Category · Q&A index
Corporate & Business
Companies in Egypt: formation, shares, governance, partners.
2FOUNDERS
Minimum partners required for LLC formation
1YEAR
Ordinary general assembly meeting frequency
3DAYS
Notice period before general assembly convenes
EGP 1,000MINIMUM
Capital requirement for sole establishment company
Start here
01
I want to start a business in Egypt as a foreigner
Learn which company types foreigners can legally establish, registration requirements, capital thresholds, and founder qualifications under Egyptian Commercial Law.
02
I need to understand company setup & legal compliance requirements
Discover mandatory documentation, commercial registry obligations, profit distribution rules, and what must appear on official company documents to stay compliant.
03
I'm exploring investment options in Egypt's free zones
Understand how Egyptian free zones operate, FZETA regulations, and how investment protections and incentives differ from standard commercial zone requirements.
27 answered questions
- Provisional0 views
Joint-Stock vs LLC: Partner Liability?
Joint-stock companies limit shareholder liability to share value; LLCs limit partner liability to their share with max 50 partners; partnerships have unlimited liability for joint partners.
- Provisional0 views
Egypt Commercial Registry: What You Need to Know?
If you're starting a business in Egypt, buying shares in one, or trying to prove a company actually exists, you'll run into the Commercial Registry Authority sooner rather than later.
- Provisional0 views
Sole establishment registration fees in Egypt
range from EGP 600 to EGP 2,500 for most small activities. Full realistic costs, including the business licence and notarised lease, start at EGP 2,000–5,000.
- Provisional0 views
How to Start a Security Company in Egypt
Establishing a security and guarding company in Egypt requires two parallel tracks: incorporating an Egyptian joint-stock company via GAFI with at least EGP 500,000 capital under Law No. 86 of 1964, and obtaining an operating licence from the Ministry of Interior.
- Provisional0 views
Company Formation Online in Egypt: What's Actually Possible
If you're trying to incorporate a company in Egypt without flying in or burning weeks on queues, the online path exists — but it's narrower than the marketing suggests. Here's what you can actually do from a laptop, and where you'll still need a human. Quick answer Company f
- Provisional0 views
One Person Company Example in Egypt: How It Works
If you're a freelance consultant, a software developer billing foreign clients, or a single founder tired of operating as a sole trader, the one person company (OPC) is probably what you're looking at. It's the solo-founder structure introduced into Egyptian law to give you a lim
- Provisional0 views
Free Zone Nasr City Companies: What You Need to Know
If you're eyeing the Nasr City Public Free Zone as a base for your Egyptian operation, you're looking at one of the oldest and most established free zones in the country. Free zone Nasr City companies get real tax perks and currency flexibility — but the rules have tightened over
- Provisional0 views
How do Egyptian free zones work?
Egyptian free zones exempt companies from customs, VAT, and 22.5% corporate tax on exports, with a 1-2% annual fee instead. At least 80% of production must be exported.
- Provisional0 views
What Is Fzeta? A Straight Answer for Egyptian Business Owners
If you're searching "fzeta" expecting a legal definition, you probably hit a dead end — and that's because fzeta isn't a term in Egyptian law, tax code, or any registered commercial framework we can locate. Here's what to check before you waste more time. Quick answer "Fzeta
- Provisional0 views
What Must Egyptian Companies Display On Documents?
Egyptian companies must display registered address and company type on all contracts, invoices, and documents per Article 11 of Law No. 159 of 1981.
- Provisional0 views
When is Egypt's ordinary general assembly held?
Egypt's ordinary general assembly must be held at least once yearly within 6 months of the financial year's end. Quorum requires at least a quarter of capital.
- Provisional0 views
How are company profits distributed in Egypt?
Egyptian companies set aside 5% of net profits as legal reserve, allocate workers no less than 10% of distributable profits, and must distribute within one month of assembly approval.
- Provisional0 views
Egyptian Board Member Conflict of Interest Rules?
Egyptian law prohibits board members from conflicts of interest, loans, competing transactions, and exchange contracts without general assembly approval. Violations are void.
- Provisional0 views
What Activities Are Prohibited for LLCs in Egypt?
Under Article 10, LLCs in Egypt are prohibited from conducting insurance, banking, savings, deposit-taking, or third-party fund investment activities.
- Provisional0 views
What types of companies can I set up as a foreigner in Egypt?
Foreigners in Egypt can establish a Joint Stock Company, Commandite par Actions, or Limited Liability Company (max 50 partners) under Law No. 159 of 1981.
- Provisional0 views
Is My Investment Safe When Forming a Company in Egypt?
Under Article 20, capital contributions must be held in a designated bank account and cannot be withdrawn until the company is fully and legally incorporated.
- Provisional0 views
How many founders do I need to legally start a company in Egypt?
Joint Stock Companies need at least 3 founders; Limited Liability Companies need at least 2 founders under Egypt's Companies Law No. 159 of 1981.
- Provisional0 views
Does Egyptian Commercial Law Apply to My Craft Business?
Egyptian Commercial Law may exempt small craftsmen under Article 19, but most craft businesses with employees or significant overheads must comply.
- Provisional0 views
Can Foreign Married Women Run Business Independently in Egypt?
Foreign married women can trade independently in Egypt under Articles 17–18, with a legal presumption of spousal consent and separation of property protecting their business activities.
- Provisional0 views
Which Law Governs Business Contracts in Egypt?
Egyptian commercial disputes are governed first by the contract terms, then by the Commercial Code, then by commercial custom, as set out in Articles 5 and 6.
- Provisional0 views
What Companies Can Foreigners Register in Egypt?
Foreigners in Egypt can register Joint Stock Companies, Limited Liability Companies (capped at 50 partners), or Joint Stock Companies with Shares under Law No. 159 of 1981.
- Provisional0 views
Can a foreigner legally start and run a business in Egypt?
Foreign nationals aged 21 and over can legally engage in trade in Egypt under Article 14 of the Commercial Code, subject to standard registration and licensing requirements.
- Provisional0 views
Startup Capital Deposit Required Before Company Registration?
Yes, startup capital must be deposited in a ministerial decree-designated bank before company registration under Article 20 of Egyptian Companies Law.
- Provisional0 views
Am I personally liable for contracts signed on behalf of my company before it is officially registered in Egypt?
Under Articles 15 and 16 of Law No. 159 of 1981, founders can be personally liable for pre-registration contracts unless they clearly act in the company's name, though Article 18 allows such contracts to transfer to the company upon registration.
- Provisional0 views
Am I a Merchant Under Egyptian Law?
You are a merchant under Article 13 if you professionally trade in your own name and account, which triggers significant legal obligations under the Egyptian Commercial Code.
- Provisional0 views
How to Register a Company in Egypt?
Register an Egyptian company by submitting founding documents, bank proof, and EGP 100–1,000 fee. Legal personality begins 15 days after Commercial Register registration.
- Provisional0 views
What activities count as a 'commercial act' under Egyptian law?
Under Egyptian Commercial Code Articles 7–10, commercial acts include buying goods for resale, banking operations, and professional services. Article 12 exempts farmers selling their own produce.