Egypt (EG)

Obtain dependent residence permits for spouse and children

Spouses and children under 18 of work permit holders are entitled to dependent residence permits (Iqama). Required documents: marriage certificate (legalised — full chain, not apostille), birth certificates (legalised), and copies of the primary permit holder's Iqama. Applications processed alongside or after the primary Iqama.

Register a newborn birth in Egypt and with home country embassy

If your child is born in Egypt, register the birth at the Civil Status Authority (مصلحة الأحوال المدنية) within 15 days. The private hospital will assist. Also register the birth at your home country's embassy or consulate in Cairo to obtain your child's home country birth certificate, citizenship documentation, and passport.

Obtain tourist e-visa before arrival

Apply for a tourist e-visa at visa2egypt.gov.eg before travelling to Egypt. The e-visa costs USD 30 (single entry, 30 days; fee raised March 2026) and is approved within minutes to 48 hours for most nationalities. Print the approval email and present alongside your passport at immigration.

Apply for work permit (employer action required)

Your employer must apply to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for your work permit before you can legally work in Egypt. The employer proves no qualified Egyptian is available, submits your legalised credentials, and pays government fees. You cannot apply independently — confirm with your employer's HR team that this has been initiated.

Obtain residence permit (Iqama / إقامة)

Once your work permit is approved, the Passport and Immigration Authority issues your residence permit (Iqama). This is your primary ID card in Egypt — carry it at all times. The Iqama must be renewed annually with employer support.

Purchase third-party vehicle insurance (mandatory)

Third-party vehicle insurance is legally mandatory for all vehicles in Egypt under the Motor Vehicles Act. Obtain from a licensed Egyptian insurer before driving. Carry the insurance certificate in the vehicle at all times. Annual cost: EGP 1,500–4,000 for a standard passenger car.

Prepare pet import documentation for Egypt (6 weeks ahead)

Egypt is NOT in the Hague Apostille Convention — pet import documents need full legalisation: veterinary health certificate → national veterinary authority endorsement → your country's MFA → Egyptian Consulate legalisation. Also apply for an Egyptian import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture before travel. Quarantine: 5–14 days on arrival. Start this process AT LEAST 6 weeks before your travel date.

File Egyptian income tax return by March 31

If you are tax resident in Egypt (183+ days in the tax year), you must file an annual income tax return by March 31 of the following year. The ETA e-filing portal is at myaccounteg.eta.gov.eg. Most employed expats have withholding handled by their employer — but they should still file to confirm. Self-employed: file and pay quarterly estimated tax.

Register with NOSI (Social Insurance) through employer

Your employer registers you with NOSI (National Organisation for Social Insurance) and deducts 11% of your gross salary as your social insurance contribution. Confirm your NOSI registration with HR. Your NOSI insurance number appears on your first payslip. This entitles you to future pension, disability, and work injury coverage.

Document legalisation process for Egypt (non-Apostille)

CRITICAL: Egypt is NOT a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Standard apostille stamps are not accepted by Egyptian authorities. All foreign official documents must go through the full legalisation chain: (1) Notarise in country of origin → (2) Authenticate by national Ministry of Foreign Affairs → (3) Authenticate by Egyptian Embassy/Consulate. Start this process 4–8 weeks before you need the documents.

Prepare Arabic-translated emergency information cards

Prepare laminated cards in Arabic containing: your home address in Cairo (in Arabic script), blood type, known allergies, critical medical conditions, insurer phone number, and home country embassy emergency number. Give copies to a trusted colleague and keep one in your wallet. Essential for any medical emergency.

Open an Egyptian bank account (CIB or QNB recommended)

Open an EGP current account at a reputable bank. CIB has the best digital banking app in Egypt and English-language service — ideal for expats. QNB Al Ahli is another excellent option. You'll need your Iqama and a formal stamped lease agreement or employer letter as proof of address. Bank accounts cannot be opened on a tourist visa.

Open a USD/EUR foreign currency account

Open a foreign currency account (USD or EUR) at your Egyptian bank simultaneously with your EGP account. This protects savings from EGP devaluation — critical given Egypt's history of currency volatility. Most major banks offer USD accounts. Salary paid in USD can be received directly into a USD account.

Get Egyptian SIM card and set up mobile payments

Purchase a prepaid Egyptian SIM card on arrival (EGP 50–100) from Vodafone, Orange, or Etisalat. SIM registration requires passport + Iqama. Set up Vodafone Cash or Orange Money mobile wallet for cashless payments. Register for InstaPay via your bank app for instant EGP transfers.

Set up internet at home: TE Data or Orange Home

Order home internet as soon as you have a confirmed address. TE Data (Telecom Egypt) offers the most reliable ADSL/fibre in Cairo. Orange Home has good fibre in newer areas. Typical plans: 50–100 Mbps at EGP 400–800/month. Installation takes 5–10 business days. Get a router with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.

Join Cairo expat community groups for support and local knowledge

Join these Cairo community groups immediately: Cairo Expats (Facebook), Maadi Community (Facebook — if Maadi-based), Zamalek Expats (if Zamalek), InterNations Cairo (international networking events). These groups are invaluable for: doctor recommendations, vet referrals, school tips, second-hand furniture, and social connections.

Understand baksheesh (tipping) culture and carry small EGP notes

Baksheesh is fundamental to Egyptian daily life — it affects quality of service and is deeply embedded in the culture. Budget for: 10–15% in restaurants (EGP 50–200), EGP 10–20 for parking attendants, EGP 20–50 hotel room cleaning/day, EGP 50–200 for building bawab/month, EGP 10–20 for small services. Always carry EGP 5, 10, and 20 notes.

Stock your home with essential Egyptian supplies

First week supplies: bottled water (never drink tap), water filter jug for daily use, sunscreen SPF 50+, oral rehydration salts (ORS from any pharmacy), good insect repellent, an air purifier for indoor air quality, and a good mobile phone power bank (power cuts are more common than in Europe).

Understand Ramadan and how it affects daily expat life

Ramadan lasts 30 days (approximately February–March 2026; starts ~18 February 2026). During daylight hours: eating or drinking in public is deeply disrespectful (not always illegal but socially unacceptable); government offices reduce hours; restaurants may close until iftar (sunset). After sunset, Cairo comes alive with celebrations. Adjust work schedule, meeting times, and restaurant plans during Ramadan.

Download essential Cairo apps before arrival

Install before landing: Uber (transport), Careem (transport), Talabat (food delivery), InstaPay (banking transfers — requires Egyptian bank account), Vodafone Cash (mobile payments), Fawry (bill payments), and your bank's app (CIB Smart or QNB). Download Google Maps offline maps for Cairo.

Set up ETA online tax account

Register for the Egyptian Tax Authority's online filing portal at myaccounteg.eta.gov.eg. This allows you to: file annual tax returns, view your tax records, and receive digital tax clearance certificates. The portal is in Arabic — use Google Translate or an accountant for navigation.

Apply to international schools for children

Cairo's best international schools (AISE, CAC, BISC, GEMS) have waiting lists. Apply 3–6 months before your intended start date. Required: birth certificate (legalised), previous school reports, vaccination records, placement assessment. Fees: EGP 80,000–800,000/year. Confirm if your employer package includes an education allowance.

Find international nursery for toddlers

International nurseries in Cairo (Maadi, Zamalek, New Cairo) cater to expat children from 3 months to 4 years. Monthly cost: EGP 5,000–20,000. Quality varies significantly — visit multiple options and ask expat community for recommendations. Apply early as popular nurseries fill quickly.

Understand your Egyptian employment contract and rights

Review your employment contract against Egypt's Labour Code (Law 12/2003). Key rights: 21 days annual leave (30 after 10 years), 90 days maternity leave, 6 months sick leave (full pay for 3 months, 75% for 3 months), 1–2 months notice period. Ensure the contract includes your health insurance commitment and annual leave entitlement explicitly.

Start Egyptian job search: key platforms and networking

Begin your Egypt job search on Wuzzuf.net (Egypt's largest job board), LinkedIn Egypt, and Bayt.com (MENA regional). For multinational and NGO roles: check AmCham Egypt events and UN Careers portal. Attend InterNations Cairo networking events. A photo on your CV is expected for local roles.

Create EGP/USD budget accounting for Egyptian inflation

Egypt's inflation rate (15–20% in 2026) significantly affects budgeting. Create a monthly budget in both EGP and your home currency, accounting for: rent (likely USD-pegged), groceries (EGP-priced and inflating), school fees (often USD-pegged), and transport. Plan for a 10–25% annual rent increase in your first contract renewal.

Set up international money transfer arrangements

Set up a reliable way to transfer money to/from Egypt: SWIFT transfers from Egyptian bank (3–5 days, EGP 50–200 fee), Wise (sends money to Egypt in EGP), or maintaining a foreign bank account for savings. Keep a USD reserve equivalent to 3–6 months expenses outside Egypt to buffer against EGP volatility.

Arrange private health insurance before arrival

Private health insurance is non-negotiable for expats in Egypt. The public system is inadequate for expat needs. If your employer provides group insurance, verify the coverage scope (dental, mental health, maternity, evacuation). If not employer-provided, purchase internationally before departure — Cigna Global, Bupa International, or AXA Egypt.

Register with a private GP or family doctor in your neighbourhood

Identify and register with a private GP or family medicine specialist in your area (Maadi, Zamalek, New Cairo) within the first week. Egypt has no GP referral system — you can self-refer to specialists — but a trusted family doctor is invaluable for continuity of care, medication management, and referrals to specialists you can trust.

Get vaccinations and health screenings before/on arrival

Update required vaccinations: Hepatitis A and B (if not already done), Typhoid (risk from food/water), Rabies (if working with animals or planning rural travel), current Tetanus/MMR. If arriving from a yellow fever endemic country, a yellow fever certificate is required. Consider a comprehensive health check-up within the first month.

Set up emergency medical plan and carry health information card

Prepare a card (in Arabic and English) containing your blood type, known allergies, critical medical conditions, insurer emergency number, and emergency contact. Save emergency numbers: 123 (general), 08008880088 (Misr for Life private ambulance), your insurer's 24-hour line. Know the nearest JCI-accredited hospital to your home.

Find and secure rental property in an expat-friendly area

The most popular expat areas in Cairo are Maadi (leafy, community feel), Zamalek (Nile island, upmarket), New Cairo/5th Settlement (modern compounds, good schools), and Heliopolis (central, quieter). Start your search on Aqarmap.com and Property Finder Egypt. Use a reputable agent for premium properties. Always view in person before paying anything.

Set up utilities: electricity, internet, and water

After moving in, set up electricity (EEHC/EEC — contact local branch), internet (TE Data, Orange, or Vodafone Home — EGP 400–800/month for 50–100 Mbps), water (typically included in lease or managed by building), and piped gas if applicable. Get the bawab (building doorman) on your side — tip generously.

Conduct formal property handover with landlord

Before accepting a property, document its full condition with photos and video (dated). Record all meter readings (electricity, gas, water). Note every defect in a handover report signed by both parties. Test all appliances — especially air conditioners (critical in Egyptian summers). Both parties should keep a copy.

Start Egyptian Arabic (Ammiya) course

Even basic Egyptian Arabic transforms your experience. Enrol in a course at Kalimat School of Arabic or British Council Egypt, or start with Pimsleur Egyptian Arabic or iTalki online tutors. Target: A1 conversational basics in 6–8 weeks. Key phrases: Ahlan (hello), Shukran (thank you), Bikam? (how much?), Law samaht (please/excuse me).

Learn essential Arabic phrases for daily life

Before your first day in Egypt, memorise 20 essential Egyptian Arabic phrases: greetings, numbers 1–100 (for market bargaining), how to order food, how to give directions to a taxi driver, and the polite refusal. Download Google Translate offline Arabic pack for your phone.

Have your rental lease reviewed by a lawyer

Egyptian rental contracts can contain unfavourable clauses for tenants — particularly around deposit deductions, annual rent increases, and maintenance responsibilities. Have any lease over EGP 15,000/month reviewed by an Egyptian property lawyer before signing. Cost: EGP 800–3,000 for a contract review — cheap insurance.

Register with your home country embassy

Register with your home country embassy in Cairo immediately upon arrival. This ensures you receive emergency alerts, evacuation notifications, and can be contacted if needed. Most embassies have an online registration system (UK: FCDO; US: STEP programme; others: embassy website).

Register your address for mail and official correspondence

Egypt has no formal municipal registration system (unlike Germany's Anmeldung). However, you should register your address with: your employer HR, your bank, your insurer, the Egyptian Tax Authority (once tax registered), and your embassy. Keep a formal Arabic-stamped lease agreement as proof of address — required for banking and some official processes.

Install Uber and Careem apps before first day in Cairo

Uber and Careem are the safest and most convenient transport options for expats in Cairo. Install both apps before leaving the airport — you'll need an Egyptian phone number or your existing number. Set up payment. Your first Uber from Cairo Airport to city centre: EGP 250–400.

Learn the Cairo Metro routes for your commute

Cairo Metro is the fastest, cheapest, and most reliable urban transport for routes along the three lines. Fare: EGP 8–10 per journey. Runs 5:30am to midnight. Women's only carriages at the front and back of each train. Download a Metro map. Identify the closest stations to your home and workplace.

Obtain International Driving Permit and convert to Egyptian licence

Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home automobile association before arriving — valid for 1 year in Egypt. After 1 year of residence, you must obtain an Egyptian driving licence (theory + practical test at the Traffic Department). Engage an agent to navigate the bureaucracy if needed.

Understand Egyptian social insurance (NOSI) benefits and pension rights

Your 11% NOSI contribution funds old-age pension (after 15 years), disability, death benefits, and work injury coverage. There is no unemployment insurance in Egypt. If leaving before 15 years of contributions, request a partial refund of your employee contributions. After 15+ years, you retain pension rights for life — claim at age 60 (men) or 55 (women) from anywhere in the world.