Egyptian citizenship by investment
A budget Middle Eastern CBI for $250k.
- An applicant with a clean criminal record and good health
- a lawful source of funds
- no language or residence requirement
The official GAFI page (gafi.gov.eg) states directly: the investor is required to transfer $10,000 separately from abroad to the Central Bank of Egypt as an administrative fee — this sum is not included in the priceFrom shown and is not covered by the investment contribution from $250,000.
According to several independent 2025 sources (including industry reviews and IMI Daily on the 36 citizenships granted in 2025 ‘under the new verification requirements’), the programme has moved from the earlier remote model to a compulsory personal visit of at least 2 days at the application stage and one further visit (or two visits) totalling up to 4 weeks after approval — for biometrics, a medical examination and final processing.
What citizenship by investment is
Citizenship by investment is a separate procedure set out in a country’s law: a person makes an agreed contribution to the economy, passes screening and receives citizenship by decision of the relevant state body. There is no need to live in the country before applying, to pass a language exam or to wait years for naturalisation — the legal basis is a different one.
Read moreShow less
Such programmes have operated in the Caribbean since 1984. The money goes into a state fund or into a project approved by the state — this is what distinguishes the programme from the ‘passport purchase’ it is colloquially called: the investment is accepted not by an official but by the treasury under regulations.
The status is for life and heritable: the children of a citizen receive citizenship by birth. It can be revoked only on the grounds set out in the law — falsification in the application form, concealment of facts, a serious crime.
Who it suits
- An applicant with a clean criminal record and good health
- A lawful source of funds
- No language or residence requirement
- Access to the Arab market
How Egyptian citizenship by investment works
The reception office for applicants operates at the headquarters of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI). The unit that considers citizenship applications is itself subordinate to the office of the prime minister — and the decision to grant citizenship is taken by the prime minister.
The legal basis is law No. 173 of 2018, which amended the Egyptian citizenship law, and prime minister’s decision No. 876 of 2023, which set the routes now in force.
The administrative fee is transferred from abroad directly to the Central Bank of Egypt — this is done before consideration, together with the application and the file of documents.
How Egyptian citizenship differs from European programmes
GAFI states the main difference directly: Egypt has no residence period requirement, and the agency specifically contrasts this with Cyprus and Spain, where a residency record is compulsory.
The second difference is the order of execution. First the application and the screening, and only after approval by the security bodies does the applicant receive temporary stay for six months in order to carry out the chosen investment programme. That is, the money is invested not blindly, but after the state has given preliminary consent.
What routes there are to Egyptian citizenship
- Setting up an investment project
- Purchasing real estate
- A contribution in foreign currency directly to the state treasury
- Placing a deposit in a special account at the Central Bank
The amounts for each route are set by the prime minister’s decision and have been revised — we give the current ones at the consultation.
Which family members receive Egyptian citizenship
Citizenship is received by the investor and their children under 21 — by decision of the prime minister. The composition of the family members to be included and the proof of dependency we go through for the specific case.
What the service includes
| Support | |
| Filing | |
| Investment— billed separately | |
| Mandatory $10k state fee to the Central Bank of Egypt (on top of the contribution)— billed separately |
Official terms
Three routes to citizenship
The programme provides for several investment options depending on the form and size of the contribution.
Setting up an investment project
- Launching your own business or company
- Drawing up an economic development plan
- Clearance with the investment policy regulator
Buying property
- Acquiring residential or commercial property
- Holding the property for a set period
- Documenting the outlay and the ownership
A deposit with the treasury
- Opening an account with the Central Bank of Egypt
- Keeping the funds in the account for the set period
- A minimum contribution amount
When the programme will not suit
A criminal record or criminal past
Ordinary naturalised citizenship through other integration programmes
Inability to document the source of funds
Other types of visa and long-stay status (investment visas)
Small investment sums (below the required minimum)
A businessman's visa, a residence visa or a skilled professional's visa
Documents to gather
The standard set of documents confirming identity, financial position and good standing
- An international passport (valid)
- A certificate of no criminal record from the country of citizenship
- A medical report on the state of health
- Proof of the source of funds (account statements, contracts, income certificates)
- Evidence of the transfer of funds from abroad
- Copies of family members' documents (children's birth certificates, marriage certificates)
How the process runs
The process comprises a check of the documents, approval by the security bodies and the grant of citizenship by decision of the Prime Minister
- 1
Filing the application and documents
Day of filingThe investor prepares the full set of documents and files it with the Unit for Granting Egyptian Citizenship at GAFI. The documents include the passport, a certificate of no criminal record, a medical examination and proof of the source of funds.
- 2
Preliminary review
1-3 weeksGAFI carries out an initial check that the documents are complete and that the basic requirements of the programme are met. Further material is requested where necessary.
- 3
Security check
From 1 monthThe competent security bodies carry out a thorough check on the candidate: verification of the source of funds, and checks on the criminal background and connections in the country of citizenship.
- 4
Formal review
3-6 monthsFull review of the application by the competent bodies. At this stage the body issues a recommendation to approve or refuse.
- 5
Grant of temporary residence
Immediately after approvalThe investor is granted temporary resident status for a period of six months in order to carry out the chosen investment programme.
- 6
The Prime Minister's decision
After the temporary residenceThe Prime Minister takes the decision to grant Egyptian citizenship to the investor and to their minor children (under 21).
Who you can bring with you
The investor's family members may be included in the programme under certain conditions
Minor children
Spouse
Adult children (over 21)
Renewal and the grace period
Citizenship obtained through the Citizenship by Investment programme is permanent and for life. No renewal or extension is required. An Egyptian citizen enjoys all rights, including the issue of a passport and the ability to pass citizenship on by descent.
Documents and programme requirements
- 1Contribution from $250k
- 2Clean background
How the process runs
6–12 months- Step 1We select the route: a project, real estate, a contribution to the treasury or a deposit with the Central Bank.
- Step 2We prepare the set of documents and the application to the unit attached to the Prime Minister's office.
- Step 3Transfer of the administrative fee from abroad to the Central Bank of Egypt.
- Step 4Review and security vetting — three to six months.
- Step 5After approval — temporary residence for six months in which to make the investment.
- Step 6Making the chosen investment.
- Step 7The Prime Minister's decision granting citizenship, and the passport is issued.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to live in Egypt to obtain citizenship by investment?
When exactly is the investment made?
How long does consideration take?
Who takes the decision on citizenship?
Citizenship by investment: other options
Compare terms in other countries and delivery formats.
We'll check your case before you pay
Send an enquiry — we will check your case and help you arrange “Egyptian citizenship by investment” in Egypt. No markup on top.
We'll cover: whether you qualify, the full cost with fees, realistic timelines, the document list. If it's not for you, we'll say so.