Work permit and residence in Egypt
How foreigners get an Egypt work permit and residence: why a tourist visa is not enough, who applies, which documents are needed, with official sources.
Step by step, official process
- A tourist visa is not a work visa: e-Visa and visa on arrival are tourist visas. You need a work permit before you work or get paid.
- The Egyptian company applies: The employer files with GAFI’s Investor Service Center or the Ministry of Labour. Foreign staff are usually capped at 10% (20% if no qualified locals).
- Prepare documents: Original passport + copy with entry visa, company letter, commercial register extract (≤14 days), notarized power of attorney, legalized degree and experience certificates.
- Security clearance, then the permit: After security clearance the work permit is issued.
- Residence on the work permit: Apply at the Passports, Immigration & Nationality authority (or GAFI’s passport office). Residence is usually 1 year and renews with the permit.
- Pay fees with an FX receipt: Under PM Decree 3326/2023, residence fees need a receipt from a bank or licensed exchange showing foreign currency converted to EGP.
- Renew early; new employer = new permit: Apply to renew well before expiry. Changing employer needs a new permit from the new company.
Sources: GAFI · moi.gov.eg · Library of Congress (Decree 3326/2023) · visa2egypt.gov.eg · Sadany & Khalifa (work permit documents)
