How to obtain Egyptian citizenship for investment

Egypt is a country attractive not only for its pyramids and the mysteries of the pharaohs, but also for its opportunities for foreign investors. In recent years, Egypt has been actively developing programs offering citizenship or residence permits for investment, which opens up new prospects for those who wish to combine business with the unique cultural and historical heritage of this country. Obtaining citizenship in Egypt by investing in its economy is not only a chance to become part of one of the world's oldest civilizations, but also an opportunity to participate in the development of the modern economic landscape, which is particularly attractive in light of the government's efforts to attract foreign capital.

Egypt

Egypt is a country with a rich cultural heritage and ancient history, located in the northeastern part of Africa and partly in the Sinai Peninsula, which belongs to Asia. This state is famous for its archaeological sites such as the pyramids at Giza and the Great Sphinx, as well as the ancient temples at Luxor and Karnak. Modern Egypt is a fast-growing economy with an emphasis on tourism, agriculture and industry.

Climate

Egypt's climate is particularly hot and dry, especially during the summer months when temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius. Winters are mild and warm with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius. Rainfall in Egypt is extremely rare, especially in the southern regions and in the desert.

Population

Egypt's population exceeds 100 million, making it one of the most populated countries in Africa and the Middle East. Most of the population is concentrated along the banks of the Nile River and in major cities such as Cairo (the capital), Alexandria, and Giza.

National language

The official language of Egypt is Arabic, which is used in government offices, educational systems, and the media. Arabic in Egypt has its own characteristics and dialects that distinguish it from standard literary Arabic.

National currency and exchange rate for 2024

Egypt's national currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). In 2024, the exchange rate between the Egyptian pound and the U.S. dollar varies from approximately 30 to 35 pounds per dollar, reflecting economic changes in the country and fluctuations in the global financial market.

Benefits of obtaining citizenship

Obtaining Egyptian citizenship offers a number of significant advantages that make it an attractive choice for foreign investors and their families:

1. Residency: Citizenship entitles you to reside permanently in Egypt, making it easier to conduct business and provide the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the cultural life of the country.
2. Market Access: Egypt has a strategically favorable geographical location as a bridge between Africa and the Middle East, which provides access to vast markets and simplifies logistics.
3. Tax incentives: Egypt offers various tax incentives for foreign investors, including reduced taxation of foreign trade income and possible exemptions from other types of taxes.
4. Education and health care: Egyptian citizens have access to government education and health care programs, which improves the quality of life.
5. Right to Work: Citizenship eliminates the need for work visas and other forms of employment authorization, making the hiring process simpler and less costly.
6. Social stability: Citizenship enables full participation in the social and political life of the country, including the right to vote in elections.
7. Visa-free travel: An Egyptian passport provides visa-free or simplified visa-free travel with a number of countries, making international travel easier.

These advantages make Egyptian citizenship a valuable asset for those seeking new opportunities to grow their business or wishing to improve their family's quality of life.

Stages of obtaining

The process of obtaining Egyptian citizenship for investment involves several key steps that require careful planning and compliance with all legal requirements.

Checking the feasibility of citizenship

The first step is to assess citizenship eligibility based on current laws and regulations. This includes consulting with legal and immigration experts to help determine if the candidate qualifies for the investment citizenship program.

Document Collection

This step involves gathering all required documents, including passport, proof of identity, residential address, financial reliability, and other references. It is important to ensure that all documents are translated into Arabic and certified accordingly.

Criminal record check

To apply for citizenship, a criminal record check is required from the country of current citizenship and all countries where the candidate has resided in the last five years. This confirms law-abidingness and absence of criminal history.

Proof of income

The candidate must provide proof of their financial status, including income, investment accounts and other assets to prove their ability to support themselves and their family after moving to Egypt.

Payment for counseling and citizenship

The last step involves paying for the counseling and legal fees that are required to complete and submit all the documents. Once all the formalities are completed and the application is approved, the candidate is granted Egyptian citizenship. This process can take several months to a year depending on the specific circumstances and the speed at which the documents are processed by the Egyptian authorities.

Banks in Egypt

1. Afreximbank. The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is an international financial institution specializing in promoting trade between African countries and the rest of the world. The bank plays a key role in financing exports and imports as well as providing credit lines to African businesses.
2. Agricultural Bank of Egypt. Agricultural Bank of Egypt focuses on supporting the country's agricultural sector by providing financial services to improve production processes, develop infrastructure and enhance regional economic stability.
3. Ahli United Bank (Egypt). Ahli United Bank (Egypt) is part of a larger banking group and provides a wide range of banking services to private and corporate customers, including lending, deposit operations and investment services.
4. Al Baraka Bank Egypt. Al Baraka Bank Egypt is an Islamic bank that offers Shariah compliant financial products and services. The bank is active in the retail and corporate banking segments, offering services in accordance with Islamic finance norms.
5. ALEXBANK. ALEXBANK, part of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group, offers a full range of banking services, including loans, savings products, and services for small and medium-sized businesses. The bank is known for its contribution to the development of the Egyptian economy.
6. Arab International Bank. Arab International Bank specializes in international banking and plays an important role in financing Egypt's foreign trade. The bank offers a wide range of services for corporate and private clients.
7. Attijariwafa bank Egypt. It is a subsidiary bank of the Moroccan group Attijariwafa, providing comprehensive financial services including banking, asset management and investment banking.
8. Bank ABC Egypt. Bank ABC Egypt is part of an international banking group and offers a wide range of products and services including corporate finance, trade finance and private banking services.
9. Egyptian Arab Land Bank Egyptian Arab Land Bank focuses on financing real estate projects and land development. The bank provides loans and advisory services that promote urbanization and residential infrastructure development.
10. Faisal Islamic Bank Of Egypt. One of the first Islamic banks in Egypt to offer a full range of banking services including deposits, lending and investments based on Shariah principles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Egyptian citizenship entitle me to?

Egyptian citizenship grants full right to live, study and work in the country without restrictions. An Egyptian passport allows you to travel visa-free to 90 countries, including Iran, Jordan and Hong Kong. For Russian residents, an E2 business visa to the United States is available, which provides unique opportunities for international business. Citizenship is also hereditary, automatically granting a passport to the investor's children.

Can I obtain Egyptian citizenship by giving birth to a child?

Egyptian citizenship by birth is granted to children who have at least one parent who is Egyptian. A child born in Egypt to unknown parents will also be recognized as Egyptian by birth.

Which card can I use in Egypt?

In Egypt, cards are accepted mainly in tourist areas. For everyday expenses such as accommodation, cabs, groceries and café lunches, it is better to use cash. Dollars and Euros can be exchanged at dive stores or Bank of Egypt ATMs. Withdrawing local pounds from an ATM is often more profitable than exchanging currency at money changers.