Egypt
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in Egypt.
Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Egypt welcomes 100% foreign-owned companies
A physical visit is required at some point during the formation process.
- LLC is a common foreign-investor structure
- Corporate tax headline rate is 22.5%
- VAT standard rate is 14%
- Local registered address is mandatory
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
Visit Required
Note
Some residency, audit threshold, and annual fee values are marked for verification.
Tax at a glance
Egypt Tax Overview
22.5%
Corporate income tax
Egypt tax authority summary
14%
VAT
Egypt tax authority summary
0% for qualifying free zone activity
Free zone export regime
Investment regime summary
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
Large domestic market in MENA
Strong free zone and logistics position
Competitive operating cost base
Clear one-stop incorporation channel via GAFI
Considerations
Currency controls and FX repatriation can be complex
Bureaucratic processes can be slow
Economic volatility and inflation risks
Incorporation Process
The process is strictly digital. Each stage builds on the previous one.
Register with GAFI
Complete legal filing
Tax and social setup
Bank onboarding
What you'll pay
Cost Architecture
Government Fees
Annual Ongoing
Professional Services
Banking and FX documentation can extend practical setup timelines.
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Egypt setup is different. A 15-minute call with one of our specialists will give you a personalised cost breakdown — completely free.
Fintech & Banking
Can non-residents open accounts without visiting? YES.
Banking options for non-resident founders in Egypt. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Bank of Egypt | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | 1-4 weeks in typical corporate onboarding • Bank tier dependent • Bank specific • Incorporation docs, tax IDs, UBO records, business profile • Local transfers, SWIFT, cards, online banking |
| Banque Misr | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | 1-4 weeks in typical corporate onboarding • Bank tier dependent • Bank specific • Incorporation docs, tax IDs, UBO records, business profile • Local transfers, SWIFT, cards, online banking |
| CIB | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | 1-4 weeks in typical corporate onboarding • Bank tier dependent • Bank specific • Incorporation docs, tax IDs, UBO records, business profile • Local transfers, SWIFT, cards, online banking |
| HSBC Egypt | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | 1-4 weeks in typical corporate onboarding • Bank tier dependent • Bank specific • Incorporation docs, tax IDs, UBO records, business profile • Local transfers, SWIFT, cards, online banking |
| Digital channels available at selected banks | Fintech | High (Remote) | 1-4 weeks in typical corporate onboarding • Bank tier dependent • Bank specific • Incorporation docs, tax IDs, UBO records, business profile • Local transfers, SWIFT, cards, online banking |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
Annual return and registry updates | Ongoing | Yearly. Keep corporate records and filings updated. |
Tax filings | Ongoing | Periodic and annual. Submit VAT and income tax obligations on schedule. |
Audit | Ongoing | Annual. Mandatory for JSC and threshold-based for LLC. |
Frequently Asked
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