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Doing Business in Egypt – SH&P Contributes to Chambers and Partners Guide 2025
Soliman, Hashish & Partners (SH&P) presented its latest contribution to the Chambers and Partners Doing Business in Egypt 2025 Guide. In this comprehensive publication, Managing Partner Mohamed Hashish and Associates Heba El Abd, Farida Rezk, Omar Aboul-Ella, Mariam Rabie, and Mohamed Selim provide detailed insights into foreign investment restrictions, corporate vehicles, employment law, tax law, competition law, intellectual property (IP), data protection and anticipated legal reforms. The guide also offers a structured overview of how these legal themes interact in practice, giving readers a clear understanding of the key regulatory considerations that shape the business environment in Egypt. It highlights recent procedural updates, compliance obligations and potential reforms that may affect investors establishing or expanding their operations in the local market.
To explore the guide in detail, click here
What are the most common legal forms available to investors establishing a business in Egypt?
The most frequently used structures are limited liability companies (LLCs) and joint stock companies (JSCs). The appropriate form depends on the intended activity, ownership structure, and any sector-specific regulatory requirements.
Do foreign shareholders require security clearance before incorporating a company in Egypt?
Foreign shareholders are generally subject to security screening; however, in practice, GAFI often processes incorporations without requiring advance clearance except for certain nationalities. Additional approvals may apply depending on the investor’s status and the planned activity.
What documents are typically required when incorporating a company through GAFI?
Key documents commonly include corporate documents of shareholders, identification of directors or managers, a lease agreement for the company’s premises, and the auditor’s bank certificate. Documents issued abroad may require notarisation, legalisation, and certified translation.
How long does the company incorporation process usually take?
Timelines vary depending on the readiness of documents, but once the file is complete, GAFI’s procedures generally take between one and two weeks. An expedited “VIP” service is available for an additional fee.
Are there foreign ownership restrictions in Egypt?
Most sectors permit full foreign ownership. However, certain activities such as commercial agency, importation for resale, and business activities in Sinai are subject to specific restrictions or approvals under applicable laws.
What post-incorporation obligations apply to companies with foreign shareholding?
Companies with foreign ownership must submit Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) data to GAFI upon incorporation, quarterly, and annually. These filings include information on foreign shareholders, capital, activities, and financial data, and are required under the Investment Law.
Are employment contracts in Egypt required to follow a specific format?
Employment contracts must be issued in Arabic and include essential information such as the employee’s role, workplace, salary, and contract duration. Under the New Labour Law, contracts must be prepared in four counterparts and may be issued in a bilingual format when employing foreign nationals, provided the Arabic version prevails.