Work Permits for Foreign Nationals in Egypt

Legal Framework

Law 12 of 2003 and Resolution No. (700) of 2006, amended by Resolution No. (485) of 2010, establish the regulatory framework for foreign employment in Egypt. These regulations define procedures for obtaining work permits and outline restrictions on foreign labor.

General Provisions

• Foreign workforce limited to 10% of total employees per establishment
• Mandatory work permits prior to employment commencement
• Security clearance requirements
• Demonstrated need for foreign expertise

Business Owner Categories

Company Owners

• Application submission through GAFI Labor Office
• Ministry of Manpower approval required
• Processing period: approximately 3 weeks
• Annual permit validity

Sole Proprietors

• Ministry of Manpower work permit mandatory
• Residency permit contingent on work permit issuance

Documentation Requirements

Corporate Documentation

• Commercial register
• Tax card
• Memorandum of Association
• Insurance certificate
• Economic performance evaluation (for companies >1 year)
• Transaction documentation as requested

Standard Employment Documentation

• Work permit application
• Employment agreement (nationality-specific)
• Certified qualifications and experience (minimum 3 years)
• Insurance documentation (Form 2)
• Social insurance certification
• Egyptian workforce documentation
• Egyptian assistant details with certificates
• Foreign employee documentation

Sector-Specific Requirements

Insurance Sector

• Egyptian Insurance Supervisory Authority permit

Petroleum Industry

• EGPC recommendation
• Security clearance

Tourism Sector

• Ministry of Tourism approval
• Management position requirements
• Public sector specific regulations

Educational Institutions

• Ministry of Education/Higher Education endorsement
• Academic calendar specifications

Representative Offices

• Notarized company documentation
• Bank funding certification
• GOEIC registration

Regulatory Timeframes

• Initial permit: 6 months (pending security clearance)
• Standard permit: 1 year post-security clearance
• Grace periods:
  
  • Work permit: 14 days
  • Residence permit: 15 days
• Tourist residence: 3-6 months (absence of security report after 3 years)

10% Rule Exemptions

1. Representative offices
2. Foreign company branch managers
3. Employer and children
4. Small enterprises (≤5 Egyptian employees)

Contact Legal Way today to get started on your journey to success!