Egypt Citizenship by Investment Programme

Established in 2020, the Egypt Citizenship by Investment programme enables foreign investors to make a financial contribution into the country to gain eligibility for Egyptian citizenship.

The Government has established a specialised Citizenship by Investment Unit to oversee the programme, which is designed to attract Foreign Direct Investment. 

Summary

MINIMUM INVESTMENT

US$250,000

DUAL CITIZENSHIP

Yes

PROCESSING TIME

6 – 12 months

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

None

As well as the many advantages of living in Egypt, Egyptian citizenship confers many benefits in its own right. These include:

Citizenship for life

Egyptian citizenship gives you the right to live and work in the country for life, plus civic entitlements like voting, free healthcare and the right to hold an Egyptian passport.

Entitlement to dual citizenship

Unlike other countries, Egypt has no restrictions on dual citizenship. Consequently, you don’t need to relinquish your original nationality in order to become an Egyptian citizen.

Ability to pass on citizenship

As an Egyptian citizen, you’ll also be able to pass on your citizenship rights to your descendants. This allows them to enjoy all the same benefits and in turn safeguards your family’s future.

Exclusive US E-2 Visa opportunity for Egyptian Citizens.

Enhanced business opportunities by tapping into one of the most dynamic economies in the MENA region with consistent economic growth.

Instalment options available up to one year.

General Requirements

  • Be in good health (medical report required)
  • No criminal record
  • No language requirement
  • No residency requirement
  • Provide source of income
  • All investments must be in US dollars and transferred from abroad*
  • Donations and bank deposits must be made into a special account of the Citizenship by Investment Unit at the Central Bank of Egypt treasury.
Citizenship by Investment in Egypt is available through one of four options:
01DIRECT REVENUE | DONATION
Direct revenues of US$250,000.

Deposit an amount of US$250,000 via a bank transfer from abroad as direct revenue (grant) that goes to the state’s general treasury and is not refundable.

The amount may be paid in instalments over a period not exceeding one year, and in the event of failure to pay or withdrawal of the request, what was previously paid in Egyptian pounds will be refunded at the exchange rate announced by the Central Bank on the date of redemption, and not to exceed the price on the date of payment, without interest.
02REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT OPTION
Purchase a property or land for a minimum of US$300,000.

Purchasing a property for an amount of no less than US$300,000 transferred from abroad. One or more properties or land may be acquired, and projects may be under construction or already completed.

After five years, investors may sell the property. If the property is disposed of before five years have passed from the date of its acquisition, to retain Egyptian citizenship, an amount of US$250,000 is required to be deposited in the Central Bank via a bank transfer from abroad, as direct revenues that go to the state’s general treasury and will not be refunded.

The amount may be paid in instalments over a period not exceeding one year, and in the event of failure to pay or withdrawal of the request, what was previously paid in Egyptian pounds will be refunded at the exchange rate announced by the Central Bank on the date of redemption, and not to exceed the price on the date of payment, without interest.
03INVESTMENT IN A COMPANY OR PROJECT
Establishing an investment project with a minimum of US$450,000.

Establishing or participating in an investment project with a minimum investment of US$350,000 transferred from abroad, and a non-refundable amount of US$100,000 deposited as direct revenues to the state’s treasury, in accordance with the rules and procedures stipulated in the Investment Law promulgated by Law No. 72 of 2017.

An investor may choose to establish a new company in Egypt or invest in a previously established company in Egypt. There is no minimum or maximum stake that the investor must hold in the company. The project must be maintained for at least five years and the invested funds may be used within the company during this period.

In the event of the investment project being liquidated or stopped, or the naturalised person disposing of it or his share before five years have passed from the date of its operation, to retain Egyptian citizenship, a non-refundable amount of US$250,000 is required to be deposited in the Central Bank via a bank transfer from abroad, as direct revenues that go to the state’s general treasury.
04CASH INVESTMENT | BANK DEPOSIT
A cash deposit of US$500,000 for three years.

Deposit an amount of US$500,000 via a bank transfer from abroad into a special account at the Central Bank of Egypt. The deposit will be refundable after three years in the local currency (Egyptian pounds) at the exchange rate announced by the Central Bank on the date of redemption without interest.
FeesADDITIONAL FEES
Government Fees:US$10,000 per application
CSGP Professional fees

* All programmes can be funded using investments transferred from abroad, or from funds that are sourced from abroad, if the funds have passed through an official security customs checkpoint and were received by the client after they obtain their case file number from the government, for their application.

Investors may apply for an Egyptian passport once receiving their naturalisation certificate in person at the passport office or consulate in their home country.

What are the benefits of an Egyptian passport?

Egyptian passports are issued to citizens of Egypt for international travel. They are biometric documents, ensuring a greater level of safety and facilitating cross-border procedures as well as enhanced global mobility.

How long are Egyptian passports valid for?

An Egyptian passport is valid for seven years from the date of issue and then needs to be reviewed.

Investors should apply at the General Department of passports, immigration and nationality.

What is the Egyptian passport application process?

The passport application process is separate from the Citizenship by Investment process and requires the applicant to present several documents. These documents vary according to whether the application is a first-time application, a first-time renewal, or a later renewal.

In all cases, a certified copy of the applicant’s Certificate of Registration – the document that is issued to an economic citizen at the end of the Citizenship by Investment process – must be provided.

Egypt’s Citizenship by Investment application process consists of seven steps:

Step 1: Application and pre-approval by CS Global Partners. We will look through your application to check everything is in order and confirm it meets the requisite conditions, giving it the best possible chance of being accepted.

Step 2: Submission of citizenship application. After approving the application, we will then send it to Egypt’s Citizenship by Investment Unit on your behalf.

Step 3: Government processing and due diligence checks. The Government of Egypt will process your application and perform due diligence checks, which includes checking for criminal records and assessing your ability to provide funds.

Step 4: Approval in principle. Once your application is approved in principle, you’ll receive a letter confirming that the CIU has officially granted your request for citizenship.

Step 5: Make the investment of your choice. Now is the point you make your qualifying investments.

Step 6: Citizenship certificate issued. After you’ve completed the above steps, you’ll receive a citizenship certificate, officially making you a citizen of Egypt.

Step 7: Passport application. You’re now able to apply for an Egyptian passport and reap all the travel benefits involved.

How long does it take to process an application?

From submission of the application to receiving the approval in principle, applicants can generally expect to wait around six to 12 months. You are not required to pass tests, or travel to or reside in Egypt, which helps speed up the process.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants for citizenship should be at least 18 years of age, of good character, without a criminal record, and be able and willing to make the required contribution or investment.

Which family members can I include in my application?

Any official spouse of the main applicant (up to four spouses) and dependants below the age of 21 can be included in the application.

The main applicant and minor children below the age of 21 obtain the citizenship at the same time and the spouse(s) will obtain their citizenship two years after the main applicant.

Parents and/or siblings may not be included in the application.

If the son(s) of the main applicant obtain the citizenship, will they have to enlist in the Egyptian military?

The son can defer the enlistment, no military service for the sons.

How long does the application take to process?

On average the whole process should take from six to 12 months.

What is the processing time of the application for an investor who already has residency in Egypt for more than 3 years or 5 years?

Applicants who have residency in Egypt will get a faster reply than the average waiting time for an applicant from abroad.

Can the investment be paid through instalments?

Yes, all investment options allow for the amount to be paid in instalments and must be paid in full within one year of the applicant receiving their approval from the Government.

Is it possible to obtain citizenship before completing the payment of the applicant’s chosen programme?

No, the applicant will only obtain their citizenship once their investment is paid in full.

In the case of a refusal, will the total payment for the investment programme be refunded?

Yes, the total payment will be refunded, except for the government fees of $US10,000.

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