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Thanks to its business-friendly climate, strategic geographical location, and growing investment opportunities, Egypt continues to attract foreign investors and entrepreneurs from around the world. However, setting up and managing a foreign-owned business in Egypt requires a thorough understanding of the multiple legal systems, dealing with the relevant government agencies, and complying with the applicable regulatory requirements.

At Sadany & Partners Law Firm, we provide comprehensive corporate services to foreign investors in Egypt. We ensure that every step of the business journey, including the establishment and operation, is fully compliant, efficient, and secure.

Why do foreign investors choose Egypt?

Thanks to economic reforms and investments in infrastructure, Egypt has become a gateway between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. With numerous bilateral trade agreements and competitive labour costs, Egypt is an ideal hub for the manufacturing and logistics sectors.

However, foreign investors shall comply with laws that differ from local business practices. Therefore, engaging experienced legal advisors ensures that your business takes full advantage of the benefits of the Egyptian Investment Law 72 of 2017, while avoiding any delays or compliance issues.

The main advantages of investment in Egypt include the following:

  • Access to extensive local and regional markets.
  • Incentives in free zones and investment zones.
  • Simplified rules for foreign ownership under the Investment Law.
  • Strong legal protection for investors and their capital.

Example: A Saudi investor, who was in the process of setting up a manufacturing business in Alexandria, entrusted our Firm with completing all legal procedures and licences. Within six weeks, the company obtained approval from the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), tax registration and a commercial licence, allowing operations to commence immediately.

Our Legal Services for Business Foreigners

1. Business formation and licensing

We assist you in establishing your business in accordance with Egyptian law, with full foreign participation.

Our services include:

  • Advising on the optimal legal form (limited liability company (LLC), joint stock company (JSC), or branch).
  • Drafting of the articles of association and shareholder agreements in two languages.
  • Registration with the GAFI.
  • Obtaining a commercial registration and tax number.
  • Obtaining work and residence permits for foreign managers or employees.
  • Obtaining bank accounts and authenticating official documents.

Tip: Early selection of the appropriate legal entity type can significantly reduce costs and facilitate the transfer of profits abroad.

2. Investment and regulatory support

We ensure that your investment complies with legal and tax frameworks in Egypt, while taking advantage of available incentives.

  • Guiding under Investment Law 72 of 2017 and the Executive Regulations thereof.
  • Registration with free zones and special investment zones.
  • Tax exemptions and customs benefits for eligible projects.
  • Sector-specific licences (industrial, tourism, education, etc.).

Example: A European energy corporation established a branch in Egypt with our help and obtained investment zone benefits that reduced customs duties by 50%.

3. Corporate Maintenance and Compliance

We manage all ongoing legal obligations for foreign-owned businesses, including:

  • Annual General Meetings and Board Resolutions.
  • Updating shareholder records and commercial register filings.
  • Renewing trade, tax, and social security registrations.
  • Ensuring compliance with Egyptian labour law and data regulations.
  • Submitting applications for capital increases, mergers, or amendments to the General Tax Authority (GTA).

Outcome: Our clients enjoy smooth, hassle-free processes and avoid penalties resulting from missed filings or documentation errors.

4. Contract drafting and legal representation

We prepare and review all commercial agreements necessary for operating in Egypt, including:

  • Shareholder agreements and joint ventures.
  • Distribution, franchise and service contracts.
  • Employment contracts and non-disclosure agreements.
  • Property leases and investment.

Our bilingual (Arabic and English) contracts are enforceable under Egyptian law and designed to protect your business in local and international transactions.

5. Immigration services and border control

Our expert team provides comprehensive support to foreign investors wishing to relocate their management or employees to Egypt.

  • Residence permits and work permits.
  • Visa and immigration services for companies.
  • Certification and legal translation services for documents.
  • Coordinating with embassies and ministries to obtain the necessary approvals.

Example: We assisted a Gulf hospitality company in obtaining investor and residence visas for its regional management team within 30 days.

6. Dispute resolution and legal protection

We represent foreign investors in any disputes arising in Egypt and ensure that their rights are protected under Egyptian and international law.

  • Settlement of commercial disputes before courts and arbitration bodies.
  • Enforcement of foreign arbitral awards and decisions in Egypt.
  • Negotiation and settlement of disputes between shareholders or contracts.
  • Preventive legal audits to minimise future disputes.

Why Us?

  • Bilingual experience: We draft, negotiate, and submit all documents in both Arabic and English to ensure complete transparency and enforceability.
  • Local knowledge... Global vision: Our lawyers fully understand the aspirations of foreign investors and reconcile them with the legal reality in Egypt.
  • Comprehensive support: We offer a one-stop service covering business formation, compliance and dispute resolution.
  • Transparent fees: Clear, fixed-cost packages for business formation and annual legal maintenance.
  • Trusted by global customers: We represent companies from the KSA, the United Arab Emirates, Europe, and Asia that operate successfully in Egypt.

Case study

A foreign logistics corporation sought to establish a branch in Egypt while retaining full foreign ownership. We performed the following:

  1. Advising on the optimal structure in accordance with investment law.
  2. Preparing all incorporation documents in both Arabic and English.
  3. Registering the company with the GAVI and obtaining a TIN.
  4. Assisting in opening a business bank account and securing visas for employees.
  5. Establishing governance protocols and ongoing compliance schedules.

Outcome: The company was launched in record time, maintaining full foreign ownership and complete compliance with regulations.

Conclusion 

Egypt welcomes foreign investors, but success depends on careful legal implementation. At Sadany & Partners Law Firm, we provide the experience, knowledge, and practical support that foreign entrepreneurs need to start and run their businesses smoothly. Whether you are setting up businesses and obtaining licences to day-to-day compliance and cross-border expansion, we are your trusted partner in understanding the legal corporate environment in Egypt.

Contact us today to find out how our services, tailored specifically for foreign businesses, can help you establish and grow your business in Egypt with complete confidence and legal professionalism.

 

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