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Egypt – Work Permits and Working Legally

Working Legally in Egypt

It is necessary for expats to obtain a work permit to work legally in Egypt. According to the Egyptian law, any non-Egyptian who intends to work in Egypt must obtain a work permit and a residency visa before starting work

Who Must Make the Application?(e.g. the expat or their employer), and whether there are any exemptions

The application for a work permit must be made by the employer. However, the expat must also provide their own personal documentation such as passport and CV. There are no exemptions from this requirement.

Types of Work Permits for Expats in Egypt? Include info on eligibility

Egypt offers two types of work permits for expats:


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  • The temporary work permit, which is valid for two years and can be renewed for an additional two years.
  • The permanent work permit, which is valid for five years and can be renewed indefinitely.

To be eligible for a work permit in Egypt, the expat must have a job offer from an Egyptian company, have the relevant qualifications, and have a clean criminal record. Additionally, the employer must prove that the position cannot be filled by an Egyptian national.

Work Permit Application Process in Egypt

The procedure to apply for a work permit in Egypt involves the following steps:

  1. The employer must first submit a request to the Ministry of Manpower and Immigration.
  2. The Ministry of Manpower and Immigration will then issue a certificate of approval, which the employer must present to the Egyptian embassy in the expat’s home country.
  3. The expat must then go to the embassy and submit their personal documentation along with the certificate of approval.
  4. Once the embassy has processed the application, they will issue the work permit and residency visa.

The process can take several months and may be longer if there are any issues with the application or if the embassy is busy.

Work Permit Documents in Egypt

The following documents are required for a work permit in Egypt:

  • Passport with at least six months validity
  • CV
  • Educational qualifications and professional certificates
  • Proof of medical insurance
  • Criminal record certificate from the expat’s home country
  • Job offer letter from the Egyptian employer

Work Permit Costs in Egypt

The cost of a work permit in Egypt depends on the type of permit and the length of validity. The temporary work permit costs approximately EGP 500, while the permanent work permit costs approximately EGP 2,000. Additionally, there may be fees associated with obtaining the criminal record certificate and medical insurance.

Reliable Information on Working Legally in Egypt? Provide links to websites

Expats can find reliable information on working legally in Egypt from the following sources:


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