Which authority issues a work permit in Egypt?

A work permit in Egypt can be issued by the Egyptian Ministry of Labor.

The Ministry of Foreigners' Labor in Egypt issued decree no. 146/2019, which provides new rules for foreigners working in Egypt. According to the new decree, foreigners may work in Egypt only if:

1. The foreigner has a legal right to stay in Egypt for the purpose of work;
2. Has a work permit issued by the Ministry of Manpower or its branches.

According to the new decree, foreigners are required to obtain a work permit from the competent ministry and its respective personnel administrations or from institutions established by the ministry for this purpose in other organizations.

How long can a foreigner work in Egypt?

A work permit in Egypt is usually issued for one year. However, it can be extended for a maximum of 5 years. It is important to note that working in Egypt does not mean obtaining a permanent residence permit.

When does the government issue a work permit to foreigners?

Before the authorities issue a work permit to foreigners, a labor market test must confirm that there are no locals who meet the requirements for the position. After obtaining a work permit, the applicant must train at least two local Egyptians to work in the same position.

How long does it take to obtain a work permit?

The process of applying for a work permit in Egypt usually takes 1 to 3 months before the applicant can enter Egypt. It may take another 2-4 months to complete the process.

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What are the types of work visas in Egypt?

Egypt offers several types of visas including:

1. Employment visa: As soon as a foreign national receives a work permit, his/her visa, such as a temporary/tourist visa, will be converted into a work visa.
2. Temporary/Tourist Visa. This is a single-entry 30-day tourist visa that can be extended upon arrival at an Egyptian airport. This is also the visa that people get for work.
3. Regular visa: The regular visa is valid for three to five years and allows the employee's spouse to have a residence permit for the period specified in the work permit.
4. Special visa: The special visa is intended for expats who were born in Egypt before May 26, 1952 or have lived in Egypt for more than 20 years since that date. It is valid for 10 years and can be extended.

Visa issuance conditions:

• An alien must have at least 3 months of work experience;
• A work permit issued in accordance with the current legislation;
• No competition between the country's need for foreign labor and the national labor force;
• The employer's real need for foreign workers;
• An employer who hires foreign technical workers must appoint at least two Egyptians to work as his assistants;
• The extension of a foreigner's work permit is conditioned on the training of Egyptian employees and the preparation of reports on their work;
• Preference is given to foreigners born and permanently residing in Egypt.

Responsibilities of the company:

• Notify the relevant authority in case of employment of foreigners exempted from obtaining a work permit within seven days from the start of such work and after its termination;
• Maintain a register containing all information about its foreign employees;
• submit a report containing the names of foreign employees to the relevant authority during the first week of January and July of each year;
• The total number of foreign workers in the company should not exceed 10% of the Egyptian workforce employed and insured in the company.
• Responsibilities of foreigners:
• Foreigners who work for only one or more days are required to pay a contribution of 10% of their salary (not less than eight thousand pounds and not more than fifty thousand pounds according to the law)

Foreigners who are exempt from obtaining a work permit:

• Foreigners are exempted in accordance with international conventions to which Egypt is a party;
• Foreign employees who work in embassies as a result of decisions of the relevant authorities in their countries;
• Foreign correspondents;
• Foreign priests;
• Foreign workers on Egyptian ships outside of territorial waters;
• Foreign employees of the Commonwealth International War Graves Commission;
• Foreign specialists engaged in architectural research and ancient Egyptian monuments;
• Foreign investors who have been granted "investor status" in accordance with the relevant provisions of the investment legislation.

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To obtain a work visa to Egypt, the following documents are required, namely (but not exclusively)

• Passport;
• Application form;
• 4 photographs
• Original and copy of the authorization documents for future work;
• An invitation from the employer or a letter from the employer about the job;
• Information about the vacancy, income, and savings of the applicant

Requirements and documents for obtaining a work permit in Egypt:

• A completed application form.
• A valid foreign passport.
• Seven passport-size color photographs.
• Copies of diplomas and certificates confirming qualifications.
• An official letter from the employer with a detailed list of reasons and justifications for hiring a foreigner.
• Medical examination, including HIV tests.
• A permit issued by the Egyptian Department of State Security.
• Payment of the state fee.
• A list of documents from the Egyptian company (registration certificate, tax and financial statements).

Documents that a self-employed person must provide to obtain a work visa to Egypt:

• A copy of the most recent income tax return or relevant bank statements or documents
• Proof of activity, such as bank statements, invoices or receipts

It should be noted that when entering Egypt with a visa in your passport, you will not receive a tourist visa at the airport.

The holder of a multiple entry visa to Egypt issued by a foreign diplomatic mission of Egypt, valid for up to 6 months, which can be extended by the Egyptian Migration Service, after obtaining a work permit from the Ministry of Labor, will receive a temporary residence permit for non-tourist purposes from the Egyptian Migration Service, which will state that the holder has the right to work. This permit is valid for 3 months to 1 year.