Egypt Citizenship By Investment

Egypt’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program offers a legal pathway to Egyptian nationality for foreign investors who inject hard currency into the local economy. Refined by government decree in 2023, the framework is designed to attract foreign exchange, support real estate and private enterprise, and create jobs—while offering qualifying investors and their families the right to live, work, and do business in Egypt.

What you can invest in

While exact thresholds and conditions can change, the current program broadly recognizes four qualifying routes, all funded from abroad in a convertible currency:

• Non refundable treasury contribution: An entry level option starting from around USD 250,000 paid to the state.

• Real estate purchase: Acquisition of approved property (often in new urban communities or designated projects) with a minimum investment commonly cited from about USD 300,000, subject to a holding period.

• Business investment: Establish or invest in an Egyptian company with a defined minimum capital outlay (often paired with an additional non refundable contribution to the treasury).

• Bank time deposit: A fixed deposit in Egypt for a set term; funds are typically refunded in local currency at maturity, which introduces foreign exchange risk.

Core eligibility and due diligence

• Clean criminal record and security clearance.

• Verifiable, legal source of funds transferred from outside Egypt.

• Good health and valid insurance.

• Adults 21+ may apply; qualifying dependents (spouse and children under a defined age) can be included.

• Egypt generally permits dual nationality, subject to notification and compliance with local rules.

Process and timeline

• Pre assessment: Work with a licensed advisor to confirm eligibility and select the most suitable route.

• Document preparation: Passports, police certificates, proof of funds/source of wealth, marriage/birth certificates, medical insurance, and any required translations/apostilles.

• Application filing: Submission through the designated Citizenship by Investment Unit, followed by inter agency security and background checks.

• Approval in principle: If cleared, you complete the investment within the prescribed timeframe.

• Naturalization: A decree is issued, after which you obtain national ID and an Egyptian passport.

What you gain—and what to consider

• Rights and access: Live, work, study, own property, and operate businesses in one of the MENA region’s largest consumer markets, with strategic links to Africa, Europe, and the Gulf.

• Family security: A stable legal status in a geopolitically important country.

• Travel: The Egyptian passport offers moderate mobility (roughly 50–60 countries visa free/visa on arrival). It is not a substitute for EU or Caribbean CBI passports in terms of travel freedom.

• Taxes and compliance: The program is not a tax planning tool. Tax treatment depends on residency status and source of income; obtain professional advice before applying.

• FX and policy risk: Deposits refunded in local currency and evolving regulations can affect outcomes—build these factors into your decision.