Moving to Egypt — Relocation Guide

The cradle of civilization, offering chaos, history, and the Red Sea.

Egypt at a Glance

Egypt is a country of overwhelming contrasts. Cairo, with over 20 million people in its metropolitan area, is one of the world's most intense cities: a 24-hour metropolis of noise, traffic, dust, and relentless energy. The Red Sea coast (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab) offers an entirely different experience, with world-class diving, laid-back beach culture, and a growing digital nomad community. The cost of living is extremely low for those earning foreign currency, though the Egyptian Pound has devalued significantly in recent years. History is everywhere and inescapable: you will commute past pyramids, walk over Roman-era ruins, and shop in medieval-era souqs. Bureaucracy is labyrinthine, unpredictable, and paper-heavy. Social norms are shaped by Islam and deeply traditional family structures, though Cairo's cosmopolitan class is sophisticated and outward-looking. Navigating daily life requires patience, humor, thick skin against persistent touts and vendors, and the ability to accept that 'the system' often operates on personal connections (wasta) rather than formal procedures. For newcomers willing to embrace the chaos, Egypt rewards with extraordinary cultural richness, genuine warmth, an unbeatable food scene, and a cost of living that stretches foreign income further than almost anywhere else in the region.

Relocation Realities

Life & Economics

Very low cost of living with currency volatility. Expat lifestyle affordable.

Housing

Gated communities preferred. Contracts informal.

Work & Income

Local wages low. Remote work common.

Healthcare

Private hospitals good in Cairo. Public system overstretched.

Taxes & Social System

Low effective taxes. Limited public services.

Climate & Seasons

Hot desert climate.

Who Is Egypt For?

For history buffs and adventurous expats who want rock-bottom costs and ancient civilization at their doorstep — only if you can handle Cairo's chaos, currency volatility, and bureaucratic opacity.

Visa Options for Egypt

Tourist e-Visa / Visa on Arrival — Available for citizens of many countries. The e-visa can be obtained online before travel, avoiding queues at arrival. Visa on arrival is purchased at the airport for eligible nationalities. Single-entry and multiple-entry options available.
Sinai Only Permit — A free 15-day entry stamp available on arrival at Sharm el-Sheikh airport for visitors staying exclusively in the South Sinai governorate (Sharm, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba). Cannot be used to travel to Cairo, the Nile Valley, or other parts of Egypt.
Tourist Residence Permit — For individuals wishing to stay beyond the initial visa period. Applied for at the Passports, Immigration and Nationality Administration (Mogamma in Cairo, or regional offices). Requires landlord documentation, bank statements, and considerable patience. Commonly used by nomads living in Dahab and Cairo.
Work Permit and Residence — Required for formal employment in Egypt. The employer sponsors the application through the Ministry of Manpower. Security clearance is mandatory and can take weeks to months. The permit is tied to the sponsoring employer.
Investor Residence — For foreign nationals investing in Egyptian real estate or businesses above certain thresholds. Property ownership in designated areas (e.g., New Cairo, North Coast developments) can qualify for a 5-year residence permit.

Key Requirements for Moving to Egypt

Police Registration

All foreign visitors must register their presence with the local police within 7 days of arrival. Hotels and registered accommodation providers handle this automatically. If staying in private accommodation (Airbnb, friend's apartment), you must register yourself at the nearest police station.

Residence Permit (Iqama)

A residence permit issued by the Passports, Immigration and Nationality Administration. Required for anyone staying beyond the initial tourist visa period. Application involves photographs, copies of your passport, proof of address, bank statements, and often a security clearance.

National ID Number (for long-term residents)

Long-term residents and those with work permits can obtain an Egyptian national ID number, which simplifies banking, mobile phone contracts, and property transactions.

Cash and Currency Declarations

Egypt has strict regulations on the import and export of Egyptian Pounds (EGP). Foreign currency above USD 10,000 equivalent must be declared at customs. Taking more than EGP 5,000 out of the country is prohibited.

Culture in Egypt

Egyptian culture is loud, warm, humorous, and intensely social. Hospitality is deeply ingrained: strangers will invite you for tea, shopkeepers will chat for an hour, and neighbors will bring food. Humor is a national coping mechanism for everything from traffic to politics. Religion, primarily Islam with a significant Coptic Christian minority, is central to daily rhythms: the call to prayer punctuates the day, Ramadan transforms the city's schedule, and religious greetings are universal. Communication is animated, physical, and often louder than newcomers expect. Time operates differently: 'Inshallah' (God willing), 'Bukra' (tomorrow), and 'Maalesh' (never mind) are not just phrases but a philosophy of flexibility. Tipping (baksheesh) is woven into every interaction, from the doorman to the parking attendant to the person who directs you to an empty table. Dress codes are conservative, particularly for women; covering shoulders and knees is expected in most areas outside international hotels and compounds.

Baksheesh (tipping) is expected for virtually every service, no matter how small. Carry small bills (EGP 5-20 notes) at all times for bathroom attendants, parking helpers, delivery drivers, and anyone who provides a service.
During Ramadan, the entire country shifts to a nocturnal schedule. Restaurants close during daylight hours (some offer screened areas), working hours shorten, and the streets come alive after sunset with iftar gatherings and festive energy.
Showing the soles of your feet to someone is considered highly disrespectful. When sitting, keep your feet flat on the floor or tucked under you.
Always use your right hand for greetings, eating, and passing items. The left hand is considered unclean in Egyptian culture.
Egyptians address elders and authority figures with titles: 'Basha' (sir/boss), 'Doktora' (for any educated woman), 'Ostaz' (teacher/Mr.). Using these shows respect and smooths interactions.

Common Mistakes When Moving to Egypt

Drinking tap water or accepting drinks with ice from street vendors. Waterborne illness is a genuine risk. Stick to sealed bottled water and be cautious with salads washed in tap water.
Taking photographs of government buildings, military installations, or bridges. This is strictly illegal and you can be arrested, have equipment confiscated, and face interrogation. Do not test this rule.
Paying the first price quoted in markets and souqs. Haggling is expected, and the first price is often 3-5 times the actual value. Start at 30% of the asking price and negotiate up. Walking away is a legitimate tactic.
Displaying public affection. Kissing, hugging, and holding hands in public (particularly between unmarried couples) is taboo and can attract unwanted attention or police intervention in conservative areas.
Underestimating bureaucracy. Any interaction with government offices (Mogamma, immigration, police registration) should be planned as a half-day commitment. Bring every document you can think of, in duplicate, with photocopies.

Things to Know About Egypt

Street Harassment: Persistent touts at tourist sites (Pyramids, Khan el-Khalili) and street harassment of women are real issues. Be firm with a clear 'La, Shukran' (No, thank you) and keep walking. For women, conservative dress reduces attention but does not eliminate it. Uber is significantly safer than street taxis.
Traffic Safety: Cairo traffic operates by its own rules. Crossing the road requires watching local pedestrians and following their lead. Traffic signals are suggestions. Walking at night on poorly lit roads is risky. Always use the metro or ride-hailing apps when possible.
Internet Censorship and VoIP: VoIP calling services (Skype, FaceTime) are periodically throttled or blocked. A VPN is practically essential for reliable video calls. VPN usage itself exists in a legal grey area but is widespread.
Photography Restrictions: Photographing government buildings, military installations, bridges, and police is strictly illegal and can lead to arrest and confiscation of equipment. Always err on the side of caution.
Water Safety: Never drink tap water in Egypt. The pipes are old and water treatment is inconsistent. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Ice in restaurants outside international hotels may be made from tap water.