen property qualifies for the investment residency program, or when properties have unclear title history or zoning restrictions.
Some retirees face challenges with changing regulations, as Egypt occasionally updates its investment requirements or processing procedures, affecting applications already in progress.
Border entry problems can occur even with valid permits if travelers don't carry proper supporting documentation or if their residency status isn't properly updated in Egyptian immigration systems.
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 offers accessible and flexible retirement residency options for foreign retirees through its investment-based programs.
It's something we develop in our Egypt property pack.
Sources
- Sands of Wealth - Egypt Expat Guide
- Armenian Lawyer - Egypt Residency Guide
- Hurghada Property - Retirement Living Egypt
- IMI Daily - Egypt Residence by Investment
- Tisoro Global - Egypt Golden Visa
- IMI Daily - Egypt Citizenship by Investment
- Immigrant Invest - Egypt Citizenship Program
- Consortio Law Firm - Egypt Real Estate Residence
- Mnasser Law - Investment Residency Egypt
- Consortio Law Firm - Residency Requirements Egypt