In short
- Most foreign investors use a limited liability company (LLC) or a joint stock company (JSC); foreigners can own up to 100% in most sectors.
- Companies are registered through the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI); once the file is complete and certified, registration usually takes 10–15 working days.
- After registration come the tax card, VAT registration, social insurance and the bank account.
What this stage involves
Choose the legal form. The main options are a limited liability company (LLC), the form most foreign investors use; a joint stock company (JSC), suited to larger industrial projects; a one-person company; or a branch of your foreign company. A JSC needs at least three shareholders and a minimum capital of EGP 250,000, with 10% paid at incorporation. For an LLC, confirm the minimum capital with GAFI or your lawyer.
Foreign ownership. Foreigners can own up to 100% of companies in most sectors. There are exceptions — for example, companies that import goods for resale, commercial agencies, and projects in Sinai — so confirm the rules for your activity before you register. A textile or garment factory is normally a manufacturing activity, but check how your activity is classified.
Register through GAFI. The usual steps are: reserve the company name, prepare the contract and articles of association in Arabic, deposit capital where required, and submit the file to GAFI. Documents signed abroad must be certified and legalised, usually through the Egyptian embassy. Once the file is complete, GAFI registers the company in the Commercial Registry.
After registration. Register with the Egyptian Tax Authority for a tax card and VAT, register for social insurance before you hire, and join the relevant chamber. Open the company's operating bank account. The standard corporate tax rate is 22.5% and the standard VAT rate is 14%.
If you chose a free zone or SCZone in Stage 2, set up the company under that regime from the start — the zone authority will guide the registration.
Your checklist
Tick as you goWho you deal with
| Organisation | What they help with | Official site |
|---|---|---|
| General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) | Company registration and the investor service centres | gafi.gov.eg |
| Egyptian Tax Authority | Tax card and VAT registration | — |
| General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone | Company setup for SCZone projects | sczone.eg |
| Egyptian embassy or consulate in your country | Legalising documents signed abroad | — |
How long it takes
Typical, not guaranteedCommon questions
Can I own the company 100%?
In most sectors, yes. Some activities, such as importing for resale, and some locations, such as Sinai, have limits — confirm for your activity.
Do I need an Egyptian partner?
Not for most manufacturing activities. You will need a local representative or lawyer to handle the registration.
Can Egytex handle the registration?
Yes. The Setup and Licensing package coordinates incorporation with our partner lawyers.