EgyptCitizenship by Investment Program
Why and How to Become an Egypt Citizen
On 14 March 2020, the government of Egypt published Parliament Law No. 190, (established in the year 2019), regarding obtaining the Egyptian citizenship through investment. The Egyptian government has established a specialized unit within the office of the Prime Minister, to oversee the entire process of the citizenship through investment program (CIP).
This program is similar to other citizenship through investment programs across the globe. Such as, there is no residency requirement for this program. However, there are certain required documents and the payment of $10,000 USD in government fees, to start the process.
The list of required documents needed to apply for the Egyptian citizenship includes but not limited to; the personal documents of the main applicant, spouse(s) and dependents. The main applicant is required to provide a clean criminal record and a comprehensive medical report. In addition to other documentation in relation to topics such as wealth and source of funds.
The new law states the four different program options and the associated investments required that the applicant could choose from, in order to be able to obtain the Egyptian citizenship. In accordance with the regulations established by the Central Bank of Egypt, all programs must be funded using investments transferred from abroad. The transfers should be made in US Dollars.
Investment Options:
OPTION 1. Real Estate. Refundable Investment | USD 300,000
Residential or commercial, one or more properties, installment payment is possible. From June 12, 2023, applicant may choose any real estate project in any location except the Sinai Peninsula.
When concluding a purchase contract, there are no additional taxes (VAT) or registration fees. The cost indicated by the developer is all the costs of the purchase and registration.
OPTION 2. Investment in Companies. Non-refundable Investment | USD 350.000
Establish or participate in a business with 40% share at least.
OPTION 3. Donation. Non-refundable Investment | USD 250,000
Contribution (donation) to the treasury of the Central Bank of Egypt.
OPTION 4. Bank deposit. Refundable Investment | USD 500,000
Refundable after 3 years in the local Egyptian currency without interest.
Recent changes for Egyptian CIP (effective 14/10/2024) are the following:
- The applicants were allowed to jointly invest in one property, provided that the value of each participant’s share exceeds $300.000.
- Applicants who purchase property from private (non-government) developers to participate in the Egyptian Citizenship by Investment program must open a personal account* in Egypt and transfer the entire investment amount there in US dollars, before converting into Egyptian pounds.
- The amendment does not apply to the category of investors purchasing real estate from state developers: they can still carry out a transaction from abroad directly to the developer’s account.
- All real estate projects mentioned in the applications for the Egyptian Citizenship must have a building permit. The requirement applies to both public and private facilities of any category – residential and commercial.
FAQs: Egyptian Citizenship by Investment
General FAQs:
Is it possible to do the investment transfer from abroad?
– The transfer must be made from abroad. Funds transferred from within the country are not accepted.
Can the applicant’s relatives or friends complete the payment on their behalf from abroad?
– Yes.
Can the transfer be made from a business bank account abroad or must it be made from a personal bank account?
– Both are accepted.
Is there a deadline for the program to close?
– No.
What is the estimated processing time to get the certificates of citizenship and passports?
– On average, the whole process should take from 6 to 9 months.
What is the payment sequence for the application; does the investor pay the required amount first or finish the application and documents preparation first?
– At first, all required documents are submitted along with the receipt of payment of $10,000 USD, nonrefundable, for governmental fees. Once the applicant has received the initial approval, only then are they required to pay the remainder of the required funds.
Does everyone in the family obtain the citizenship at the same time?
– The main applicant and minor children below the age of 21 obtain the citizenship at the same time and the spouse after 2 years.
If the investor obtains the citizenship, will they have to denounce their nationality of origin?
– No, Egypt recognizes having a dual nationality.
Bank Deposit Investment Option:
Is it possible to take out a loan with the collateral being the bank deposit?
– Yes, it is possible, but only through a special arrangement with commercial banks.
Once the bank deposit hold period is complete, is it possible to receive the return in USD or in a currency other than the local currency?
– No, it will only be issued in the Egyptian local currency.
What about the currency exchange rate?
– The prevailing exchange rate will either be the rate at the time of the initiation of the deposit – or – the exchange rate at the time of the holding period completion. Whichever rate is lowest at the time of the deposit withdrawal, will be the rate used in the transaction.
What if the investor does not wish to continue with their bank deposit investment? Is there any sort of penalty?
– No, but if the investor has already obtained the Egyptian citizenship, they will be required to transition to the Donation Option, by making a non-refundable contribution of $250,000 USD, in order to maintain their Egyptian citizenship.
Real Estate Investment Option:
Is it possible to purchase a plot of land, or is it only property?
– Both are acceptable as long as its government owned.
Should the property be a completed project or is it acceptable to be under construction?
– Both options are acceptable, but it must be one of the government-owned projects. It can be a shop, factory, apartment, etc.
If the investor chooses to purchase a property, can it be paid in installments?
– In order to be eligible to apply, it is required that the minimum investment amount of $300,000 USD be paid in full. If the property’s price is over $300,000 USD, the applicant can pay the extra amount in installments.
Is there any specific location that the property should be located in?
– No, but the property must be located in a government-owned real estate project.
Is the sales contract sufficient evidence to prove full payment of the fund required?
– No, there must be also proof of a bank transfer, made from abroad.
Does the applicant have the right to sell the property?
– In order to obtain the citizenship, the property must be held for a period of 5 years. After the 5 years, the investor has the right to sell the property.
What if the investor wishes to sell their property/land before the 5 years are complete?
– If the investor has already obtained the Egyptian citizenship, they will be required to transition to the Donation Option, by making a non-refundable contribution of $250,000 USD, in order to maintain their Egyptian citizenship.
Company Investment Option:
Is it a must to establish a new company or it is possible to apply by funding an already established company with $350,000 USD?
– Both. The applicant has the choice to invest in a previously established company or to establish a new a company. The one requirement in both cases is that the applicant must make a minimum investment of $350,000 USD and to own at least 40% of the shares in the company.
Is it required to have an Egyptian partner in the company?
– No.
Can the funds be used in establishing the company or should it be deposited in the company’s bank account as disposable cash for 5 years?
– It should be deposited in the company’s bank account and can be used as funds for the company for a minimum of 5 years.
– If the company declares bankruptcy within those 5 years, the investor will be required to transition to the Donation Option, by making a non-refundable contribution of $250,000 USD, in order to maintain their Egyptian citizenship.
FAQs Related to the Main Applicant and his Family:
Can the Egyptian nationality obtained through investment be inherited?
– Yes, it can.
What if the main applicant has more than one spouse?
– Any official spouse of the main applicant can be included in the application, and they will obtain the Egyptian citizenship 2 years after the main applicant.
Are there any restricted countries, in which their citizens cannot apply for the Egyptian citizenship?
– Citizens from all countries can apply for the Egyptian CIP, however the government has the right to deny or reject any application at its sole discretion without disclosing the reasoning behind the rejection.
Can parents and/or siblings be included in the application?
– No to both.
If the son(s) of the main applicant obtain the citizenship, will they have to enlist in the Egyptian military?
– No.
Is there a maximum age for dependent children, to be included in the application?
– Yes, 21 years old and not married.
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Egypt - Citizenship by Investment Program
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