Egyptian Citizenship: How to Get an Egyptian Passport in 2025

Introduction

In 2020, Egypt launched an investment-based citizenship program aimed at attracting foreign investors and strengthening the national economy. The program offers several pathways to citizenship, including real estate acquisition, bank deposits, non-refundable contributions to a government fund, or business investments. Minimum investments start at $250,000, and the citizenship process typically takes up to six months.

This presents an advantageous opportunity for investors seeking a second passport and a chance to support Egypt’s development. This article provides a detailed overview of the eligibility requirements, list of required documents, and the stages of obtaining Egyptian citizenship through investment.

Benefits of an Egyptian Passport

The Egyptian passport offers a range of advantages that make it appealing to foreign investors. The Egyptian Citizenship by Investment Program provides the following benefits:

1. Retention of current citizenships: Egypt allows dual or multiple citizenships, enabling investors to keep their existing passports.
2. Inheritance of status: Citizenship can be passed on to descendants, ensuring legal protection and opportunities for future generations.
3. Visa-free travel: Egyptian passport holders can travel to 66 countries visa-free, including 46 with visa-on-arrival. In some cases, such as Sri Lanka and Seychelles, an electronic travel authorization is required.
4. Tax incentives: Egypt has free economic zones where entrepreneurs are exempt from paying income tax, making the country attractive for business operations.
5. Return on investment: After five years, investors can retrieve their funds by selling property, closing a bank deposit, or exiting a business. This does not apply to the non-refundable contribution to the government fund.
6. Access to the U.S. E-2 visa: Egyptian passport holders are eligible to apply for the E-2 business visa in the U.S., which allows them to open a company and reside in the States.
7. Affordable investment threshold: The program is competitively priced, starting from $250,000.
8. Multiple investment options: Foreigners can choose from several investment routes—real estate, bank deposit, government fund donation, or starting a business.
9. Simplified process: The procedure is straightforward and does not require knowledge of the local language or permanent residence in Egypt. On average, the process takes up to six months.
10. Family inclusion: A single application can include the spouse and children up to age 21. Children receive citizenship at the same time as the main applicant.

These benefits make Egyptian citizenship an appealing solution for investors looking to improve travel flexibility, reduce tax burdens, and secure a stable future for their families.

Egyptian Citizenship by Investment Program

Egypt introduced its citizenship by investment program in March 2020 to attract foreign capital and stimulate the country’s economic growth. In 2021, a dedicated department began processing investor applications, and by 2025, the program was updated with reduced minimum investment thresholds.

As of 2025, investors can choose from several investment options, each with different levels of financial commitment. All funds must be transferred from abroad, as local Egyptian bank accounts are not permitted for this purpose. The main options include:

Non-refundable contribution starting at $250,000

Investors can make a donation to a designated account under the citizenship program. The amount is non-refundable but can be transferred in installments over one year.

Real estate purchase from $300,000

Investors may buy residential or commercial property, including land plots registered in official registries. Properties can be completed or under construction. The property can be sold five years after obtaining citizenship.

Business investment from $350,000

Capital investment into a local business is also an eligible option. This can include starting a new enterprise or investing in an existing one. Additionally, a $100,000 donation to the government is required.

Bank deposit from $500,000

Investors can place a zero-interest deposit with the Central Bank of Egypt for a term of three years. Unlike other options, the amount is refundable after three years but returned in Egyptian pounds at the current exchange rate. In addition, applicants must pay a government processing fee of $10,000 for the entire family. It’s worth noting that those who obtain Egyptian citizenship are not required to pass a language or history test, nor are they obligated to reside in Egypt to retain citizenship.

Citizenship by investment in Egypt offers attractive opportunities for foreign investors, including relatively low investment thresholds and various investment forms. The relatively quick processing time and potential to recover invested funds make this program a convenient option for those seeking new business and personal horizons.

Other Ways to Obtain Egyptian Citizenship

In addition to the investment program, there are several other paths to Egyptian citizenship, available to different categories of individuals depending on their personal circumstances and connection to Egypt.

By Marriage

This option is available for foreign women who marry Egyptian citizens. To obtain citizenship, the applicant must live in Egypt for at least two years, and the marriage must be legally recognized under Egyptian law. The husband must also provide written consent for his wife to obtain citizenship. The application must include a marriage certificate issued by Egyptian authorities and other required documents. Importantly, the woman retains her citizenship status even if her husband passes away.

By Birth

Children born to at least one Egyptian parent automatically receive citizenship. This applies to orphans and children of unknown parentage as well.

By Naturalization

Foreign nationals who have legally resided in Egypt for at least 10 years may apply for citizenship through naturalization. Applicants must pass an Arabic language test and demonstrate sufficient income to support themselves in Egypt. For certain groups, the residency period may be reduced:

• to one year for citizens of other Muslim countries;
• to five years for foreigners whose fathers were born in Egypt and have Arab roots.

For Exceptional Merit

Egyptian citizenship may also be granted for extraordinary contributions to the state. The criteria are not defined in the law and are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the President. In summary, Egypt offers multiple paths to citizenship, each depending on an applicant’s unique circumstances. Whether through marriage, naturalization, or investment, these pathways open doors to becoming part of a dynamic and historically rich country.

Who Can Apply for Citizenship

Egypt’s citizenship-by-investment program was launched to attract foreign investors, primarily to support entrepreneurs, especially Syrians who reside in the country as refugees. Previously, they had appealed to the Egyptian authorities to create a faster path to citizenship as an alternative to the lengthy naturalization process. All foreigners, regardless of nationality, can participate in this program. However, it’s important to note that the program department may deny participation if the applicant fails the background check.

Main Applicant

The primary applicant for citizenship must be an adult investor who meets the following criteria:

• has a legal source of income;
• is in good health;
• has no criminal record.

Additional Applicants

Along with the main applicant, the following individuals may apply for citizenship:

1. A spouse. Multiple spouses may be included if each marriage is officially registered.
2. Children under 21 years of age who are unmarried.

It is important to note that the investor’s spouses will receive an Egyptian passport only two years after the main applicant.

Egypt’s citizenship program is open to various categories of foreign nationals, including entrepreneurs and their families. This offers the opportunity not only to obtain citizenship but also to expand horizons in international business and social life.

Required Documents

To apply for Egyptian citizenship, the investor must prepare a complete set of documents. It is essential that all documents meet the requirements and are properly formatted. The standard list includes:

1. A copy of the main applicant’s international passport.
2. Birth certificate.
3. Four passport-size photographs.
4. Documents proving family ties: marriage certificates or children’s birth certificates, as well as passport copies of all additional applicants.
5. A police clearance certificate from the country of residence, certified by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
6. A police clearance certificate issued by Egyptian authorities.
7. A medical certificate issued by an Egyptian hospital.

Additionally, the investor may submit a request to keep the citizenship process confidential. The preparation and collection of documents is a key stage in obtaining Egyptian citizenship. It is important to follow all requirements carefully to avoid delays in application processing.

Key Stages of Obtaining Citizenship

The process of obtaining Egyptian citizenship through investment includes several key stages, each crucial to successfully completing the procedure. Applicants can either go through the process independently or use the services of our company specializing in investment immigration.

1. Preliminary Screening. At the initial stage, a preliminary check is conducted. This helps minimize the risk of rejection by identifying potential issues from the outset.
2. Document Preparation. After passing the preliminary check, lawyers prepare a list of all required documents. The investor gathers the necessary paperwork while specialists handle notarization and application preparation.
3. Government Fee Payment. Before submitting the application, the investor must pay a government fee of $10,000 USD. It is important that the payment is made from a foreign bank account, not an Egyptian one.
4. Submission of the Citizenship Application. The documents are submitted to the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones or through licensed immigration brokers. The review process begins upon submission.
5. Initial Background Check. The program department conducts an initial background check, verifying the applicant’s details through Egypt’s security agencies. This stage usually takes up to three months.
6. Issuance of Temporary Residence Permit. After successfully completing the initial check, the investor receives a six-month temporary residence permit to fulfill the investment requirements, such as purchasing property or starting a business.
7. Approval of Citizenship Application. Once all obligations under the program are met, further verification continues. If everything is in order, the application is approved and submitted to the Prime Minister of Egypt for signing the naturalization documents.
8. Receiving the Egyptian Passport. The final step is the issuance of the naturalization certificate and Egyptian passport, completing the citizenship acquisition process.

The Egyptian citizenship-by-investment process consists of several important stages, each requiring attention and adherence to formalities. Following procedures and deadlines helps avoid delays and ensures successful application completion.

Dual Citizenship in Egypt

Egypt allows dual citizenship, which is an important advantage for investors wishing to retain their current passports. The citizenship-by-investment program does not require foreign applicants to renounce their existing citizenship, provided their home country does not impose contrary conditions. However, Egyptian citizens wishing to obtain another nationality must submit a request to retain their Egyptian passport.

This requirement helps prevent the loss of Egyptian citizenship when acquiring a new one. Despite this, Egypt permits multiple citizenships with certain additional formalities and conditions. Thus, Egyptian citizens and investors gaining Egyptian citizenship can benefit from holding multiple nationalities, offering more freedom in travel and business. It’s important to understand all the rules to ensure a smooth citizenship process.

Reasons for Rejection and How to Avoid Them

An application for Egyptian citizenship may be rejected for several reasons. One of the most common is failure to meet the requirements for the chosen citizenship path, whether by investment or otherwise. Rejection may also occur if the applicant submits an incomplete file or provides false information, which could raise concerns with the authorities.

Another reason might be a criminal record or circumstances that could threaten public security or national interests. In such cases, it’s important to carefully review the program requirements and ensure all information provided is accurate. To minimize the risk of rejection, applicants should prepare all documents thoroughly and undergo a proper background check. With professional assistance, the chances of successful citizenship approval increase significantly.

Summary of Egyptian Dual Citizenship

Egypt’s citizenship-by-investment program, launched in 2020, offers several options for acquiring a passport, including a non-refundable contribution, property purchase, business investment, or a bank deposit. The Egyptian passport provides various benefits: visa-free travel to 66 countries, tax incentives, eligibility for a U.S. E-2 business visa, and no residency requirements.

The citizenship process takes about six months and includes a background check, issuance of a temporary residence permit, and fulfillment of investment obligations. Besides investment, citizenship may be granted by birth, marriage, naturalization, or for special achievements.