Elementor #2996 – egyptlegalpro.com

FAQs

Marriage & Divorce

Can foreigners legally get married in Egypt?

Yes. Foreigners can legally marry in Egypt through the Ministry of Justice in Cairo, which handles all civil marriages involving non-Egyptians. Both parties must appear in person and meet all legal conditions.

What documents do foreigners need to marry in Egypt?

The standard documents include:

Valid passport with entry visa
Certificate of No Impediment (from your embassy)
5 personal photos
Birth certificate (if requested)
Translations and notarizations depending on embassy requirements

Always check your embassy’s list before visiting the marriage office.

Can I get married outside Cairo, like in Hurghada or Sharm El-Sheikh?

No. Only the Ministry of Justice in Cairo conducts legally recognized civil marriages for foreigners. Ceremonies elsewhere may be symbolic or religious and not legally binding without Cairo registration.

Can a foreign Christian woman marry a Muslim Egyptian man?

Yes. Under Egyptian Islamic law, a Muslim man may marry a woman who is Christian or Jewish. No religious conversion is required for these cases.

How long does it take to get married in Egypt?

If all documents are correct and complete, the civil marriage process can be completed in 1 to 3 business days. Embassy paperwork may add time before you start the formal process.

Is a marriage in Egypt valid internationally?

Usually yes. To be recognized abroad, your Egyptian marriage certificate should be:

Translated
Legalized or apostilled
Registered in your home country (depending on local laws)

Can we add custom terms to our Egyptian marriage contract?

Yes. Egypt allows couples to include legally binding custom clauses in their marriage contract. These can cover financial arrangements, child custody, travel permissions, etc.

How does divorce work in Egypt for foreigners?

Divorce laws depend on religion:

Muslim men can pronounce “talaq” (divorce) and register it
Women and non-Muslim foreigners must file a court case in family court
Legal representation is highly recommended

Who gets custody of children after divorce in Egypt?

Custody generally goes to the mother until the child reaches a legally defined age (15 for both boys and girls). For foreign fathers, custody decisions depend on religion, residence, and the child’s best interest.

Can an Egyptian Muslim woman marry a non-Muslim foreign man?

Not legally. Egyptian law prohibits Muslim women from marrying non-Muslim men unless the man converts to Islam first and provides a valid conversion certificate.

Visas & Residency

What types of visas are available for foreigners in Egypt?

Egypt offers several types of visas including tourist visas, student visas, residency permits, and work visas. Each visa has specific eligibility requirements and durations.

How can I extend a tourist visa in Egypt?

Tourist visas can be extended at the Immigration Office in Cairo or Hurghada. You typically need your passport, a visa extension form, and passport-sized photos. Extensions are usually granted for 1–3 months.

Can I get a long-term residence permit in Egypt?

Yes. Foreigners who own property, are married to Egyptians, or have other legal grounds can apply for renewable residence permits (1-year or 5-year options). Proof of income, housing, and purpose of stay is required.

Where do I apply for a residency permit in Egypt?

All visa and residency matters are handled by the Passport, Immigration & Nationality Administration (Mugamma). For residents of Red Sea areas like Hurghada, the local Immigration Office handles applications.

What are the requirements to get a residency permit in Egypt?

You’ll need:

Valid passport with visa
Proof of accommodation (rental contract or deed)
Recent bank statement
Passport photos
Application forms from the Immigration Office

Requirements may vary slightly by location and nationality.

Can I work in Egypt with a tourist or residency visa?

No. A work permit is legally required to work in Egypt. Working on a tourist or standard residency visa is illegal and can lead to fines or deportation.

How can I obtain a work visa in Egypt as a foreigner?

You must first secure a job offer from an Egyptian employer, who will then sponsor your work permit. The process includes security clearances, medical checks, and labor office approvals.

Can property ownership in Egypt help me get residency?

Yes. Foreigners who purchase property valued over a certain threshold may be eligible for a 5-year renewable residence permit. Documentation of ownership and property value must be submitted.

Is overstaying a visa in Egypt a serious issue?

Yes. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, detention, or future entry bans. It’s strongly advised to renew or exit the country before your visa expires.

Are Egyptian visas issued on arrival or online?

Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports or apply for an eVisa online before travel. Some countries, however, must apply through the Egyptian embassy in advance.

Real Estate & Property Ownership

Can foreigners legally buy property in Egypt?

Yes. Foreigners can purchase property in Egypt, including apartments, villas, and land. However, purchases are subject to conditions, such as limitations on owning more than two properties and land ownership restrictions in certain areas.

Are there restrictions on the type of property a foreigner can buy?

Foreigners can only own up to two residential properties in Egypt, each not exceeding 4,000 square meters. Agricultural land and property in certain strategic or border areas may be restricted or require special permissions.

Can buying property in Egypt help me obtain residency?

Yes. Foreigners who purchase property in Egypt can apply for temporary residency permits. The property’s value often determines the duration of residency granted, starting from 1-year and extending up to 5 years for high-value purchases.

Is it better to buy property in your own name or through a company?

Buying in your own name is simpler and suits residential purchases. However, for commercial investments or owning multiple properties, creating a company structure may offer tax and legal advantages, especially for rentals or resale.

Do I need an Egyptian partner to buy property?

No. Foreigners can purchase residential property in their own name without needing a local partner. However, starting a business or purchasing certain land plots may require an Egyptian partner.

What taxes or fees apply when buying property in Egypt?

You may pay 2.5% real estate tax on resale, registration fees, and lawyer/notary fees. Property taxes are minimal, but due diligence on existing liabilities or unpaid taxes is essential before purchase.

Is it safe to buy off-plan property in Egypt?

Off-plan buying can be profitable but carries risk. Always verify the developer’s license, project registration, and payment guarantees. Using a lawyer to conduct due diligence is essential.

Can foreigners rent out their property in Egypt?

Yes. Foreigners can legally rent out property for short- or long-term stays. Income generated should be declared for tax purposes, and commercial rentals (e.g., via Airbnb) may require additional licensing.

How do I register my property in Egypt as a foreigner?

To register, you must obtain a legal title deed (green contract) from the Notary Public. This involves verifying ownership, submitting translated documents, and paying applicable fees. In some areas, registration remains challenging due to bureaucratic delays.

What are the biggest risks when buying property in Egypt as a foreigner?

Major risks include buying unregistered property, fraudulent sellers, unclear inheritance claims, and properties in non-zoned or disputed areas. Always verify ownership, hire an independent lawyer, and avoid cash-only deals without proper contracts.

Contracts & Power of Attorney

Can foreigners sign legally binding contracts in Egypt?

Yes. Foreigners can sign contracts in Egypt, including for property or employment. For legal enforceability, contracts must be written, signed, and ideally notarized.

Do contracts need to be written in Arabic to be valid in Egypt?

For official recognition, contracts must be in Arabic. Dual-language contracts are allowed, but in court, the Arabic version overrides.

What is a Power of Attorney (PoA) in Egypt?

is a document that allows someone to act legally on your behalf. It can be general or limited, and must be notarized and registered.

Can foreigners issue a Power of Attorney in Egypt?

Yes. Foreigners can issue a PoA at a Notary Public office or Egyptian consulates abroad. Valid ID and Arabic translation are required.

Can I grant someone PoA to buy or sell property on my behalf in Egypt?

Yes. Foreigners often use PoAs to empower trusted individuals to handle real estate or legal matters. The document must be specific and notarized.

How long is a Power of Attorney valid in Egypt?

A PoA is valid until revoked or expired by its own terms. Revocation must also be officially registered.

Can a Power of Attorney issued abroad be used in Egypt?

Yes. A foreign-issued PoA must be notarized, legalized at the Egyptian consulate, translated into Arabic, and then registered in Egypt.

How can I cancel a Power of Attorney in Egypt?

To cancel a PoA, visit a Notary Public office and file a revocation. It’s also advised to notify any affected third parties.

Are verbal agreements legally enforceable in Egypt?

No. Verbal agreements are not reliable in Egypt and typically unenforceable. Always use written contracts.

Do I need a lawyer to draft or review contracts in Egypt?Question

A lawyer helps prevent costly mistakes. Egyptian contract language is formal and easily misunderstood by non-experts.

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How can a foreigner start a business in Egypt?

Foreigners can start a business in Egypt by choosing a legal structure, reserving a company name, submitting incorporation documents to GAFI, and registering with relevant tax and commercial authorities.

What are the legal requirements to register a company in Egypt as a non-Egyptian?

Requirements include a valid passport, legal address in Egypt, articles of incorporation, and capital verification. Depending on the activity, approvals from other ministries may also be needed.

Can foreigners own 100% of a company in Egypt?

Yes, in most sectors foreigners can own 100% of a company. However, activities like importation may require an Egyptian partner or agent.

What types of companies can a foreigner open in Egypt?

Foreigners can register a sole proprietorship, LLC, joint-stock company, branch office, or representative office—depending on their investment goals and business scope.

How long does it take to register a business in Egypt?

Company registration typically takes 7 to 14 business days if all documents are in order and approvals are received without delays.

What documents are needed to start a company in Egypt?