Egypt Citizenship by Investment

David Davies

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April 5, 2025

The Egypt citizenship by investment programme is one of the most recently introduced, commencing in 2021. As with other such programmes, it was created to incentivise foreign nationals to invest in Egypt and contribute towards the economy. This blog sets out the basics of the programme and the types and levels of investment required.

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Table of contents

Example H2

Example H3

Egypt’s citizenship by investment programme offers citizenship to an applicant and their spouse and unmarried children in return for one of four different types of investment: a simple donation to the Egyptian government; bank deposit; investment in an Egyptian business; or the acquisition of Egyptian real estate.

The Egyptian passport carries visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 50 countries. However, the countries included are limited and do not include those most generally considered attractive for those interested in travel access, with the most attractive country being Hong Kong. Egyptian citizens can apply for an E-2 visa for the United States but these are generally only issued for a short period of up to three months.

As travel freedom is not among the programme’s main attractions, the Egyptian citizenship by investment programme is most attractive for those wishing to establish or invest in business or real estate in Egypt. Egypt has nine ‘free zones’, where businesses such as logistics, import and export and manufacturing can enjoy zero corporate tax. Given Egypt’s location, this can be an attractive benefit for applicants engaged or wishing to engage in such activities.

When comparing Egypt's citizenship by investment programme with similar initiatives, such as Caribbean Citizenship by Investment, the main benefits are obtaining citizenship for family members at no additional cost, no residency or language requirements, and potentially a favourable tax regime.

What investment is required?

The Egypt citizenship by investment programme offers four distinct investment options.

a non-refundable donation to the Egyptian state of USD 250,000
the purchase of qualifying real estate for at least USD 300,000
investment of at least USD 350,000 in a business in Egypt, which can be a new or existing business with the applicant holding at least a 40% stake. This option also requires a non-refundable donation to the Egyptian state of USD 100,000, making the total up-front investment cost USD 450,000
Deposit of at least USD 500,000 in an interest-free account with the Central Bank of Egypt.

When can the investment be liquidated?

This depends on the route taken.

A real estate investment can be sold five years after citizenship has been granted.
The amount invested may be used for the business from 25 days after the funds have been transferred, and proceeds may be withdrawn after five years since citizenship has been granted.
The bank deposit may be withdrawn three years after citizenship has been granted.

In each case, provided the time periods are respected, citizenship is not affected. It is possible to withdraw a bank deposit before the five years has expired, but a donation of USD 250,000 will be required to maintain citizenship.

Is it possible to obtain citizenship for family members?

The main applicant can include their spouse and unmarried children under 21. One of the more favourable aspects of the Egyptian programme is that the fees payable and investment required are not affected by the number of family members included in the application, making it attractive for larger families. Children receive citizenship at the same time as the main applicant, with citizenship granted to a spouse two years later.

Who is eligible for the programme?

The main applicant must be over 18 with a clean criminal record and be shown to be in good health. There are no excluded nationalities, making the programme attractive to nationals of some states who are barred from many other CBI programmes.

How long does it take to obtain citizenship?

Not including the time required to source the investment opportunity if taking the real estate or business investment options, the processing time is around 10 months and depends to some extent on the route chosen. Children receive citizenship contemporaneously with the main applicant, while a spouse receives citizenship two years later.

Government fees and other costs

A flat fee of USD 10,000 must be made along with the initial application. This covers the main applicant and all sub-applicants.

Other costs will include the obtaining, translation and notarisation of required documents, which are likely to be in excess of USD 1,000.

Can an applicant maintain their existing citizenship(s)?

Egypt permits dual citizenship, but applicants must check whether their existing country of citizenship allows it.

Does an applicant need to spend time in Egypt to obtain or maintain citizenship?

No. Unlike some CBI programmes, there is no requirement to travel to or spend any period of time in Egypt to obtain and maintain citizenship.

Are there any language or cultural knowledge requirements?

There is no requirement to demonstrate any language proficiency or knowledge of the culture or history of Egypt.

Final Thoughts

The Egypt citizenship by investment programme is relatively new, and time will tell how popular it will be.

Given the limited mobility an Egyptian passport brings, it is unlikely to be attractive to applicants where this is a main priority with others, such as the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programmes, carrying a much broader and attractive range of visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations.

For those looking to relocate to Egypt or do business in the country, the programme carries the attractions of the broad range of investment options, the ability to recoup investment (other than in the case of the donation route) and the ability to include family members at no extra cost.

Who can apply?

The main applicant must be over 18 and have a clean criminal record and a clean bill of health.

What if my application is rejected?

If an applicant’s application is rejected, the government fee of USD 10,000 will not be refunded and the costs of obtaining and certifying the accompanying documentation will have been incurred. Therefore, it is important to ensure that applications are complete and accurate to limit the possibility of rejection.

Do I need to learn the language?

No knowledge of Arabic or any other language is required.

Can I get the invested amount back?

If the investment is by donation, no. However, the other three routes allow for a return on investment. Real estate may be sold five years after citizenship is granted, the bank deposit can be returned after three years, and returns on an investment in a business can be achieved after five years.

Do I need to spend time in Egypt?

Applicants can conduct the entire process from outside of Egypt, and there is no requirement to spend any time in Egypt to maintain citizenship once acquired.

Can I include my family in the application?

The main applicant’s registered spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 can be included in the application at, unlike under many other CBI programmes, at no extra cost.

Will future children become citizens of Egypt?

All children born to an Egyptian citizen are automatically citizens of Egypt.

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David Davies

Our blog covers a combination of industry trends and professional insights. We provide updates on real estate investment opportunities through citizenship by investment programs, global mobility and more! Sign up for our newsletter to stay on top of industry trends!

David Davies

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Egypt Citizenship by Investment

What investment is required?

When can the investment be liquidated?

Is it possible to obtain citizenship for family members?

Who is eligible for the programme?

How long does it take to obtain citizenship?

Government fees and other costs

Can an applicant maintain their existing citizenship(s)?

Does an applicant need to spend time in Egypt to obtain or maintain citizenship?

Are there any language or cultural knowledge requirements?

Final Thoughts

Who can apply?

What if my application is rejected?

Do I need to learn the language?

Can I get the invested amount back?

Do I need to spend time in Egypt?

Can I include my family in the application?

Will future children become citizens of Egypt?

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