Egypt (EG)
Egypt is one of the world's oldest civilisations — the land of the Pharaohs, the Great Pyramids of Giza, and the mighty Nile River.
Visa & Immigration
Entry and residence options for Egypt.
✈️ Visa-Free Access
Citizens of certain Arab countries (Jordan, Libya, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine) can enter Egypt visa-free or with simplified procedures. Most Western nationalities (USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea) are eligible for tourist e-visa or visa on arrival. Over 100 nationalities can obtain the tourist e-visa online at visa2egypt.gov.eg.
Egypt is not part of the Schengen Area or any free movement zone. Each visa and permit type is separate. Overstaying a tourist visa attracts fines of USD 25–50/month. Overstaying or working on a tourist visa is technically a deportable offence for work permit holders who have not formalised their status — enforcement is inconsistent but risk increases over time. There is no digital nomad visa as of 2026; many remote workers use tourist e-visas and extend at Mogamma. Tourist visa extensions require visiting Mogamma Al Tahrir (ground floor) or using a licensed travel agency (easier but costs EGP 200–400 in agency fees). The Mogamma building is famously bureaucratic — arrive early, bring photocopies of everything, and expect to wait. Egypt does not have a Golden Visa or retirement visa; the closest options are investor permits through GAFI.
Tourist e-Visa (Single Entry)
Citizens of 100+ nationalities including USA, UK, all EU member states, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many others. Check visa2egypt.gov.eg for full list.
15 minutes to 48 hours (usually instant for most nationalities)
- ✓Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- ✓Completed online application at visa2egypt.gov.eg
- ✓Credit/debit card for payment
- ✓Return or onward travel ticket (may be checked)
Visa on Arrival
Many nationalities can obtain a visa stamp on arrival at Cairo International Airport, Alexandria Borg El Arab, and some Red Sea airports. Check with Egyptian embassy — the list overlaps significantly with e-visa eligibility.
15–30 minutes at the immigration counter
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓USD 25 cash (exact amount)
- ✓Completed arrival card
Work Permit + Residence Permit (Iqama)
All foreign nationals intending to work legally in Egypt. Must be sponsored by an Egyptian employer registered with the Ministry of Manpower.
4–8 weeks for work permit; an additional 2–4 weeks for residence permit (Iqama)
- ✓Employment contract stamped by employer
- ✓Educational credentials (legalised through full chain)
- ✓Police clearance certificate (legalised)
- ✓Medical fitness certificate from Egyptian-approved facility
- ✓Company registration documents and tax card
- ✓Proof that position was advertised and no qualified Egyptian found
- ✓Passport photos and passport copies
Investor / GAFI Residence Permit
Foreign nationals who establish or invest in a company in Egypt through GAFI (General Authority for Investment and Free Zones) with a minimum qualifying investment (varies by sector and company type).
8–16 weeks
- ✓GAFI company registration (LLC, SAE, or Free Zone company)
- ✓Minimum investment threshold met (varies)
- ✓Company tax registration
- ✓No criminal record (legalised police clearance)
Student Residence Permit
Foreign students enrolled at Egyptian universities, language institutes, or recognised educational institutions.
4–8 weeks
- ✓Acceptance letter from Egyptian university or institution
- ✓Medical fitness certificate
- ✓Financial proof (bank statements showing ability to support yourself)
- ✓Police clearance from home country (legalised)
- ✓Passport valid for duration of study
Dependent Family Residence Permit
Spouses and minor children (under 18) of foreign nationals who hold a valid work permit or investor residence permit in Egypt.
2–4 weeks after primary permit is issued
- ✓Marriage certificate (legalised — full chain)
- ✓Birth certificates for children (legalised)
- ✓Primary permit holder's work/investor permit copy
- ✓Photographs and passport copies
No dedicated digital nomad visa
Digital NomadEgypt has no dedicated digital nomad or remote worker visa as of 2026. Most remote workers use the tourist e-Visa (30 days) from visa2egypt.gov.eg, which can be extended at Mogamma Al Tahrir in Cairo or through licensed travel agencies. There is no self-sufficiency or remote worker residence category.
e-Visa: immediate to 48 hours online. Extensions at Mogamma: same day (allow 2–4 hours; arrive early)
- ✓Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- ✓Tourist e-Visa from visa2egypt.gov.eg
- ✓For extensions: visit Mogamma Al Tahrir building, Tahrir Square, Cairo (ground floor) — arrive early; bring photocopies of passport and current visa
- ✓Tax and immigration advice for stays exceeding 90 days per calendar year
Visa & Immigration
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