Foreign investors can generally own 100% of an Egyptian company. Helmy Law advises on the right structure, prepares the documents and takes the company through registration with the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), so you can start operating in Egypt with a clear legal footing.
Can a foreigner own a company in Egypt?
Yes. Under Investment Law No. 72 of 2017, foreign investors may in most sectors hold full ownership of an Egyptian company without an Egyptian partner. Some regulated activities are restricted or need prior approvals, for example commercial agency, media and press, and land or real estate in Sinai and border areas. We check your activity against these restrictions before anything is filed.
Choosing the right structure
- Limited liability company (LLC): the most common vehicle for foreign-owned businesses, with two or more partners.
- Single-shareholder company: a company with one shareholder, which can be an individual or a foreign company.
- Joint stock company (JSC): at least three founders; suited to larger projects, capital raising or a future listing.
- Branch or representative office: an extension of your foreign company rather than a new entity. See branch and representative office in Egypt.
- Free zone company: for export-oriented activities. See Egypt free zone companies.
How incorporation works
- Agree the scope, the structure and the company’s activity.
- Reserve the company name.
- Prepare the bilingual Articles of Association and the incorporation documents.
- Prepare the shareholders’ documents. Foreign shareholders’ documents are typically notarized, legalized and translated into Arabic, and signing can be arranged through powers of attorney.
- Deposit the share capital with a bank and obtain the bank certificate.
- File the incorporation with GAFI.
- Obtain the commercial registration and the tax registration.
- Complete the post-incorporation steps, including foreign-investment reporting to GAFI where applicable.
What we need from you
- Details of each shareholder (individual or company) and of the proposed managers or directors
- The intended activity of the company and the proposed name
- The proposed share capital and its split between shareholders
- Passport copies for individuals, or corporate documents for company shareholders
Our fee
Our professional fee is fixed and agreed in writing before we start. Government charges and third-party costs are shown separately. See cost and timeline of company formation in Egypt.
Speak to us
Tell us about your plans and we will come back with a written scope and a fixed fee. Contact Helmy Law or write to info@helmylaw.com.
This page is general information, not legal advice. See our Disclaimer.