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Setting Up a Company and Doing Business in Egypt
All foreigners must obtain a work visa to work in Egypt. World Company Setup will assist our clients in preparing their visa applications and submitting them to the local Egyptian Consulate.
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All foreigners must obtain a work visa to work in Egypt. World Company Setup will assist our clients in preparing their visa applications and submitting them to the local Egyptian Consulate.
Setting Up a Company in Egypt: The 2026 Complete Guide
Positioned as a strategic bridge between Africa, the Middle East and European markets, Egypt has become an attractive hub for foreign investors thanks to its population of over 110 million, a young workforce and the logistical power of the Suez Canal. Setting up a company in Egypt can be completed quickly and efficiently when planned with the right structure and up-to-date regulatory knowledge. In this guide we cover company types, incorporation steps, tax rates, free zone advantages and costs, based on current official sources.
Why Set Up a Company in Egypt?
In recent years, the Egyptian economy has opened its doors to international capital through liberalisation reforms, currency measures and investment incentives. The country offers significant opportunities in textiles, food processing, petrochemicals, logistics, IT and renewable energy.
Key Advantages
- Strategic location: Maritime connectivity to Asia, Africa and Europe via the Suez Canal.
- Large domestic market: A strong consumer base as one of the region's most populous countries.
- Free trade agreements: Wide market access through COMESA, GAFTA and the EU association agreements.
- 100% foreign ownership: Foreign investors may hold full ownership in many sectors.
- Investment incentives: Tax and customs benefits under Investment Law No. 72 of 2017.
Company Types in Egypt
Companies in Egypt are established mainly under Companies Law No. 159 of 1981 and Investment Law No. 72 of 2017. The structures most preferred by investors are:
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
The most popular structure for small and medium-sized enterprises and startups. It is formed with at least two partners, whose liability is limited to their capital shares. There is no fixed statutory minimum capital for an LLC; in practice, capital of around EGP 50,000 is commonly recommended.
Joint Stock Company (SAE)
Suitable for larger investments and companies planning to go public. Closed joint stock companies require a minimum capital of EGP 250,000, with 10% paid at incorporation, and a board of at least three directors.
Branch and Representative Office
A foreign company may establish a branch to carry out activities in Egypt, or a representative office solely for market research and representation.
Company Incorporation Steps
Company incorporation in Egypt is handled mainly through the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI). The core steps are as follows:
Step-by-Step Process
- Company name approval: Confirming name availability with the Commercial Register.
- Drafting the articles of association: Notarised incorporation deed and required founder documents.
- Bank deposit: Where required, freezing a portion of the capital in a bank account.
- GAFI registration: Registering the company through the Investment Authority (GAFI).
- Commercial Register entry: Registration upon payment of the fees under Law No. 72 of 2017.
- Tax registration: Obtaining a tax identification number and onboarding to the e-invoice system.
- Social insurance and work permits: Completing the registrations required to employ staff.
Egypt's Tax System and Rates
Taxation in Egypt is governed by the Income Tax Law and the VAT Law. The table below summarises the main rates in effect as of July 2026.
| Tax Type | Rate (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Income Tax | 22.5% | Standard rate on net profit (excluding oil companies, etc.). |
| Value Added Tax (VAT) | 14% | Standard rate; special rates apply to certain goods and services. |
| Free Zone Companies | Customs / import-export exemption | Subject to a special fee regime under Law No. 72 of 2017. |
Free Zones and Investment Advantages
For details on tax exemptions and the GAFI fee structure in free zones, see our guide on investment advantages of Egypt free zones (Freezone).
Egypt's public free zones offer significant advantages such as exemption from customs and sales tax, especially for export-oriented manufacturers. The main free zones and their focus sectors are:
| Free Zone | Location | Key Sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria (APFZ) | Alexandria | Food processing, chemicals, petrochemicals, electronics, medical equipment |
| Nasr City (NCPFZ) | Cairo | Pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, engineering, electronics |
| Port Said (PSPFZ) | Northern Suez Canal | Textiles, household goods, chemicals, logistics, oil services |
| Suez (SPFZ) | Suez | Maritime services, ship maintenance, metal products, oil operations |
Key Notes for Free Zone Companies
- Export and import operations are exempt from customs duties.
- Restrictions on the ratio of foreign workers may apply in the free zone.
- A physical office/industrial space and annual audited financial statements are required.
Cost and Timeline Table
Total setup cost varies according to company type, capital, free zone choice and consultancy scope. The table below is a guiding summary of typical timelines and requirements.
| Item | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Company setup time | Approx. 2–4 weeks |
| Bank account opening time | 1–2 weeks |
| Minimum partners (LLC) | 2 |
| Minimum capital (Closed JSC) | EGP 250,000 |
Bank Account and Work Visa
Once company registration is complete, the process of opening a corporate bank account and obtaining work permits for staff begins. Foreign employees must obtain a work visa to be able to work in Egypt. World Company Setup supports every stage, from opening the bank account to preparing visa applications and submitting them to the local Egyptian Consulate.
To accelerate your company formation in Egypt with professional consultancy, you can get in touch or request a quote right away.
Documents Required for Incorporation
The documents required to set up a company in Egypt may vary according to the company type and the status of the partners (individual or corporate). To keep the process moving without delays, it is essential that documents are complete and, where necessary, notarised or apostilled. The main documents generally requested are:
- Valid passport copies of the partners and directors.
- Notarised articles of association (incorporation deed).
- Certificate confirming the availability of the company name.
- Lease agreement or title deed showing the registered company address.
- Commercial register records and authorisation documents for corporate partners.
- Where required, a security clearance form and proof of bank deposit.
If documents are in a foreign language, sworn translation and official certification processes may also apply. For this reason, working with an experienced consultant helps avoid errors and time loss during document preparation.
Key Sectors for Investment
Egypt's economy offers opportunities across many sectors thanks to its large domestic market and export potential. Choosing the right sector is decisive both for benefiting from government incentives and for gaining a competitive advantage.
Prominent Areas
- Textiles and apparel: A strong sector with a long manufacturing tradition and export agreements.
- Food processing: Broad capacity for domestic and export markets, based on agricultural production.
- IT and software: A rapidly growing area with a young, technology-oriented workforce.
- Renewable energy: Increasing investment incentives in solar and wind projects.
- Logistics and warehousing: Strategic advantage linked to the Suez Canal economic zone.
When selecting a sector, the target market, supply chain, labour costs and sector-specific licensing requirements should be assessed together. Free zones stand out in particular for investors planning export-oriented production, thanks to the tax and customs advantages they offer.
Why Work with a Professional Consultant?
The company formation process in Egypt requires local expertise in terms of language, legislation and bureaucratic steps. Small mistakes at any stage — from correctly drafting the articles of association to GAFI registration, from tax registration to opening a bank account — can extend the process by weeks. Working with a professional consultant provides important advantages such as compliance with current regulations, selecting the right company structure and faster communication with official authorities.
At World Company Setup, we provide end-to-end support at every stage, from company incorporation to accounting and tax consultancy, and from bank account opening to work visa applications. This allows you to focus on growing your business without dealing with the operational burden. To put your investment decision on a solid foundation, we recommend following current legislation and official sources and obtaining professional support at the start of the process.
References
- General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) – Investment Law No. 72/2017 and company incorporation services, gafi.gov.eg
- Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA) – Corporate income tax and VAT regulations, eta.gov.eg