What is Egypt’s Immigration Policy?

As the interest in becoming an ex-pat grows, Egypt is one of many places individuals are considering moving to.

This article covers the basic information you’ll need to know if you’re considering immigrating to Egypt. From the citizenship process to the costs of living, there is a lot to cover, so let’s get started! 

Being A Resident of Egypt

Before applying for any kind of residency, foreigners coming to Egypt must apply for an eVisa for Egypt, or an entry visa. 

You may proceed to apply for residency once this visa is granted. To obtain an Entry Visa as a foreign national, the following criteria must be met:  

• The applicant has a valid passport for six months and has a blank page as well as application materials, passport photos, tickets from airlines, and receipts or other proof of hotel reservation.
• The applicant can prove 3-months’ worth of valid income on their bank statement.
• The applicant can provide a letter of invitation from either an Egyptian company or an Egyptian institute.
• If the applicant is traveling for work, they must provide a letter from their company of employment.

You may apply for it at an Egyptian consulate.

Long-term Visit Vs. Moving Permanently

There are two kinds of residence permits available in Egypt: Special Residence Permits and Ordinary Residence Permits. The latter applies to foreign nationals who qualify, and the prior pertains to foreigners born in Egypt.

There is also a 3-Year Ordinary Resident Permit, should the applicant meet all the qualifications, including: 

• Having employment in Egypt’s public sector.
• Being legally married to an Egyptian.
• Having been granted permission from the local and interior government in Egypt.  

The 3-year resident permit also extends to a 5-year resident permit if the applicant: 

• Is married to an Egyptian
• Is a child whose mother previously qualified for the permit
• The applicant is under sixty years old and has lived in Egypt for over ten years
• The applicant is the child of Egyptian parents

Work visas can be obtained after receiving an entry visa. You can visit the Visafrican resource website to learn more about the requirements for obtaining a work visa in Egypt.  

Egyptian Citizenship Process

Becoming a citizen of Egypt is a long process. You must be living in Egypt for at least ten years in a row to qualify.

You must also be at least twenty-one years of age, except for younger dependents listed on a parent or guardian application. Additional requirements include: 

• Being physically and mentally healthy
• Being HIV-negative
• Having no criminal record
• Being proficient in Arabic
• Having employment in Egypt with proof of savings

Once all of these requirements have been met and you achieve citizenship, you no longer need to renew or obtain additional permits and visas.

Reason To Immigrate to Egypt

1. The Warm Weather

The weather is either hot or mild, and the winter season only reaches lows of 15C. For those who enjoy a hot and dry climate, Egypt is certainly worth consideration. Summers are extremely hot and, to many, unbearable. Many people vacation during the summer to get away from the heat. Overall, most of the year, the weather is either all sunshine or rainy.

2. The Fresh Produce 

The vegetables are fresh and are grown locally to be sold in markets for very cheap.

Many fruits and vegetables in the West are imported from other countries, so you might enjoy fresh, local produce for a change. 

3. The Ancient History 

There are also many different historical sites to check out.

Of course, there are The Pyramids to visit, ancient temples, and many other places with ancient paintings and hieroglyphs to view. 

4. The Aquatic Gems

In the Red Sea, you can spot sea turtles, pufferfish, and eels. You can also enjoy sailing on the Nile for a truly unique experience.

5. The Cheap Stays 

Many ocean hotel escapes go for cheap if you’re looking to have a mini vacation while you stay in Egypt. You can even find poolside retreats for $25 per night. A single person’s average monthly costs for living in Egypt (except for rent) comes to just under $400, rendering that average costs are more than 50% lower than they are in the US. Rent is also much lower in Egypt than in the United States (by over 80%). 

Refugees in Egypt

Most refugees reside in the urban sectors of Cairo and the North Coast. Around half of the refugees and asylum-seekers who flee to Egypt are from Syria.

Some people come to Egypt from over sixty different countries to register with UNHCR Egypt. Overall, the protection for refugees and asylum seekers in Egypt is technically indicated, as the nation follows the non-refoulement principle as outlined in the 1951 Convention.

Although protection is officially outlined, there are frequent migration detainments and residence permit suspensions. Interference from other countries can also influence how well-protected refugees and asylum-seekers remain while in Egypt. Fear of personal safety is of relevant concern, particularly regarding international relationships between Egypt and the countries people have fled from. 

Immigrant Discrepancies in Egypt

Sudanese immigrants are sometimes granted special status, as the laws regarding Sudanese individuals in Egypt have fluctuated over the years. When this significance is given, Sudanese are treated as citizens in that they are granted access to healthcare, education, employment, and other basic needs. The general asylum-seeking population is blended into what Egypt considers its immigrant population.

Economic hardship is common for asylum seekers and refugees in Egypt. Access to essentials only goes so far, as many immigrants cannot pay for medical expenses, rent, and groceries.  

The Main Idea

If you’re someone with a good amount of money or stable work in Egypt, you may find Egypt to be an affordable place with tons of history.

If your financial situation is not in place, moving here may ultimately be a very challenging way of life. If you plan to move to Egypt, do your research and be sure it will meet your needs!