The process for acquiring a work permit for Egypt can be complicated, and the Egyptian authorities can be inefficient at times. Employers will usually take care of the bulk of the paperwork involved in applying for a work permit, which takes some of the sting out of it. Egyptian law caps foreign employees at 10 percent of a company’s total workforce, so the availability of positions for expats is limited.

Since work permit applications require the participation of the expat’s employer, it is not possible to obtain a work permit without a solid job offer from an employer in Egypt. In addition to a work permit, expats will also need a visa before arriving in Egypt.

Once the work permit is approved, this entry visa is aligned with a work-linked residence permit issued by the Ministry of Interior. The required paperwork for the various visa categories can change frequently and vary according to the applicant’s nationality, so applications are best handled by an agency or through your hiring company.

Visas for Egypt

Applying for a work permit for Egypt

Visa application

Before you and your employer can begin applying for a work permit for Egypt, you will need to get clearance from the Egyptian National Security Agency and undergo an HIV test.

A work permit application form, along with numerous supporting documents from both the employer and employee, is required for a work permit application. In some cases, additional documents may be requested. Once you have secured a work permit for Egypt, it is usually valid for one year and renewable annually. Each permit is tied to a specific employer and role; a new application is required if you change jobs.

You will also need a residence permit to stay in Egypt legally. For work-linked residence permits, this is typically valid for one year and renewed alongside the work permit. The process for obtaining a work permit for Egypt can be lengthy, and employers will have to prove that no Egyptian national can fulfil the role adequately. Begin the application process as early as possible.

Useful links

Visa regulations and requirements for work permits are subject to change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.

What do expats say about Egyptian work permit processes? 

"I do know many expats who have managed to get work visas, most of which have been organised through the companies they work for without any problems."

See our expat interview about Egypt with Sam, an expat from London. 

Further reading

►For information on visa requirements for Egypt, see our page on Visas for Egypt. 

Are you an expat living in Egypt?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Egypt. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.