Egypt Immigration, Visa and Permit Guide

The Egypt Short-Term Work Permit does not exist. All foreign nationals, regardless of the length of their assignment, must apply for the long-term Work Visa followed by the Work Permit. Unlike some countries that issue temporary or project-based authorisations, Egypt requires the same process for all employment. Work may only begin once the Work Permit application has been submitted and the submission receipt issued by the Ministry of Manpower and Immigration. This receipt serves as interim authorisation while the final permit, which can take 8–10 months to process, is pending.

Travellers should be aware that entering Egypt on a business visa or tourist visa does not permit employment. These categories are strictly limited to meetings, conferences, or leisure travel and cannot be used for paid work. If a foreign national arrives on a tourist visa and subsequently needs to take up employment, an exemption permit may be available, but the applicant must still follow the full work permit process.

The Egypt Work Permit is the only authorisation that allows foreign nationals to work legally in the country. Issued by the Ministry of Manpower and Immigration, it applies to all employment, as Egypt does not offer a short-term work option.

The process begins with a Work Visa, submitted on the applicant’s behalf before entry. This visa is valid for one month and cannot be renewed. After arrival, the applicant must complete an HIV/AIDS test in Egypt before the employer files the Work Permit application. A submission receipt is issued immediately, allowing the applicant to start work while the final permit is processed.

The final Work Permit usually takes 8–10 months to be approved, is valid for one year, and can be renewed annually. Employers must observe the 10% cap on foreign workers, unless an exemption is granted. Residence Authorisation, issued separately by the Ministry of Interior, is required in parallel to allow lawful stay and re-entry rights.

The Egypt Residence Authorisation is the permit that allows foreign nationals to reside legally in Egypt while employed. It is issued by the Ministry of Interior and is always linked to the work permit process. Without residence authorisation, a foreign employee cannot remain in Egypt beyond their visa validity.

Applicants first receive a six-month residence permit based on the Work Permit submission receipt. If the final work permit is still pending, this can be extended for another six months. Once the work permit is approved, the residence permit is issued for one year and is renewable on an annual basis.

Residence authorisation also enables dependants such as spouses and minor children to join the main applicant. With an endorsed residence permit, the holder may exit and re-enter Egypt freely during its validity, making it a crucial step in the overall work and immigration process.