Egypt’s government announced in March 2020 a new citizenship law that was put into effect in 2019 and allows foreign investors to contribute financially to be eligible for citizenship.
To manage the initiative, which aims to draw in foreign direct investment, the government set up a dedicated citizenship by investment body.
Benefits of Egyptian citizenship by investment
- The only citizenship by investment country with visa-on-arrival access to Nigeria, one of the Top 5 wealthiest economies in Africa.
- Strategic geographical position between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
- A member of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the World Trade Organization.
- A transport hub with links to markets in Africa, Europe, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East.
- Eligibility for an E-2 Investor Visa in the USA, allowing citizens to be eligible to apply for a non-immigrant visa.
Requirements of the Egypt Citizenship by Investment Program
To qualify for citizenship, applicants must choose one of the following investment options:
- Donation: A non-refundable contribution of USD 250,000 to the state’s public treasury.
- Real estate investment: An investment of USD 300,000 in real estate from government-owned projects. One or more properties or land may be acquired, and projects may be under construction or already completed. After five years, investors may sell the property.
- Business investment: An investment of USD 350,000 in a new or existing local business and USD 100,000 donated to the state’s treasury. The project must be maintained for at least five years.
- Bank deposit: A transfer of USD 500,000, refundable in the local currency after three years, without interest.
Procedures and time frame
Applicants must be in good health and have a clear police record. All investments must be in US dollars and transferred from abroad.
Donations and bank deposits must be made into a special account of the Citizenship by Investment Unit at the Central Bank of Egypt treasury.
The processing time is nine to twelve months from submission of the application to approval.
