Egypt Citizenship By Investment: Ultimate Guide 2025

What is the Egypt Citizenship by Investment Program?

The Egypt Citizenship by Investment program offers a legal and fast-track route to full Egyptian nationality for investors and their families. Launched in 2020 and officially regulated by the government, this program is designed to attract foreign capital while offering citizenship without the need to renounce your current nationality.

Through a qualifying investment, you can become an Egyptian citizen in just a few months. The process is managed by the country’s dedicated Unit for Granting Citizenship to Foreigners, ensuring transparency and legal certainty every step of the way.

Once approved, you gain the right to live, work, and invest in Egypt, along with the benefits of regional access across Africa and the Middle East. This is not just about a passport, it’s about positioning yourself and your family with greater freedom, opportunity, and long-term protection.

Why Choose Egypt?

Egypt is more than a historical icon, it’s a country of economic ambition, strategic location, and growing international relevance. For investors seeking a Plan B, Egypt offers a strong combination of low entry thresholds, fast processing, and lifetime citizenship for the entire family.

There is no requirement to reside, pass interviews, or speak the local language. The application can be completed remotely, and citizenship is permanent, with the option to pass it down to future generations.

Egypt’s passport gives you visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 50 countries and opens doors for future mobility improvements. For entrepreneurs, the country offers an open business environment, a low cost of living, and growing ties with Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Whether you’re securing a backup plan, accessing new markets, or protecting your family’s future, Egypt’s citizenship program delivers a clear and efficient solution, with Havenbach guiding every step.

What You Get with Egyptian Citizenship

Egyptian citizenship is more than a passport, it’s a permanent, inherited status that gives you and your family the full rights of nationals, without ever needing to move.

Once approved, you receive lifetime citizenship, with the ability to live, work, own property, and invest freely in Egypt. You are also free to open local and international bank accounts, register businesses, and secure long-term legal residency rights across the Middle East and North Africa.

Egypt’s passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 50 countries, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Jordan. While the list is still growing, the citizenship provides a strong foundation for families from restricted countries who seek mobility, security, and backup residency rights.

Importantly, Egypt allows dual citizenship. You don’t need to give up your current nationality, and your children can inherit Egyptian citizenship automatically.

For investors with international plans, this is a long-term asset that protects your legacy, unlocks opportunities, and offers peace of mind in an uncertain world.

Investment Options and Costs

Egypt offers several investment routes to acquire citizenship, each designed to support the country’s economic growth while giving applicants flexible paths based on their goals and risk tolerance.

There are four official options under the program, each with its own structure, timelines, and benefits. All applications must go through a secure, government-approved process and are subject to national security clearance.

1. Non-refundable Government Contribution – $250,000 USD

This is the simplest and fastest route. You make a direct donation of $250,000 USD to the Egyptian state treasury. No need to manage property or maintain investments.

• Most straightforward option

• No additional business or asset requirements

• Best for those seeking a clean exit after approval

This contribution is final and non-refundable. It’s ideal for applicants who want full citizenship rights without ongoing responsibilities.

2. Real Estate Investment – From $300,000 USD

You can qualify by purchasing government-approved real estate in Egypt with a minimum value of $300,000 USD.

• Property can be residential or commercial

• Must be held for at least 5 years

• Can be resold after holding period

The investment must be paid in full from abroad. If you resell the property before five years, citizenship may be revoked.

3. Business Investment – $350,000 USD + $100,000 USD Donation

You may invest $350,000 USD in a new or existing Egyptian company, creating local jobs or contributing to the economy. This option also requires an additional $100,000 USD donation to the government.

• Active investment required

• Business can be structured across various sectors

• Ongoing reporting and proof of operational status may be required

Ideal for entrepreneurs or investors with regional business interests.

4. Bank Deposit – $500,000 USD (Refundable)

You may deposit $500,000 USD in a non-interest-bearing account with the Central Bank of Egypt, held for three years.

• Full amount is refundable after the holding period

• No returns or interest during deposit

• Must be transferred from abroad in foreign currency

This option is suitable for applicants who want to preserve their capital while securing citizenship.

Who Can Apply for Egypt Citizenship by Investment?

The Egypt Citizenship by Investment program is designed to welcome foreign investors, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals who meet basic legal and financial conditions. The process is straightforward, but national security checks are strict, and all documents must be complete and accurate.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Hold a valid passport from an eligible country

• Have no criminal record or international sanctions

• Make a qualifying investment through one of the official routes

• Be able to prove the legal source of your funds

• Transfer the investment amount from outside Egypt, in foreign currency

• Pass a national security clearance conducted by the Egyptian authorities

Egypt does not require language exams, interviews, or any relocation commitments. You are not obligated to live in the country before or after approval.

Who You Can Include in Your Application

The program allows you to include your immediate family under one application:

• Spouse

• Children under 21 (biological or adopted, unmarried)

• In some cases, children over 21 with documented dependency may be included, subject to approval

Each family member included must also pass the background checks and provide personal documentation. All approved applicants receive full citizenship with the same rights and privileges.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for Egyptian citizenship through investment is a structured and legal process, overseen by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) under the Ministry of Interior. While it may feel complex at first, working with an experienced advisor ensures that your case is properly handled from start to finish.

At Havenbach, we guide you through every stage, from selecting the right route to receiving your citizenship certificate and passport.

Step 1: Choose Your Investment Route

We begin by helping you select the investment path that fits your goals. Whether you prefer a one-time bank deposit, real estate purchase, or direct contribution, we analyze your options and confirm eligibility under current law.

Step 2: Submit Initial Documents and Pay Application Fee

Once the route is selected, we prepare your initial application and submit it to the Egyptian CIU. This includes personal documents, proof of funds, and a $10,000 non-refundable government fee. Your investment is not yet required at this stage.

Step 3: Security Clearance and Pre-Approval

The CIU will run a full national security and background check on the main applicant and all adult dependents. If cleared, you receive a pre-approval letter confirming your eligibility to proceed with the investment.

Step 4: Complete Your Investment

After pre-approval, you must transfer the full investment amount (according to your selected route) from abroad into a government-approved bank in Egypt. This must be done in foreign currency and documented properly.

Step 5: Final Approval and Citizenship Issuance

Once your investment is verified and all paperwork is complete, the government grants full citizenship. You and your included family members receive Egyptian national ID numbers, citizenship certificates, and passports, valid for global travel and domestic rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the process take?

Most applications are processed within 3 to 6 months, depending on the investment route chosen, the completeness of documents, and the speed of security checks.

Do I need to live in Egypt?

No. There is no residency requirement before or after obtaining citizenship. You are not obligated to live in or relocate to Egypt unless you choose to.

Can I include my family in the application?

Yes. You can include your spouse and children under 21. Each dependent must meet the program’s background and health criteria. Parents are not currently eligible.

Is the investment refundable?

Only the bank deposit route includes a refundable option, where your $500,000 deposit is returned after 3 years without interest. Other routes, such as real estate or donations, are not refundable.

Is this real citizenship for life?

Yes. Once granted, Egyptian citizenship is permanent and hereditary. You will receive full rights, including a national ID, passport, and the ability to pass citizenship to your children.

Can I keep my current citizenship?

Yes. Egypt allows dual or multiple citizenships, so you do not need to renounce your original nationality.

Are there any language or cultural tests?

No. The program does not require language exams, cultural tests, or interviews.