Egypt attracts a lot of migrants, particularly because of its low cost of living and favorable working conditions for expats. Here are the pros and cons of employment in Egypt, rules for obtaining a work permit, taxation system, average salaries, available job search services and other important nuances for expats

Expats move to Egypt for a variety of reasons, each unique and dependent on personal, professional and cultural factors. However, in most cases, foreigners are attracted here by the country's rich history and culture, low cost of living, favorable climate, picturesque landscapes and strategic location of Egypt. For employment in the country, a foreigner must have an appropriate permit.

How to move to Egypt for work? Everything you wanted to know about employment in the homeland of the pyramids and the sphinx is collected in this article.

Advantages of employment in Egypt

The advantages of working in Egypt include:

- Advantageous geographical location – Egypt is in a great location between Africa and the Middle East, making it an important place for trade and business.

- Rich culture - the country has a rich history and interesting sights such as the pyramids of Giza and the Nile River.

- Economic benefits - Egypt has recently made some big changes to help businesses, with the country's government attracting foreign investment and supporting the start-up of new businesses.

- Technological development - Egypt's technology sector is rapidly developing, becoming a center for IT and software development.

- Currency stability – The Egyptian pound (E£) is the official currency and the country maintains its stability, which provides a favorable economic climate for businesses and expats working in Egypt.

Cons of working in Egypt

- The language barrier can be an obstacle for those who do not speak Arabic.

- Adapting to local customs and social norms requires patience and understanding, especially for those with completely different cultural backgrounds.

- The cost of living is lower, but the standard of living may not match what some expats are used to in their home countries.

- Traffic jams, especially in cities like Cairo.

- Limited number of medical facilities, especially in remote areas.

- For families, finding educational institutions for children can be a problem (especially if you are looking for an international school).

Peculiarities of work in Egypt

The current minimum wage in Egypt is EGP 6,000.00 per month ($130). The average salary is $250-350 per month. Qualified specialists receive from $500 per month.

According to the Labor Law, the maximum working time is 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week in a six-day work week.

Employees are entitled to annual paid leave of at least 21 days after one year of employment.

Sick leave entitlements are granted on the basis of medical reports with a compensation rate of 75% for the first 90 days and 85% for the next 90 days.

Female employees are entitled to 90 days of fully paid leave in connection with pregnancy and childbirth and up to 24 months after childbirth.

Employees pay social insurance contributions in the amount of 11% of the wage level.

In Egypt, the probationary period lasts no more than 3 months. During this time, both the employer and the employee have the opportunity to assess whether the terms of cooperation suit them.

How can an expat find a job in Egypt?

Most often, foreigners find work in the big cities of Egypt: Cairo and Alexandria.

International companies and business centers are always looking for high-class specialists, but in order to get a good job, you need a high level of language skills. It would be great if you knew Arabic, in that case you would have an advantage over other candidates. If you don't know, then you should definitely know English and at least a little French.

Popular sites for finding a job in Egypt:

- wuzzuf.net;

- bayt.com;

- jobs-eg.com;

- Expat.com;

- Indeed;

- Jobble;

- Eurojobs. 

Most expats work in Egypt in the following industries:

- The field of information technologies and media.

- Oil sector.

- Teaching English.

- Medicine.

- Tourism.

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

Visas for employment in Egypt

Expats can apply for one of the following visas to travel to Egypt:

- Short-term visa – ideal for short visits, including business trips or short-term projects.

- Egypt tourist visa – is for travel and allows travelers to explore the rich cultural heritage of Egypt.

- Egyptian educational visa - specially for students and scientists who are studying or conducting research in Egypt.

- Working visa to Egypt – for foreigners and professionals working in Egypt.

Expats planning to settle and work in Egypt must obtain a work permit. They are divided into short-term and long-term.

To get a permit, you first need to find an employer who can become your sponsor. Egyptian companies are always financially responsible for those they hire throughout the employment period.

For freelancers, entrepreneurs or the self-employed, an independent work permit offers flexibility and independence. Applicants must demonstrate financial stability, a viable business plan or unique skills that are in demand in Egypt.

List of documents for obtaining a work visa and employment permit in Egypt

To apply for a work visa and work permit in Egypt, you need to collect the following package of documents:

- Visa application.

- Valid passport.

- Several passport size photos.

- A copy of the founding agreement of the company.

- TIN of the employee.

- Scientific degrees and certificates.

- Professional license (if necessary).

- Justification of the reason for hiring the employee.

- Confirmation that the company representative applies for a work permit on behalf of the employee.

- Negative HIV test.

The deadline for submitting an application for a work permit in Egypt

In Egypt, the processing time for a work permit varies from country to country and the type of work permit you are applying for. However, the average processing time for work permits issued in Egypt is about a month.

Tax system in Egypt

The amount of tax depends on the amount of income received by an expat:

- If you earn up to 21,000 EGP ($450) - tax free.

- From 21,000 to 30,000 EGP ($450 to $640) - tax rate of 2.5%.

- From 30,000 to 45,000 EGP ($640 to $960) – the rate increases to 10%.

- From 45,000 to 60,000 EGP ($960 to $1,280) – the tax rate is 15%.

- From 60,000 to 200,000 EGP (from 1,280 to 4,270 $) - the tax rate is 20%.

- From 200,000 to 400,000 EGP ($4,270 to $8,540) - tax at 22.5%.

- Over 400,000 EGP ($8,540) – 25% rate.

Residents and non-residents alike get a tax holiday on the first 15,000 EGP ($320) they earn - it's tax-free.

Finding a job in Egypt can take a lot of time and effort, but with persistence and determination, you can greatly improve your chances of employment.

Egypt is an attractive place for professionals looking for work in a remote region with a wonderful climate, nature, cultural wealth and a developed economy.

Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

To understand the specifics of the employment procedure in Egypt, consult a migration lawyer. The specialist will help you find out the intricacies of Egyptian legislation, find out about the necessary permits and prepare a package of documents for moving and employment.

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