Get Your Egypt Citizenship by Investment – Learn How to Apply
Eligibility Overview
Egypt offers a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program that allows foreign investors to obtain citizenship without long-term residency.
To qualify, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Hold a valid passport
- Have a clean criminal record
- Be in good health
- Provide proof of legal source of funds
- Transfer funds from abroad in USD through the Central Bank of Egypt
- Pass government background and security checks
- Important Note: Certain nationalities (such as Israeli and Iranian citizens) may not be eligible, and all applicants are subject to security clearance.
Investment Options
Egypt offers four main investment routes:
1. Donation Option (Most Popular)
- $250,000 USD
- Non-refundable contribution to the state
- Can be paid in installments
2. Real Estate Investment
- $300,000 USD
- Must be government-approved or registered property – Applicants purchasing property from private (non-government) developers must open a personal account in Egypt and transfer the entire investment amount there in US dollars before converting to Egyptian pounds. This requirement does not apply to investors purchasing real estate directly from state developers.
- Must be held for at least 5 years
3. Business Investment
- $350,000 USD + $100,000 donation
- Must invest in a company and hold at least 40% ownership
- Must be held for 5 years
4. Bank Deposit
- $500,000 USD
- Refundable after 3 years (in local currency, no interest)
An additional and mandatory $10,000 government processing fee applies to all routes.
- Investments must be maintained for the required holding period (typically 3–5 years depending on the route)
- Selling or withdrawing early may result in loss of citizenship unless replaced with another qualifying investment
- All funds must be transferred through official government channels
Family Inclusion
You can include:
- Your spouse
- Children under 21
- Children receive citizenship immediately upon approval
Spouses typically receive citizenship after ~2 years
Key Program Features
- No residency requirement (no need to live in Grenada)
- Note: The program may introduce future residency requirements (under review as of 2026)
- Application can be completed fully remotely
- Processing typically takes 6 to 9 months
- Citizenship is granted for life and is inheritable
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Pre-Screening & Document Preparation
Submit initial documents for eligibility review and prepare apostilled and translated documents.
Step 2: Due Diligence & Government Review
Pay the $10,000 fee and undergo background checks (typically 3–6 months).
Step 3: Temporary Residence Approval
Receive a 6-month temporary residence permit to complete final steps.
Step 4: Complete Investment
Transfer funds and finalize your chosen investment route.
Step 5: Government Approval
Citizenship is granted by official decree and published in the Official Gazette.
Step 6: Biometrics & Passport Collection
Provide biometrics and collect your Egyptian passport.
Benefits of Egypt Citizenship by Investment
Egypt’s program stands out for its flexibility, low presence requirements, and strategic location:
- No residency requirement
- No language or history exams
- Multiple flexible investment options
- Eligibility for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa
- Strategic access to Africa and the Middle East markets – allows free entry to approximately 65 countries
- Ability to include family members
- Egypt allows for dual citizenship
- Access to growing regional economies
Frequently asked questions.
How long does it take to get Egyptian citizenship?
Most applicants receive citizenship in approximately 6 to 12 months.
Do I need to live in Egypt?
No, there is no residency requirement, though a short visit may be required for biometrics.
Do I need to speak Arabic?
No, there are no language or history test requirements.
Can I include my family?
Yes, spouses and children under 21 are eligible.
Is the investment refundable?
Only the bank deposit option is refundable (after 3 years and without interest). Donation routes are non-refundable.
Can I lose my citizenship?
Yes, if you fail to maintain your investment or provide false information during the application process.