Egypt

Egypt, situated in northeastern Africa and connected to Asia via the Sinai Peninsula, stands as an independent nation. Renowned for its ancient heritage and iconic pyramids, Egypt holds a prominent position as both a political and cultural force in the Middle East, in addition to being a crucial global maritime hub.

Egypt allows foreign nationals to make an investment in the country and gain Egyptian citizenship in return.

• Exclusive citizenship by investment country with visa-on-arrival access to Nigeria, one of Africa’s top 5 economies
• Strategically located at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East
• Membership in the African Continental Free Trade Area and the World Trade Organization
• Functions as a crucial transport hub connecting markets in Africa, Europe, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East
• Eligibility for a U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, allowing citizens to apply for a non-immigrant visa

• A clear criminal record is a prerequisite for applicants.
• As part of the application procedure, applicants must undergo a medical evaluation.
• An in-person interview in Egypt is mandatory.
• Documentation demonstrating the main applicant’s financial stability is necessary.
• Meeting the investment criteria through one of the four available program choices is obligatory.

Applicants are required to furnish a set of documents that confirm their identity, a clean criminal record, and the origin of the investment funds. The essential documents that all applicants must submit with their application are as follows:

• Egypt Citizenship Acquisition Application Form.
• Copies of the main applicant’s passport and birth certificate (in cases of dual citizenship, include copies of all passports).
• A recent passport-sized photograph of the main applicant.
• Copies of passports and additional identity documents for the spouse and minor children, accompanied by a copy of the marriage certificate.
• A certificate from the applicant’s country of origin, affirming the absence of any criminal penalties or convictions, duly attested by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• An official certificate from the applicant’s country of origin or current residence, detailing their movements over the past 5 years.
• A criminal record of the main applicant issued by Egyptian authorities.
• A medical examination result certificate for the main applicant.
• Supporting documents related to any assets owned by the main applicant in Egypt, such as property titles, company registration records, and vehicle licenses.

In order to meet the requirements for citizenship, applicants must select one of the following investment pathways:

• Contribution: A non-refundable donation of USD 250,000 to the state’s public treasury.

• Real Estate Investment: An investment of USD 300,000 in government-owned real estate projects. This investment can involve one or more properties or land, and the projects may be in progress or already completed. After a five-year period, investors have the option to sell the property.
• Business Investment: An investment of USD 350,000 in either a new or existing local business, along with a USD 100,000 donation to the state’s treasury. The business project must be actively maintained for a minimum of five years.
• Bank Deposit: A transfer of USD 500,000, which is refundable in the local currency after three years, without accruing interest.

Fees:

The other fees include government processing fees, visa issuance fees, and translation and notarization of documents. The exact amount of these fees will vary depending on the individual applicant’s circumstances.

It is also important to note that there may be additional fees associated with the residency application process, such as medical examinations and background checks.

Please note that this information is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. It is always best to consult with an immigration lawyer to get specific advice on your case.

Can my family also acquire Egyptian citizenship?

Yes, through Egypt’s CBI program, you can attain citizenship within 6 to 9 months. Once you’ve obtained Egyptian citizenship, your family members can also apply for Egyptian citizenship. Children under 21 automatically gain citizenship, and your spouse can become a citizen after two years.

Does Egypt permit dual citizenship?

Yes, Egypt is among the countries that permit dual citizenship. This means that, as long as your home country allows dual citizenship, you can hold both Egyptian and your original nationality simultaneously. Egyptian citizens seeking a second citizenship can do so with approval from the Egyptian government, with the exception of the Egyptian president, prime minister, and their family members, who must maintain exclusive Egyptian citizenship.

Do any other Arab countries offer CBI programs?

Jordan has a similar program, but it may be considered relatively expensive for the benefits it provides. If your goal is to obtain citizenship in an Arab country, Egypt’s program is likely a more favorable choice. However, if your objective is not citizenship but rather the ability to conduct business within the Arab world as a resident, you should explore the UAE Golden Visa program as a primary option.

Make Egypt your second home 

Visa-Free Countries

Population:

108,307,453 (2023 est.)

GDP (per capita):

US$3,644 (nominal, 2023 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity):

US$16,979 (2023 est.)

Capital city: Cairo

Time zone: Egypt Standard Time (UTC+2)

Total area: 1,001,450 km2

Languages: Arabic (official), English (widely spoken)

Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP)

Main industry: Tourism, agriculture, textiles, petroleum and natural gas

Schengen/EU: Egypt is not a member of the Schengen Area or the European Union

KEY ADVANTAGES

• Rich Cultural Heritage: Egypt’s ancient history and iconic sites, including the pyramids and temples, provide a unique cultural experience.
• Affordable Living Costs: Egypt offers a cost-effective lifestyle with lower expenses for housing, food, and transportation.
• Diverse Landscapes: From the Red Sea coast to the fertile Nile Delta and the Western Desert, Egypt offers a variety of landscapes for residents to explore and enjoy.

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Disclaimer
The materials contained in this page are provided for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide legal or other professional advice. Processing times and costs will vary depending on a number of factors. CitizenMatch is not responsible for any changes to the time and cost estimates; we can provide specific information on an individual basis. All rights reserved.