Work Permit Basics for Foreigners in Egypt
Many people come to Egypt to explore opportunities before deciding to work here. The baseline rule: **you cannot work on a tourist visa or visa on arrival.** In February 2026 the Chinese Consulate-General in Alexandria reminded citizens to obtain the right visa category before arriving and to get a work permit and residence after entry — working or overstaying on a visa on arrival can lead to fines, detention, deportation or even criminal liability.
Legal basis
- Under Egypt's Labour Law No. 14 of 2025 and Ministry of Labour Decree No. 279 of 2025:
- A foreigner may not work without a licence from the Ministry, its directorates, or its offices at bodies such as the investment authority;
- The person must also be authorised to enter and reside for work;
- Employers may not hire foreigners before the licence is issued.
What the employer submits
- Per the decree, the employer applies with:
- Incorporation documents, nature of activity and operating licence;
- The foreign employee's documents;
- An employment contract stating job, place, wage, benefits, and start and end dates.
Common conditions
- Experience must match the job and generally be at least three documented years (exemptions possible);
- Foreign staff generally may not exceed 10% of Egyptian staff, with defined exceptions;
- Tourist guiding and export/customs-clearance work are closed to foreigners;
- Licences are issued for one year or less and must be renewed.
Reminder
Labour rules changed significantly in 2025 and further decisions may follow. Check with the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Interior.
Sources
- Ministry of Labour – foreign work permits page: www.manpower.gov.eg
- Decree 279/2025 full text (legal database copy, not a government site): lawhub.info (non-government / press)
- 中国驻亚历山大总领馆 4 Feb 2026 提醒（切勿非法滞留和非法务工）: alexandria.china-consulate.gov.cn
- MOI – temporary non-tourism residence for work-licence holders: www.moi.gov.eg
Your first week in Egypt
- Get a local SIM card and save key addresses in Arabic.
- Keep some Egyptian pounds in cash and use official exchange channels.
- Check your health insurance and the nearest hospital.
- Save emergency numbers and your embassy contact from its official website.
- Install a ride-hailing app and find the supermarket and pharmacy near your home.
How we work
- Send your request from the booking page or our contact channels: the task, the city and the date.
- The Wang Fu team checks the details and asks about your field and terminology if needed.
- You receive a written quote and plan before anything starts.
- We assign the right person, coordinate on site or remotely, and stay in touch until the job is done.