How to get a residence permit in Egypt?

2024 Egypt residence permit new Framework 
New Decisions Facilitating Foreigners’ Residency in Egypt
 The Egyptian Minister of Interior recently issued Decision No. 977 of 2023, which focuses on the entry and residence permits of foreigners in the Arab Republic of Egypt. This decision, published in The Official Gazette, aims to streamline, and simplify the procedures for foreigners seeking temporary residency in Egypt. It refers to several relevant laws that provide the legal framework for foreigners’ stay and ownership of properties in the country.

Let’s explore the key highlights of the decision 

The decision introduces various residency options for foreigners, allowing them to reside in Egypt for extended periods. These options are based on specific requirements and investments, ensuring that non-tourist residents contribute positively to the country’s development and economy.
1. Five-Year Renewable Residency:

Foreigners who own one or more properties in the Arab Republic of Egypt, with a total value of at least two hundred thousand US dollars, are eligible for a renewable residency card. This option grants them the right to reside in Egypt for a five-year period, subject to renewal.
2. Three-Year Renewable Residency:

For those who own one or more properties in Egypt, valued at a minimum of one hundred thousand US dollars, a renewable residency card valid for three years can be obtained. This option provides flexibility for foreigners who wish to establish a more long-term presence in the country.
3. One-Year Renewable Residency:

Foreigners who own properties in Egypt, with a value not less than fifty thousand US dollars, can apply for a renewable residency card valid for one year. This option caters to individuals seeking temporary residence while exploring investment opportunities or enjoying their Egyptian properties.
4. Residency Based on Bank Deposit:

Another available option is a three-year residency permit based on a bank deposit of one hundred thousand US dollars or its equivalent in other foreign currencies. This requirement provides an alternative pathway for foreigners who prefer to make a deposit rather than invest in real estate.
5. Short-Term Residency Based on Bank Deposit:

Foreigners can also obtain a one-year residency permit by making a bank deposit of fifty thousand US dollars or its equivalent in other foreign currencies. This option is suitable for individuals seeking a temporary stay without the need for a long-term commitment.

Granting Residency Permits/cards:

The Director of the General Administration for Passports, Immigration, and Nationality has been assigned the full responsibility of defining the necessary regulations and the required documents for granting residency cards. This ensures that the application process is transparent, efficient, and in accordance with the provisions stated in the decision.

The recent decision by the Egyptian Minister of Interior, as published in The Official Gazette, signifies the government’s efforts to streamline and facilitate the entry and residence of foreigners in the Arab Republic of Egypt. By introducing various residency options based on property ownership or bank deposits, the decision aims to attract foreign investors, boost the real estate sector, and stimulate economic growth. These measures will undoubtedly contribute to the overall development of Egypt while offering opportunities for foreigners to establish a legal and stable presence in the country.

Summary 

    Five-Year Renewable Residency: Foreigners who own properties in Egypt worth at least $200,000 are eligible for a renewable residency card valid for five years.
    Three-Year Renewable Residency: Foreigners who own properties in Egypt worth at least $100,000 can obtain a renewable residency card valid for three years.
    One-Year Renewable Residency: Foreigners who own properties in Egypt worth at least $50,000 can apply for a renewable residency card valid for one year.
    Residency Based on Bank Deposit: Foreigners can obtain a three-year residency permit by making a bank deposit of $100,000 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies.
    Short-Term Residency Based on Bank Deposit: Foreigners can obtain a one-year residency permit by making a bank deposit of $50,000 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies.

The Director of the General Administration for Passports, Immigration, and Nationality is responsible for defining the regulations and required documents for granting residency cards. This ensures a transparent and efficient application process.

The decision reflects the government’s efforts to attract foreign investors, boost the real estate sector, and stimulate economic growth. By providing various residency options based on property ownership or bank deposits, Egypt aims to facilitate the entry and residence of foreigners while promoting the country’s overall development

Documents for long-term visas:
    an application was drawn up on a sample and filled out in English or Arabic;
    a foreign passport that will be valid for 6 months or more after the residence permit expires;
    4 passport sample photos;
    an original and a copy of the passport;
    a certificate confirming a clean criminal record in the native country;
    a medical certificate indicating no dangerous diseases;
    documents confirming a person’s stable income or financial independence;
    a lease agreement or a title deed for immovable real estate;
    a medical insurance policy for $15,000 or more received in the native country;
    a receipt of payment of state duty;
    documents legally confirming the residence status of a person in Egypt.
The main documents for almost all types of visas were listed above. A foreigner can also provide additional documents, such as birth certificates of children, a notarised permit to enter Egypt with a child, a driver's license, etc
Basic methods and documents required to obtain a residence permit in Egypt

Let's consider the most popular ways to obtain an Egyptian residence permit:
Marriage to an Egyptian citizen

Marriage to an Egyptian citizen is one of the most common ways to obtain a local residence permit, but it is mostly women who do so. In fact, under Egyptian law, Egyptian women do not have the right to marry a man who does not profess Islam. Male citizens are freer in this matter, as they can marry representatives of any religion.

It should also be noted that the State only recognises official marriages. Marriages concluded outside Egypt should be legalised on its territory. When two years have elapsed since the signing of the documents, the foreign spouse will obtain citizenship.

The uniqueness of Egyptian marriage includes the absence of fictitious unions and the fact that a man who professes Islam has the right to marry 4 women (if he can provide them with a financially stable future).
Family ties

Foreigners who have family ties with people who have lived in Egypt for over 5 years can use the family reunification program. It is available for children, parents, grandparents, sisters and brothers. Egyptian residents must issue an official invitation with the degree of kinship, the visitor’s intentions and financial guarantees for an unforeseen situation.

The other party will also have to confirm that they are relatives from Egypt and do not have dangerous diseases that could be threatening to others. After meeting all the necessary conditions, the foreigner will receive a 5-year residence permit.
Residence permit for real estate investments

According to the law, foreigners must invest at least $50,000 in houses in Cairo or other cities in Egypt to be eligible for long-term residence. They can dispose of real estate at their discretion. They can live in it permanently, rent it out or move into it for the holidays.
Residence permit to open a business

Opening a business or buying an existing one makes it possible for investors and entrepreneurs to obtain a long-term visa. To do business in Egypt legally, you will have to fulfill the following conditions:

    Coordinate the finished plan with representatives of the Ministry of Economy and Labor. They must then issue a permit to the foreign national. As a rule, this process takes about 3 months and costs $1,200.
    Have a sufficient amount of money in a state bank account to conduct business. The amount is determined by the Egyptian Government. The founders of an LLC must have at least $84,000, while the founders of a CJSC must have at least $42,000.
    Have a legal address. It must be registered on the territory of Egypt.
    Translate all documents about the company's activities into Arabic or English.

If the entrepreneur fulfills all of the above conditions, he will be entitled to Egyptian citizenship without a residence permit.
Residence permit for employment

A residence permit based on employment is intended for foreigners who have received an invitation from an Egyptian employer and signed an official contract with them. People who are fluent in Arabic and English can receive this opportunity.
Immigration visa application procedures

How do you apply for a resident visa? To obtain a residence permit, a foreigner must fill out an application form by the form of the Consulate of Egypt. After that, he will need to submit it and all the necessary documents. The period to apply depends on several factors, including the method of obtaining a residence permit.
Reasons for refusing a residence permit

The most common reasons for a refusal of a residence permit are incorrect documents, lack of certain papers, false data, problems with the law and serious diseases. In the first two cases, the foreigner has a chance to correct and re-submit the application, in the rest – crossing the Egyptian border will be prohibited for him indefinitely.

Applicants who believe that the refusal was unjustified have the right to file a lawsuit and appeal the decision to a court. These measures must be taken within 10 days of the refusal.

https://egypt-e-visa.org/blog/egypt-residency-and-work-authorization/

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