Egypt (EG)

Your primary identity document for all official purposes in Egypt — visa applications, residence permit (Iqama), banking, school enrolment, and lease agreements. Keep certified copies; carry a colour photocopy rather than the original in daily life.

Required for child visa/residence applications, enrolling children in international schools, marriage registration in Egypt, and inheritance proceedings. CRITICAL: Egypt is NOT a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents must be: (1) notarised in country of origin, (2) authenticated by that country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, (3) legalised by the Egyptian Embassy/Consulate in your country. Allow 4–8 weeks.

Required for spouse residence permits (dependent visa), opening joint bank accounts, inheritance claims, and school applications for children. Must go through full legalisation chain (notarisation → MFA authentication → Egyptian consulate legalisation) since Egypt is not in the Hague Apostille Convention. Arabic translation by licensed translator then notarised by Egyptian Ministry of Justice may also be needed.

Mandatory for all work permit applications. Obtained from the national police authority in your home country (e.g., FBI background check for Americans, ACRO for UK nationals, BZR for Germans). Must be recent (within 3–6 months of application), legalised through the full chain (notarise → MFA → Egyptian consulate). Egyptian authorities may also require clearance from any other country where you lived for 5+ years.

Required for work permit applications and professional syndicate registration (doctors, engineers, lawyers). Must be legalised through full chain. NAQAAE (National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education) handles equivalency assessments for foreign degrees.

Required by your employer for work permit application to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The contract must be stamped and registered. Your employer typically handles this process — but ensure the contract is signed before travelling and specifies title, salary (in EGP or USD), benefits, and duration.

Required for the work permit and residence permit (Iqama). Must be obtained from an approved Egyptian government medical facility or one of the designated private hospitals after arrival. Tests typically include chest X-ray (tuberculosis screening), blood tests (HIV, hepatitis), and general health assessment.

Required for some visa categories, rental applications at premium properties, and international school enrolments. For expats arriving without employment, bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds (typically USD 3,000+/month) may support a long-stay application.

Required for enrolling children in international schools (schools set their own vaccination requirements). Some schools require MMR, hepatitis B, and varicella proof. Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country.

Your home country driving licence is valid during International Driving Permit (IDP) validity period (1 year from entry). After that, conversion may require passing an Egyptian driving test. Keep original licence + IDP + passport photo copies in your vehicle at all times. Some nationalities have bilateral agreements for simplified exchange.

Once obtained through your employer (tied to work permit) or through family reunification/investor route, your Iqama is your primary ID in Egypt. Carry it at all times — police checkpoints do occur. It is required for: opening bank accounts, driving, school enrolment, renting property formally, and accessing some healthcare services.

Required for bank account opening, SIM card registration, and some school applications. A formal, stamped lease agreement from a registered landlord is preferred. Some banks accept a utility bill (electricity) in the tenant's name. Properties rented informally may not provide suitable documentation — negotiate for a stamped contract.