Egypt
EGYEgypt is Africa's most populous country with a strategic location bridging North Africa and the Middle East. It offers one of the lowest costs of living among CBI-offering nations, with Cairo serving as a major regional hub for business and healthcare. The country operates a citizenship by investment programme alongside a growing digital economy and free zone infrastructure.
→ If you hold a Egypt passport, see the Egypt nationality guidePassport Rank
#89
Visa-Free
53
destinations
Country Details
- Capital
- Cairo
- Currency
- Egyptian Pound (EGP)
- Languages
- Arabic
- Population
- 104,000,000
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
- Naturalisation
- 10 years
- Schengen / EU
- No
- Climate
- Desert / Mediterranean
- English Proficiency Rank
- #72
Indices
Cost of Living
22
Safety
45
Healthcare
54
Quality of Life
120
Tax Summary
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Territorial Taxation
- No — worldwide income taxed for residents
- Naturalisation
- 10 years of legal residency
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
Cost of Living by City
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| City | Rent 1BR centre | Rent outside | Groceries | Utilities | Transit pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo | $350 | $210 | $180 | $45 | $12 |
| Alexandria | $260 | $160 | $165 | $40 | $10 |
Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.
Climate
Cairo
Rainfall range: 0–5 mm/month · Daylight 10h (winter) to 14h (summer)
Alexandria
Rainfall range: 0–50 mm/month · Daylight 10h (winter) to 14h (summer)
Naturalisation Details
- Residence Years
- 10
- Language Test
- Yes (Arabic language proficiency + civics knowledge required)
- Civic Test
- Yes
- Oath Required
- Yes
- Dual Allowed
- Yes
- Fee
- $150
- Processing
- ~24 months
Real Estate
- Avg price/sqm (capital)
- $900
- Transaction taxes
- 3%
Foreign buyers: Foreign nationals may purchase property in Egypt with some restrictions — ownership limited to two properties maximum and located outside protected/Sinai areas. Cairo new-development areas EGP 8,000-25,000/sqm ($500-1,500/sqm) though USD-equivalent values are devaluation-hit following pound depreciation since 2022. New Administrative Capital luxury units command premiums. Registration fees approx. 3% of declared value. Repatriation of sale proceeds permitted but subject to Central Bank of Egypt foreign-currency regulations.
International Schools
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| School | City | Curriculum | Tuition (USD/yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo American College | Cairo | US + IB | $12,000–$22,000 |
Daily Life Logistics
Internet
35 Mbps median
30% fibre coverage
eSIM: Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, Etisalat Egypt (e&), WE (Telecom Egypt)
Driving
IDP required
Local licence required after 12 months
Exchange eligible: Drives on the RIGHT. IDP valid for foreign visitors; expatriate residents must obtain Egyptian driving licence. No widely publicised bilateral exchange agreements — local test generally required after residency.
Pet Relocation
Quarantine: none
Rabies titre required
EU pet passport: not accepted
Safety
GPI Rank
#97
Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)
Common Risks
- ⚠taxi overcharging from Cairo International Airport — use metered cabs or ride-hailing apps (Uber/Careem)
- ⚠"papyrus shop" redirect scams around Pyramids and Khan el-Khalili
- ⚠fake tourist police requesting unofficial fees
- ⚠currency exchange scams offering unofficial "better rates"
Examples of areas to avoid: Informal settlements (ashwaiyat) in Cairo periphery after dark, Downtown Alexandria waterfront late at night, Areas near political gathering points during demonstrations
LGBTQ+ Legal Status
- Same-Sex Marriage
- Not legal
- Civil Partnerships
- Not recognised
- Anti-Discrimination Law
- No
- ILGA Rank
- #131
Religious Life
- Halal Food
- Widely available
- Kosher Food
- Limited
- Prayer Facilities
- Common
Sample Citizenship Test Questions
Q1. What is the name of the ancient Egyptian writing system using pictorial symbols?
Answer: Hieroglyphics
Source: Ministry of Interior — Egyptian Citizenship
Q2. The Suez Canal connects which two bodies of water?
Answer: Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea
Source: Ministry of Interior — Egyptian Citizenship