What types of companies can I set up as a foreigner in Egypt?

Under Egypt's Companies Law No. 159 of 1981, there are three main company types available to founders, including foreign nationals: the Joint Stock Company (Shareholder Company), the Joint Stock Company with Shares (Commandite par Actions), and the Limited Liability Company (LLC). These are defined and governed under Articles 6–9 of the law.

For most expats starting a small-to-medium business, the Limited Liability Company is the most practical choice. Under Article 9, an LLC can have no more than 50 partners, and each partner's liability is limited to their capital contribution — meaning your personal assets are protected. The LLC cannot, however, engage in insurance, banking, savings, deposit-taking, or fund investment on behalf of others (Article 10).

If you plan to raise capital publicly or build a larger corporation, a Joint Stock Company may be more appropriate, as its capital is divided into freely negotiable shares (Article 7). It's worth consulting an Egyptian corporate lawyer to determine which structure best suits your business goals and any applicable foreign investment regulations.