Skip to content
Egypt

Steps to Set Up a Company:

Egypt

Choose a Business Structure

  1. Sole Proprietorship (المؤسسة الفردية): Single owner, full liability.
  2. General Partnership (شركة تضامن): Two or more partners, shared liability.
  3. Limited Partnership (شركة التوصية البسيطة): General and limited partners.
  4. Limited Liability Company (شركة ذات مسؤولية محدودة - LLC): Separate legal entity, limited liability.
  5. Joint Stock Company (شركة مساهمة - JSC): Separate legal entity, limited liability, shares can be traded publicly.
  6. Branch (فرع): A branch of a foreign company operating in Egypt.
  7. Representative Office (مكتب تمثيلي): Limited to marketing and promotional activities, cannot conduct business transactions.

Register Your Company

  1. Choose a Company Name: Ensure it is unique and follows naming regulations.
  2. Prepare the Articles of Association: Outlining the company’s structure and rules.
  3. Notarize the Articles of Association: Required for company registration.
  4. Open a Bank Account: Deposit the initial capital required for the company type.
  5. Register with GAFI: Submit the incorporation documents and pay the registration fee.
  6. Obtain a Commercial Registration (CR) Certificate: For business operations.
  7. Register with the Tax Authority: Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) and register for Value Added Tax (VAT) if applicable.

Open an Egyptian Bank Account

  1. Set Up a Business Bank Account: Necessary for managing business finances.

Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits

  1. Check Industry-Specific Requirements: Depending on the nature of your business, you may need specific licenses or permits.

Comply with Egyptian Employment Laws

  1. Employment Contracts: Draft contracts that comply with Egyptian labor laws.
  2. Register with the Social Insurance Authority (SIA): For social security purposes.
  3. Health and Safety Regulations: Follow guidelines from the Ministry of Manpower and Immigration.

Accounting and Reporting

  1. Set Up an Accounting System: Maintain accurate financial records in compliance with Egyptian accounting standards.
  2. Annual Financial Statements: Prepare and file annual financial statements.
  3. File Annual Tax Returns: Submit annual tax returns to the Egyptian Tax Authority.

 

Laws and Regulations to Consider

Corporate Law

  1. Companies Law (Law No. 159 of 1981): Governs the formation and operation of companies.
  2. Civil Code (Law No. 131 of 1948): Governs contracts and obligations.

Tax Law

  1. Income Tax Law (Law No. 91 of 2005): Governs corporate income taxation.
  2. Value Added Tax (VAT) Law (Law No. 67 of 2016): Governs VAT regulations.

Employment Law

  1. Labor Law (Law No. 12 of 2003): Governs the terms and conditions of employment contracts.
  2. Social Insurance Law (Law No. 148 of 2019): Governs social security contributions.
  3. Occupational Health and Safety Regulations: Sets health and safety standards for workplaces.

Data Protection Law

  1. Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 151 of 2020): Governs data protection and privacy.

Environmental Law

  1. Environmental Protection Law (Law No. 4 of 1994): Governs environmental protection and sustainability practices.

Intellectual Property Law

  1. Patent Law (Law No. 82 of 2002): Governs the protection of patents.
  2. Trademark Law (Law No. 82 of 2002): Governs the protection of trademarks.
  3. Copyright Law (Law No. 82 of 2002): Governs the protection of copyrights.

By following these steps and adhering to the relevant laws and regulations, you can successfully establish and operate a company in Egypt. It’s advisable to consult with legal and financial experts to ensure full compliance and smooth setup.

 

When to Consider Setting Up a Company in Egypt:

  1. Strategic Geographic Location: Egypt’s location provides access to markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
  2. Large Consumer Market: Egypt has a large and growing consumer market.
  3. Growing Economy: Egypt has a rapidly growing economy with opportunities in various sectors such as energy, tourism, and technology.
  4. Favorable Investment Climate: Egypt offers various incentives for foreign investment and a supportive regulatory environment.
  5. Skilled Workforce: Access to a highly educated and skilled labor pool, particularly in engineering, technology, and services.
  6. Developed Infrastructure: Egypt has a well-developed infrastructure, including transportation, telecommunications, and energy.
  7. Innovation and Technology: Egypt has a focus on innovation and technology, with government support for tech initiatives.
  8. Quality of Life: Egypt offers a high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and a rich cultural heritage, making it attractive for expatriates and international employees.
  9. Access to Funding: Egypt has various funding opportunities for startups and businesses, including venture capital and government grants.

By considering these factors and aligning them with your business goals, you can determine if setting up a company in Egypt is the right move for your organization.

DALL·E 2024-07-08 12.02.10 - An illustration promoting Grant and Grahams global support for setting up companies. The image features a globe with various business icons around it
How to Set Up a Company

Step-by-Step Guide: How to set up a Company

Setting up a company involves a series of crucial steps that require careful planning and execution. From choosing the right business structure to understanding legal and tax obligations, each stage is vital to the successful launch and operation of your business. This step-by-step guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key processes involved in establishing a company, ensuring you have the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of business formation.