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EgyptWork permitsLast checked October 16, 2026

Work permit (licence for foreigners to work) from the Ministry of Labour and residence permit for work

Foreign nationals need a licence (work permit) from Egypt's Ministry of Labour before they can work, plus a residence permit for work purposes. The current framework is the Labour Law that took effect in September 2025 and a 2025 ministerial decree on foreigner work licensing. Few official details on documents and fees could be confirmed from Egyptian government websites.

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1 entry rule for Egypt based on recent travel

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Life in Egypt

Money

3

Currency

Egyptian Pound

EGP

Egyptian Pound

Cost of living

16

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

10–27.5%

Income tax (national)

VAT 14%

0% on first EGP 40,000 plus EGP 20,000 personal exemption; above EGP 1.2 million net income the lower bands are progressively withdrawn and 27.5% applies.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

3.9

#137 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Foreign employees hired by employers in Egypt.

Eligibility

  • Work licence required

    You need a work licence from the Ministry of Labour before you can work as a foreigner.

    From September 2025
    • The new Labour Law has been in force since September 2025
    • Cairo Governorate notes enforcement under the new law
    Official wording

    Foreigners may work only with a work licence from the Ministry of Labour; the Cairo Governorate notes enforcement under the new Labour Law in force from September 2025.

  • Domestic workersForeign domestic workers

    Foreign domestic workers can get an annual work permit at a reduced fee under a 2025 initiative.

    • No back-dated fees apply
    Official wording

    Under a 2025 initiative, foreign domestic workers can obtain annual work permits at a reduced fee, without back-dated fees.

  • Small establishmentsSmall establishments

    Workers in small establishments such as restaurants can get an annual permit at a reduced fee.

    • Restaurants are given as an example of a small establishment
    Official wording

    Workers in small establishments such as restaurants can obtain annual permits at a reduced fee.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementLarger employers
  • FeesAnnual work permit - foreign domestic workers
  • Steps to applyThe employer applies to the Ministry of Labour for a work licence for the foreig

The full requirements are for members

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  • 1 more requirement
  • 2 fees
  • 3 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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