Egypt has grown to attract skilled professionals who wish to work abroad.
The country shows a rising economy and more industries.
Employers need a skilled workforce.
Foreign experts are invited to help build Egypt’s growth.
If you want to work in Egypt, the first step is to get an Egyptian work visa.
This guide explains what you must know about the work visa.
It covers who can apply, what you need, how the process works, how long it takes, the costs, and other key details.
Understanding the Egyptian Work Visa and Eligibility
Who Needs a Work Visa in Egypt?
Every foreign person who wants to work in Egypt must get a work visa.
No job or skill is free from these rules.
All international workers must follow the official steps to work and live in Egypt.
Eligibility Criteria for an Egyptian Work Visa
To apply for an Egyptian work visa, these points must hold true:
Job offer from a company in Egypt
The job offer must come from a firm registered in Egypt.
The offer must follow Egypt’s labor laws.
It must include a signed contract that lists salary, insurance, and duties.No qualified Egyptian available for the job
The law asks employers to check if any Egyptian can fill the role.
Only when no local worker is available can a foreign candidate be hired.Company limits on foreign workers
For unskilled or semi-skilled work, foreigners can fill up to 10% of the team.
For skilled jobs, the cap is 25%.
These rules keep most jobs for Egyptian citizens.Good health
You need to pass health tests, including an HIV test.
Serious health issues may stop you from getting a visa.
Key Documentation Required for the Egyptian Work Visa
You must supply the proper papers for your application to move smooth.
Both you and your employer in Egypt must share certain documents.
Documents You Must Prepare
• Valid Passport
Your passport should stay valid for at least two years from your application date.
• Photographs
Provide seven similar photos with a white background that show your face.
• Educational Certificates
Share a copy of your degree or similar certificate.
• Proof of Work Experience
Give records that show your work in related fields.
• Personal Documents
This set includes your birth certificate and, if needed, marriage papers.
• Signed Job Offer Letter
The letter should come from your Egyptian employer with job details.
• Valid Health Insurance
Insurance must last for your visit or until you get local coverage.
• Medical Tests
Include a negative HIV test and other required health reports.
• Paid Visa Fee Receipt
Show you have paid the visa fee.
Note: Some rules change with your country of residence.
You must have all papers translated by a certified person and given the needed stamps by the proper offices.
Documents Required from the Egyptian Employer
• A filled form from the Ministry of Manpower and Immigration (MMI).
• Job details for the offered position.
• A list of current foreign workers at the firm.
• Tax papers and company certificates.
• A statement explaining why a foreign worker is needed.
• Proof that Egyptian authorities approve the hire.
• Forms for social security and insurance.
• Security check forms and company board records.
• A letter from the employer accepting duty for the process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for an Egyptian Work Visa
Getting a work visa in Egypt takes several steps.
Both you and your employer share the tasks.
Below is the process laid out in steps:
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer and Sign a Contract
First, find a job with a registered company in Egypt.
The job offer must lead to a written work contract.
This contract lists your salary, work hours, and job tasks.
You may find job ads online.
Step 2: Employer Submits Application to Egyptian Authorities
The employer sends an application to Egypt’s Ministry of Manpower and Immigration.
They show that no Egyptian is ready for the role.
When approved, the ministry tells the Egyptian embassy in your home nation.
Step 3: Apply for a Tourist Visa to Enter Egypt
After the employer’s nod, apply for a tourist visa at the embassy.
The visa lasts 4 to 6 weeks and allows you to enter Egypt.
This visa is a short permit to finish work visa tasks.
Step 4: Register with Local Authorities
Once in Egypt, you must register at the closest police station in your town.
This registration must happen within five days after you arrive.
Step 5: Apply for a Work or Residence Permit
With your tourist visa and job approval in hand, apply for a residence permit or work permit.
This permit gives you the right to live and work in Egypt long term.
Step 6: Complete Medical Examination in Egypt
You must take health tests at local clinics.
A negative HIV test is required.
Do not leave Egypt until you receive a negative report and your permit is granted.
Step 7: Participate in a Training Program
The last step is to take part in training led by at least two local Egyptians.
This training helps you learn local work rules and culture.
It also aids you in picking up language skills.
Processing Time and Fees for the Egyptian Work Visa
How Long Does It Take?
The full process can take between 3 to 6 months.
Sometimes it may take up to a year.
The time depends on how ready your employer is, how fast the government works, and if your papers are correct.
What Are the Costs?
The official fee for an Egyptian work visa is around 1000 Egyptian Pounds (EGP).
There might be extra costs based on where you live and charges at the embassy or local offices.
Bringing Dependents on an Egyptian Work Visa
If you want to bring your family, the visa allows your spouse and children to join you in Egypt.
However, your spouse cannot work unless they apply and get a work or study permit on their own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I work as soon as I land in Egypt on a tourist visa?
No. The tourist visa lets you enter Egypt only.
You must register with local offices and get a work or residence permit first.What if my health tests show a problem?
If you do not pass the medical tests, especially the HIV test, you cannot get a work permit.Can I renew the work visa while I am in Egypt?
Yes. You can renew your permit before it ends.
Renewal means you need to provide new documents and follow the current rules.What if my employer does not keep to the rules about hiring foreign workers?
Egyptian labor rules must be followed.
If an employer breaks the rules, the visa may be denied or taken back.Are some jobs more open to foreign workers than others?
Many sectors open spots to foreign workers.
Skilled jobs, where local talent is missing, usually get more attention.
Employers must show no Egyptian is ready for that job.Can I change jobs while in Egypt?
Yes. You must apply for a new permit with your new employer.
The new employer must get approval from the authorities.What if my papers are not in Arabic or English?
All papers must be in Arabic or English.
You need a certified translator and the proper stamps on each document.
Conclusion
Getting a work visa in Egypt requires several steps.
You need a valid job offer and a signed contract.
The process also needs health checks and strict paper rules.
Breaking each step into clear tasks lets you work the process with care.
With solid preparation and careful work with your employer, you can achieve your goal of working in Egypt.
Egypt offers many openings for both skilled workers and those new to their career paths.