Egypt is a key gateway between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe – and a growing number of international companies are establishing operations in Cairo, Alexandria, and beyond. But employing foreign nationals in Egypt is not as simple as transferring staff or hiring remotely. Understanding the local work permit process is essential to stay compliant, avoid penalties, and build a trusted employer brand.

According to Egypt’s Ministry of Manpower, foreign employees must hold a valid work permit to engage in any professional activity. The government continues to update eligibility rules and sector restrictions to prioritise national employment. As a result, companies must be strategic in how they plan international assignments, visa sponsorship, and talent mobility into Egypt.

This guide outlines the key steps, requirements, and HR implications for securing work permits in Egypt.

Quick Tips

• Work permits are employer-sponsored and role-specific – you can’t transfer them between companies.

• Applications require a local entity or branch in Egypt to act as sponsor.

• Employers must show the role could not be filled by a local Egyptian candidate.

• Annual caps apply in some sectors – check your industry’s quota.

• Start the process early – permits can take 1–3 months depending on approvals.

Who Needs a Work Permit in Egypt? Any non-Egyptian citizen performing paid work in Egypt requires a work permit – even for short-term assignments. Exceptions are rare and typically apply only to diplomats, temporary consultants on government projects, or investors meeting specific criteria.

I’ve advised clients who mistakenly assumed remote contractors could fly in for meetings or training without permits. However, Egyptian law treats physical work activity – even short-term – as subject to employment regulation. Always check local guidance before booking flights or planning onboarding.

Key Requirements and Documentation To obtain a work permit, the employer must submit:

• A valid commercial registration and tax card.

• Employment justification (why a foreign national is required).

• A valid employment contract in Arabic.

• Proof that the role cannot be filled by a local candidate (typically labour market testing).

• Security clearance documentation (from both local and home country authorities).

• Educational and professional certificates (authenticated and translated).

Employees may also need to undergo medical testing and provide biometric data. Work permits are typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Workforce Planning and Permit Caps Egypt limits the percentage of foreign nationals in most companies to 10%, although some industries or roles may qualify for exceptions. This creates both a legal and talent planning consideration.

One multinational client we worked with was expanding operations in Egypt and wanted to bring in a full team from abroad. We advised them to create a blended workforce strategy – combining secondments with accelerated local hiring and training programmes. Not only did this ensure permit compliance, but it also strengthened their local employer brand.

If you anticipate foreign hiring, plan early. Workforce quotas can be a bottleneck without proactive local partnerships.

A Real Example: Fixing an Urgent Work Permit Gap A client came to us in crisis – their global marketing director had arrived in Egypt for a regional project but was denied entry due to a permit issue. We liaised with the Ministry of Manpower, supported expedited documentation, and advised on an interim remote work model while the application was processed. The employee was fully compliant and operational within six weeks.

Never assume what works in other countries will work in Egypt. Local due diligence is key.

Work permits in Egypt are a legal necessity and a strategic lever. When managed well, they enable international collaboration and capability building. But when overlooked, they can derail projects, trigger fines, or damage trust with local authorities.

What’s next for your global people strategy? Book a free compliance check-in or HR audit with ThinkGlobal HR. We’ll help you understand local employment regulations, manage permit risks, and build international teams in Egypt with confidence and clarity.