Moving Regulations - Egypt

All foreigners entering Egypt must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity to acquire an entry visa.

The Egyptian entry visa is for people planning to study and work or engage in activities which are unavailable with Egyptian tourist visa. It is necessary to present a passport with at least 6 months validity and documents supporting the application for this type of visa.

The documents required for entry visa are the following:
•    a visa valid for 6 months;
•    the completed and signed application form;
•    1x1 ID photo (in color);
•    the declaration form.  
This visa is the first step for people wanting to get an Egyptian permanent residency permit.
Besides, Egypt grants to foreign nationals legitimate rights for temporary residence. There are 2 types of residence permits in Egypt: ordinary residence and special residence.
People currently living or born in Egypt are entitled to gain special residence. It is usually is issued with validity for a period of 10 years and can be renewed after the date of validity. Ordinary Residence is granted to foreign nationals for a period of either 3 or 5 years.

3-Year Residence
People of non-Egyptian nationality are entitled to gain a temporary 3-year residence permit in the country.

The following list consists of foreign nationals which can obtain 3-year residence permit.
• Foreign nationals employed by the government, public institutions, the public company sector and public business sector.
• Foreign nationals with approval of a 3-year residence permit from the Ministry of Interior and local Government.
• Non-Egyptian nationals receiving monthly pension from the National Authority for pensions and insurances.
• Non-Egyptian nationals employed by the Swiss institute for archeological and architectural research in Egypt. • Spouses of non-Egyptian nationals entitled to an ordinary or special residence.

All these categories of people can renew the permit after its validity.

5-Year Residence
Non-Egyptian nationals belonging to the categories listed below are entitled to a 5-year residence permit.
• Spouses and widows of Egyptian nationals.
• Spouses of the non-nationals entitled with an ordinary residence.
• Individuals with mothers and fathers granted Egyptian citizenship.
• Individuals below sixty years and above residing in Egypt for 10 years.
• Adult children with mothers entitled to ordinary, special or 5-year residence.

An applicant can be refused during the process of the application if he/she:
•    has a criminal record in any country;
•    failed to present any requested documents or information requested by the immigration officer;
•    failed the medical exam;
•    has financial issues;
•    failed to give evidence of language skills;
•    failed the background check.

The Egyptian immigration government maintains a number of people entering in Egypt and approves the types of immigrants entering Egypt. It also focuses on the citizenship application process and for the final stage of citizenship immigration.