A temporary residence permit allows foreign citizens to legally reside in Egypt for a period of 1 to 5 years with the right to extend. The status is granted to both people who want to work and those who intend to run a business, study or just live in the country. Citizens of foreign countries can obtain a residence permit through various programs, including investments, employment or family ties, which makes the permit available to a wide audience.
One of the key advantages is the possibility of legal residence and employment, which opens up new prospects for business and career growth. In addition, holders of an Egyptian residence permit can enjoy certain social benefits and rights, such as access to health care and education.
A temporary residence permit simplifies the process of obtaining citizenship in the future, which makes it an attractive choice for those planning a long-term stay in Egypt.
Types of residence permits in Egypt
Based on the specific circumstances of foreign citizens and the purpose of their stay, one of the following residence permits can be requested:
- Tourist. It is provided for short-term stays, usually for up to 30 days. Ideal for tourists planning to come on vacation.
- For students. It is issued to foreign citizens who have enrolled in Egyptian educational institutions. The document allows students to legally reside in the country for a period of 1 year with the right to further extension.
- Worker. It is used by foreign citizens who wish to find a job in a local company. The employer must submit documents confirming the need to hire a foreigner.
- Family reunion. Allows foreigners with close relatives in Egypt to obtain a residence permit for cohabitation. It is necessary to prepare documents confirming the relationship.
- For investors. It is provided to foreign citizens who make significant investments in the country's economy. Compared to the others, this type of resolution has a number of advantages.
- For pensioners. It is intended for foreign citizens who have reached the age of 60 and older. In fact, this is a standard visa for 30 days, but it is not necessary to extend it. Thus, pensioners can legally stay in the country without time limits.
Residence permit for the purchase of real estate
One of the most popular ways to obtain a residence permit in Egypt is to purchase real estate. To do this, foreigners need to invest at least $50,000 and coordinate the facility with the authorities.
This option not only ensures the legality of living in the country, but also opens access to the real estate market, which attracts many investors.
Necessary justifications
- The investment must be at least $50,000. Investments give the right to stay in Egypt for a period of 1 year. In the amount of $100,000, the residence permit period is 3 years and $200,000 is 5 years.
- Availability of supporting documents on ownership. It is necessary to prove that the property belongs to a foreign investor.
- Availability of insurance valid in Egypt.
- Confirmation of the absence of criminal cases and financial problems.
List of documents
- Passport and its copy (with a minimum validity period of at least six months).
- Documents confirming the purchase of real estate.
- Financial documents (bank statements, etc.).
- Medical insurance valid in Egypt.
- A few recent passport-sized photos.
Student residence permits
The permit gives the right to stay in the country for 1 year with the possibility of extension until graduation. It allows students to receive high-quality education in state-accredited educational institutions.
Necessary justifications
- Confirmation of admission to an accredited university or college.
- Evidence of sufficient finances to live and study in the country.
- The availability of insurance valid in Egypt.
- A document confirming parental consent to study and live in Egypt (for minors). At the same time, relatives can also apply together with the student.
List of documents
- A copy of the passport.
- Certificate of enrollment: a document from the educational institution confirming admission.
- Confirmation of financial possibilities for self-sufficiency, for example, bank statements.
- Medical insurance policy.
- Passport-sized personal photos.
Residence permit for financially independent (freelance, digital nomad)
Currently, there are no special programs for freelancers or digital nomads in Egypt.
Despite the fact that many foreigners work remotely, the government has not yet developed specific conditions that would officially support this initiative.
Residence permit by marriage
The wives of Egyptians have the right to obtain a temporary residence permit after the conclusion of an official marriage. First, you need to sign a preliminary prenuptial agreement (ORFI), which confirms the intention to conclude a family union. It allows you to get a visa for a period of 6 months.
After that, a residence permit is issued for 2 years. During this period, it can be extended for another 5 years.
As for men, when they become husbands of Egyptian women, they receive a residence permit for a 2-year period, after which they can apply for citizenship. It is noteworthy that a foreigner can take 4 wives at once. Of course, if the man proves that he is able to support them financially.
Necessary justifications
- A signed ORPHI contract confirming the intention to start a family.
- An official marriage certificate.
- Confirmation of the possibility of ensuring a life together.
- Medical insurance covering medical risks.
List of documents
- A copy of the passport.
- Marriage certificate: original and translated into Arabic.
- A certified ORPHIC contract.
- Financial statements on financial viability.
- A medical insurance policy.
- Some recent photos.
Family reunion
A residence permit can be obtained by relatives of those who already have a residence permit or citizenship. This applies to the children of Egyptian women with a 5-year residence permit, as well as the wives of foreigners with three-year and five-year residence permits.
To obtain the status, you need to receive a special invitation, which will indicate the purpose of the visit, the degree of kinship and confirmation of financial support from an Egyptian citizen.
Necessary justifications
- An official invitation.
- Evidence that the inviter can provide for his relatives.
- Evidence of the appropriate degree of kinship.
List of documents
- A foreign passport.
- An official invitation from an Egyptian citizen.
- Certificates that prove the relationship.
- Confirmation of the financial viability of the Egyptian.
- Medical insurance policy.
- Recent photos on a light background.
Work permit
Foreign citizens who have found work in Egypt have the right to apply for a residence permit based on their employment. To do this, you will need to obtain permission from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as the Ministry of Labor.
A work permit is issued for 1 year. The document can be extended as needed.
Necessary justifications
- A valid contract with an Egyptian employer.
- Evidence of professional skills, education and work experience in the required field.
- A permit from the Ministry of Labor allowing a foreigner to work.
- Proof of solvency to live in the country.
List of documents
- A foreign passport.
- The original and translation of the employment contract with the Egyptian employer.
- Diplomas, certificates and other documents confirming professional skills and experience.
- Official confirmation of the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Egypt.
- A document from the country of residence confirming the absence of criminal records.
- Medical certificate.
- A few recent passport-sized photos.
- Receipts for payment of all necessary fees and charges related to the application.
Residence permit for business and sole proprietor
Foreign citizens who create new companies or enterprises in Egypt can apply for a residence permit. This permit is granted for one year to entrepreneurs registered with the General Directorate of Investments and Free Zones (GAFI).
After the expiration of the residence permit, it can be extended for another six months or a year, depending on the success of doing business and compliance with all requirements.
Necessary justifications
- Creation of a new economic entity or company.
- Business registration with the General Directorate of Investments and Free Zones (GAFI).
- Evidence of financial viability to support the business.
- Confirmation of business compliance with all local regulatory requirements.
List of documents
- Certificate of registration of the company in GAFI.
- Agreements on the establishment of a company or other economic entities.
- Financial documents confirming the investment.
- Business licenses and permits.
- A document confirming the lease or purchase of commercial premises.
- Passport and valid visa.
Extension of a residence permit
To do this, contact the Migration Service department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The procedure may take several days, sometimes weeks, depending on the type of permit and the number of applications. The cost of renewal varies and usually ranges from 1,000 EGP to 1,500 EGP. The main documents of the applicant will be required for the extension:
- A valid passport with a visa or a current residence permit.
- Several passport-sized photos.
- A completed application form for renewal.
- A certificate of employment or proof of income.
- A certificate of health, if required for a specific type of residence permit.
After submitting all the necessary documents, you need to pay the fee, and the migration service will decide on the extension of the residence permit.
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