Citizenship by investment in EgyptOverview
Egypt introduced investment-based naturalisation through 2019 amendments to the Egyptian Nationality Law No. 26 of 1975. The framework is administered by a specialised unit within the Prime Minister's Office, which receives applications, coordinates security and financial checks and refers files for a Prime Ministerial decree. Nationality is granted on a discretionary basis after clearance; making a qualifying payment or investment does not by itself guarantee approval.
Prime Ministerial Decree No. 876 of 2023 reshaped the routes to improve take-up. It reduced the real estate threshold from USD 500,000 to USD 300,000 and allowed purchases from private developers as well as state entities, cut the business route to USD 350,000 (with an accompanying USD 100,000 non-refundable contribution) and removed the earlier minimum shareholding requirement, and replaced the former USD 750,000 and USD 1,000,000 deposit options with a single USD 500,000 interest-free deposit held for three years. The USD 250,000 direct payment to the state was retained. Since 2023, funds brought into Egypt through official channels may also be used. Further implementing changes in 2024 allowed certain shared investments.
The deposit is returned after three years in Egyptian pounds at the prevailing exchange rate and earns no interest, so the effective cost depends on currency movements. Real estate and business investments carry multi-year holding expectations and must be documented through the Egyptian banking system. Applicants generally receive a temporary residence permit while the file is under review.
Approvals have been modest and vetting has become more rigorous. Publicly reported figures indicate that a limited number of applicants were granted nationality in 2025, with tighter verification of identity and funds. The Egyptian passport offers relatively limited visa-free travel; the programme is most relevant to families with business, property or personal ties to Egypt and the wider Arab world, rather than to those seeking global mobility.
Key benefits
- Full Egyptian nationality with the right to live, work and own property in Egypt
- No prior residence period before application
- Choice between a one-off payment, real estate, business investment and a returnable deposit
- Spouse and minor children can be included in the principal application
- Egypt permits dual nationality
- Access to one of the largest consumer markets in the Middle East and Africa
- Investment may support an existing or planned regional business footprint
Requirements
- Principal applicant aged 18 or over
- Clean criminal record and favourable security clearance from Egyptian authorities
- Qualifying investment under one of the four routes in Decree No. 876 of 2023
- Payment in US dollars or equivalent foreign currency through the Egyptian banking system
- Documented lawful source of funds
- Medical certificate as required by the unit
- Non-refundable processing fee payable to the unit
- Holding of the property, business or deposit for the required period
- In-person attendance in Egypt at stages of the process
Investment options
Non-refundable payment
USD 250,000
A direct contribution to the state treasury, payable in instalments over up to one year with temporary residence pending completion.
Real estate
USD 300,000
Purchase of state-owned or privately developed property, payable in foreign currency within the permitted period and held for the required term.
Business investment
USD 350,000 + USD 100,000
Investment in a new or existing Egyptian company, together with a USD 100,000 non-refundable contribution to the state.
Interest-free deposit
USD 500,000
Deposit held for three years without interest and returned in Egyptian pounds at the exchange rate on the date of withdrawal.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Preliminary assessment
We review family composition, source of wealth and the most suitable route, including currency exposure on the deposit option.
- 2
Document preparation
Civil documents are collected, legalised and translated, and the funds trail is documented.
- 3
Application to the unit
The file is lodged with the Citizenship by Investment Unit together with the processing fee.
- 4
Security and financial review
Egyptian authorities conduct background and source-of-funds checks; a temporary residence permit is typically issued in the meantime.
- 5
Investment completion
Following preliminary clearance, the payment, property purchase, business investment or deposit is completed through an Egyptian bank.
- 6
Decree and documents
The Prime Minister issues the naturalisation decree, after which Egyptian national ID and passports are issued.
Typical documents
- Valid passports for all applicants
- Birth and marriage certificates, legalised and translated into Arabic
- Criminal record certificates
- Medical certificate
- Bank statements and evidence of source of funds
- Proof of investment: payment receipt, sale contract, company documents or deposit certificate
- Photographs to the unit's specification
- Power of attorney for local representation, where used
How Legal Wealth helps
Legal Wealth helps families decide whether Egyptian nationality genuinely serves their objectives before any funds are committed. We compare the four routes on total cost, liquidity and currency risk, prepare a coherent source-of-wealth file for the security review and coordinate with licensed Egyptian counsel and banks on each payment. Our work is confidential and compliance-led, and we align any Egyptian assets with the family's wider structuring, tax residence and succession planning.
Enquire with Legal WealthFrequently asked questions
Is the USD 500,000 deposit returned in dollars?
No. Under the 2023 rules it is returned after three years in Egyptian pounds at the exchange rate on the withdrawal date, without interest.
Can I buy property from a private developer?
Yes. Since 2023 qualifying property may be purchased from private developers as well as state entities, provided payment is made in foreign currency through the banking system.
Is approval guaranteed once I invest?
No. Nationality is granted by decree after security clearance, and applications can be refused.
Do I need to live in Egypt?
There is no prior residence requirement, but applicants should expect to attend in person in Egypt at certain stages.
Which family members can be included?
The spouse and minor children may be included in the principal applicant's file.
How strong is the Egyptian passport for travel?
Visa-free access is limited; the programme is better suited to those with a business or personal connection to Egypt than to those seeking mobility.
Last reviewed: 2026-10. Requirements, fees and timelines change. Information is general, reviewed on the date shown, and is not legal or tax advice.
