Foreign Residence Fees in Egypt: The Concise Guide

If you are a foreigner residing in Egypt or planning to reside there, knowing the exact residence fees for foreigners in Egypt will save you time and money. Fees vary according to the type and duration of residence and your nationality, and the fee schedules have been updated several times by decisions of the Ministry of Interior.

Short Answer

Residence fees for foreigners in Egypt are governed by Law No. 89 of 1960 on the Entry and Residence of Aliens and its amendments, together with executive decisions issued by the Minister of Interior. Short-term tourist residence starts at around EGP 1,500; ordinary residence for one year generally ranges between EGP 2,000 and EGP 3,000; while special residence for five years reaches approximately EGP 10,000. Added to these are service charges, stamp duties, and late-payment fines where applicable. Fees are paid at the Passport, Immigration and Nationality Authority in Abbassia or at its branches in the governorates.

Residence Categories and Official Fees

Law No. 89 of 1960 divides residence into three basic categories: special, ordinary, and temporary. ^[1]

Special residence is granted for ten years to a foreigner born in Egypt of a father also born there, or to one who was resident before 1952, or to one who has rendered distinguished services to the country. It is also granted for five years in certain other defined cases. Its fee is the highest among the categories, amounting to approximately EGP 10,000 for five years.

Ordinary residence is granted for up to five years and is renewable. It is the most common category for employed persons, investors, and those married to Egyptian nationals. Fees are graduated according to duration; one year typically falls in the range of EGP 2,000–3,000 including stamp duties, and three years approximately EGP 4,500–6,000.

Temporary residence is granted for one year or less and covers tourism, study, and medical treatment. A tourist residence permit is generally issued for approximately EGP 1,500 per year, and may be issued for three or six months at a proportionally lower fee.

Note: these are indicative figures. The Passport, Immigration and Nationality Authority updates its tariff periodically; the most recent substantive revision came by way of a Ministerial Decision of the Minister of Interior that raised certain line items. Verify the official rate board posted at the Authority's premises before making payment.

Additional Fees That Many Applicants Overlook

Residence fees for foreigners in Egypt are not limited to the residence fee itself. There are other layers you must factor in:

• Application fee (Form 29): a nominal amount paid upon submission of the application; it is non-refundable if the application is refused.
• Syndicate and resource-development stamp duties: added automatically and appear on the receipt.
• Fingerprinting and security-screening fee: required in most cases, particularly for long-term residence.
• Translation and legalisation of documents: an employment contract, marriage certificate, or birth certificate issued abroad requires Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalisation followed by certified translation. The cost ranges from EGP 300 to EGP 1,500 depending on the number of pages.
• Late-payment fine: if you fail to renew your residence permit after it expires, a fine starting at EGP 1,500 is imposed and may double, with a possible travel ban until it is paid. ^[2]

The last point is what catches many people out. Do not wait until the last day.

Warning: Payment is made inside the Authority only, via an official receipt. Any "facilitator" outside the gate exposes you to fraud or to rejection of your file.

Differences by Nationality and Purpose

Basic fees are uniform in most cases, but there are important exceptions:

Nationals of Arab states that have bilateral agreements with Egypt (such as Syrians, Yemenis, and Sudanese in certain periods) sometimes benefit from reduced fees or temporary exemptions, issued by Ministerial decisions that are subject to change. Consult the most recent decision in force before applying.

Investors who hold residence under Investment Law No. 72 of 2017 pay special fees, and may be granted residence of up to five years linked to the duration of their project. ^[3]

Students enrolled in Egyptian universities (public, private, or Al-Azhar) are issued study residence at reduced fees, provided they submit a valid enrolment certificate.

Persons married to Egyptian nationals may obtain ordinary residence of up to five years after one year of documented marriage, at fees lower than the general category.

Refugees and persons registered with UNHCR follow a separate track through the blue or yellow card, and their procedures differ substantially.

In summary: your nationality and the purpose of your residence determine the fee far more than you might expect.

Where and How to Pay

The main payment office is the Passport, Immigration and Nationality Authority at the Abbassia Complex in Cairo. Branches operate in Alexandria, Giza, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor, and other governorates, but certain cases (such as special residence) are processed exclusively at Abbassia.

Practical payment steps:

1. Complete Form 29 (residence application) and obtain a file number.
2. Submit the documents: a passport valid for at least six months, personal photographs, proof of address (notarised lease or hotel statement), and purpose-specific documents (employment contract, enrolment certificate, marriage certificate, etc.).
3. Pay the fee at the treasury counter inside the Authority and retain the receipt.
4. Await security screening; the period ranges from two weeks to two months.
5. Collect your passport after the residence stamp has been affixed.

Some files may be submitted through a lawyer or authorised representative holding a notarised power of attorney, which is useful if you are temporarily outside Egypt.

For more on visa and entry tracks prior to obtaining residence, see our visa guide.

When Do You Need a Lawyer?

Most routine renewal applications do not require a lawyer. However, engage a specialist if:

• Your application was previously refused or a deportation order has been issued against you.
• You are applying for special residence or through the investment track with complex documentation.
• Your period of overstay exceeds 90 days.
• You are dealing with a nationality or naturalisation matter.

Residence fees for foreigners in Egypt may appear straightforward on paper, but the administrative reality contains details that can cost you time if you get them wrong. Consult the official source before every renewal, as the tariff changes.