North Africa / Middle East · Citizenship by Investment ($250K)
Investment
$250,000
Presence Required
None required
Residency Timeline
1–3 months
Citizenship Timeline
3–6 months
Overview
Egypt launched a formal citizenship by investment programme in 2019, offering citizenship in exchange for qualifying investments starting at $250,000. The programme provides one of the fastest routes to an Egyptian passport, with processing times of 3–6 months and no physical presence requirement. Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world and one of Africa's largest economies. The Egyptian passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 55 countries. The programme has attracted significant interest from investors seeking a Middle Eastern/African passport with access to both regions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
No physical presence requirement
Fast processing — 3 to 6 months
Egypt is Africa's third-largest economy
Access to both African and Arab world networks
Real estate investment retains value
Dual citizenship permitted (with some restrictions)
Growing tech and startup ecosystem in Cairo
Cons
$250,000 investment threshold is above the $50K target
Egyptian pound has experienced significant devaluation
Egyptian passport has limited visa-free access (~55 countries)
Political environment has restrictions on civil liberties
Currency controls and banking restrictions
How to Complete the Process
Choose your investment vehicle: The four qualifying investment categories are: (1) real estate purchase of $300,000+, (2) non-refundable deposit of $250,000 in an Egyptian bank, (3) establishing a company with $350,000+ capital, or (4) purchasing government bonds worth $500,000+. The bank deposit is the most popular route.
Engage a local attorney: Egyptian citizenship applications require a local attorney or authorized agent. Engage a reputable Cairo-based law firm with experience in the CBI programme.
Prepare documentation: Gather passport copies, criminal background check, source of funds documentation, bank statements, and medical certificate. All documents require notarization and Arabic translation.
Submit application to Ministry of Interior: The application is submitted to the Egyptian Ministry of Interior through your authorized agent. The ministry conducts a security review and due diligence check.
Receive citizenship and passport: Upon approval (typically 3–6 months), receive your Egyptian citizenship certificate and apply for an Egyptian passport. No travel to Egypt is required during the process.
Requirements Checklist
Investment of $250,000 in one of four qualifying categories
Real estate purchase ($300K+), bank deposit ($250K), company establishment ($350K+), or government bonds ($500K)
Clean criminal record
Source of funds documentation
Medical certificate
Tax System
Tax System
Egypt has a worldwide income tax system for residents. Non-residents are taxed only on Egypt-source income. The personal income tax rate is progressive, up to 27.5%. Egypt has tax treaties with over 50 countries. The Egyptian pound (EGP) has experienced significant devaluation in recent years — factor currency risk into any investment decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the $250,000 bank deposit refundable?
No. The $250,000 bank deposit route is a non-refundable contribution to the Egyptian government. The real estate route ($300,000+) allows you to retain the asset, making it a more capital-efficient option if you are comfortable with Egyptian real estate.
What is the Egyptian passport's visa-free access?
The Egyptian passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 55 countries, including several African nations, some Arab countries, and a few Asian destinations. It does not provide visa-free access to the EU, UK, or USA. It is most useful for travel within Africa and the Arab world.
Can I hold dual citizenship with Egypt?
Egypt technically does not recognize dual citizenship — Egyptian law requires citizens to renounce other citizenships. However, in practice, many dual citizens hold Egyptian passports alongside other nationalities without issue. Consult a local attorney for guidance specific to your situation.