Corporate & Business

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What Companies Can Foreigners Register in Egypt?

Foreigners can register Joint Stock Companies, Limited Liability Companies (capped at 50 partners), or Joint Stock Companies with Shares under Egyptian Law No. 159 of 1981.

When is Egypt's ordinary general assembly held?

Egypt's ordinary general assembly meets at least once yearly within 6 months of the financial year's end. Quorum requires shareholders representing at least a quarter of capital.

What activities count as a 'commercial act' under Egyptian law?

Commercial acts under Egyptian law include purchasing goods for resale, banking operations, and professional services. Article 10 covers similar activities; farming exceptions apply under Article 12.

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.

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.

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.

How to Register a Company in Egypt?

Register an Egyptian company by submitting founding documents, bank payment certificate, and a fee of EGP 100–1,000. The company gains legal personality 15 days after Commercial Register registration.

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.

Does Egyptian Commercial Law Apply to My Craft Business?

Small craftsmen with minimal expenses and few workers are exempt from Egyptian commercial law under Article 19, but most expat artisan businesses will still fall under the Commercial Code.

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.

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.

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.