Real Estate Residence Permit in Egypt

Foreign nationals who purchase property in Egypt may qualify for a Real Estate Residence Permit in Egypt, allowing them to obtain legal non-tourist residency based on property ownership.

This residence type is ideal for individuals investing in real estate in Egypt and seeking medium- to long-term residency. However, eligibility is subject to strict conditions related to property value, legal ownership status, and proof of fund transfer from abroad.

In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about property-based residency in Egypt, including eligibility criteria, required documents, duration options, fees, application process, and key legal definitions.

What Is a Real Estate Residence Permit?

A Real Estate Residence Permit is a non-tourist residence granted to foreign nationals who own property in Egypt that meets specific legal and financial requirements.


The residence is issued based on:


Verified property ownership

Minimum property value thresholds
Legal registration of the property
Proof that the purchase funds were transferred from outside Egypt

Key Eligibility Conditions

To qualify for this residence type, the applicant must meet the following conditions:

1. Minimum Property Value
The property must have a value of at least USD 100,000

2. Official Property Registration (Green Contract)
The property must be registered with what is commonly known in Egypt as a “Green Contract”.

What Is a Green Contract in Egypt?

A Green Contract is an officially registered property contract issued by the Egyptian Real Estate Registration Authority. It confirms that:

* The property ownership is legally registered
* The buyer is the official legal owner
* The contract is fully recorded in government records

– This is the strongest legal form of property ownership in Egypt and is mandatory for obtaining a residence permit through real estate.

3. Funds Transferred from Abroad
– The property purchase amount must be transferred from outside Egypt
– The transfer must be documented through official banking channels
– Informal or undocumented payments are not accepted

Real Estate Residence duration

The residence duration depends on the property value
:

– Property Value of USD 100,000 or More

Grants a 1-year residence permit

– Property Value of USD 150,000 or More

Grants a 3-year residence permit

– Property Value of USD 350,000 or More

Grants a 5-year residence permit
The granted duration is determined based on the officially documented property value.

Target Category

This residence type is suitable for:

– Foreign property owners in Egypt

-Real estate investors

– Individuals seeking long-term residency through investment

– Expats planning to settle in Egypt

-Retirees purchasing property in Egypt

Required Documents for Real Estate Residence Permit

Applicants must prepare the following documents carefully:

• Passport

  Original passport
  3 photocopies of the passport main data page

• Entry Stamp

  2 photocopies of the most recent entry stamp into Egypt

• 
  Entry Visa

  2 photocopies of one of the following:
  Airport-issued entry visa
  Visa obtained from an Egyptian embassy abroad
  Electronic Visa obtained by applying online

• Previous Residence Card (If Available)

  2 photocopies of the previous residence card (if issued before)

• Green Contract (Property Registration Document)

  – Official registered property contract
  
  – Must confirm legal ownership

• Negative Certificate from Real Estate Tax Authority

  What Is a Negative Certificate?
  
  A negative certificate is an official document confirming that:
  
  – There are no outstanding tax obligations on the property
  
  – The property is legally compliant

• Negative Certificate from Real Estate Registration Authority

  – Confirms that there are no legal disputes or conflicting ownership claims
  – Verifies the legal status of the property

• Foreign Currency Exchange Receipt

  Official receipt proving conversion from any foreign currency to Egyptian Pounds (EGP)
  Converted amount must be equal to or greater than the total residence fees
  Issued by an authorized bank or exchange office in Egypt
  The exchange receipt must include the applicant’s name and passport number.
  ( Important notice : Receipts issued from ATM machines are not allowed )

Step-by-Step Application Process

The application process for a Real Estate Residence Permit follows the same general procedure as other residence types in Egypt.

Visit the Relevant Immigration Office
Step 01

The applicant must visit the passport and immigration office responsible for the area where the property officially existed.

Take a Queue Number and Collect the Application Form
Step 02

• Obtain a queue number
• Receive the official residence application form

Complete the Application Form
Step 03

• Fill in personal, passport, and employment details accurately
• Attach all required documents and photocopies

Submit Documents at the Counter
Step 04

• Documents are reviewed and registered in the immigration system
• Any missing or incorrect documents may result in delays

Pay the Government Fees
Step 05

• Fees are paid at the immigration office
• Foreign currency exchange receipt is mandatory

Residence Card Issuance
Step 06

All nationalities are subject to mandatory security screening

After approval, the residence card is issued

Applicant returns to collect the card when notified

Application Locations

Applications must be submitted at:

– The Passport and Immigration Office responsible for the residential address stated in the property ownership contract

Processing Time

All applicants are subject to security review.

– Estimated processing time: 1 to 2 months

– Security clearance is mandatory for all nationalities

Applicants should plan accordingly and avoid overstaying their visa during the waiting period.

Real Estate Residence Permit Fees

Fees depend on the residence duration granted:

• 1-Year Residence: Estimated cost EGP 6,877 to 7097

(depending on nationality and the documents submitted)

• 3-Year Residence: Estimated cost EGP 17,877 to 18,107

(depending on nationality and the documents submitted)

• 5-Year Residence: Estimated cost EGP 28,887 to 29,107

(depending on nationality and the documents submitted)

Fees are paid at the immigration office and must be supported by a valid foreign currency exchange receipt.

Important Notes

•Property must be legally registered (Green Contract required)

•Funds must be transferred from abroad

•Negative certificates are mandatory

•This residence does not grant work rights

•Approval depends on immigration and security review

• Fees and procedures may be subject to change

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply with an unregistered property contract?
01

No. A Green Contract is mandatory.

No. The funds must be transferred from outside Egypt.
02

No. The funds must be transferred from outside Egypt.

Can I work in Egypt under this residence?
03

No. A separate work permit is required.

Is security clearance required for all applicants?
04

Yes. All nationalities undergo security screening.

Can I renew this residence?
05

Yes, subject to continued compliance with deposit conditions and immigration approval.

Is this kind of visa multiple entry?
06

Yes, the Real Estate Residence Permit is multi-entry as long as it is valid

Conclusion

The Real Estate Residence Permit in Egypt offers a valuable opportunity for foreign investors and property owners to obtain legal residency. By ensuring proper property registration, meeting the minimum value requirements, and providing valid documentation, applicants can secure medium- to long-term residency in Egypt.