Sole establishment registration fees in Egypt

If you are considering opening your own business in your name alone, you are talking about a "sole establishment," not a company in the legal sense. The cost is lower than commonly claimed, but it is not a single fixed figure — it varies depending on the activity, the governorate, and the declared capital.

Short Answer

The fees for registering a sole establishment in Egypt typically range between EGP 600 and EGP 2,500 for most small activities. This includes registration in the Commercial Register (approximately EGP 56–144 depending on the capital, under Commercial Register Law No. 34 of 1976 and its amendments), obtaining a Tax Card free of charge from the Egyptian Tax Authority, and opening an insurance file with the National Organisation for Social Insurance. Additional costs include Real Estate Publicity Authority fees when a lease agreement needs to be notarised, and accountant fees if you engage one. ^[1][2]

What You Actually Pay — Step by Step

The first fee you will encounter is registration in the Commercial Register at the Chamber of Commerce in your governorate. The base fee starts at around EGP 56 for establishments with limited capital and rises gradually as the declared capital increases, reaching EGP 144 or more according to the brackets set out in the Executive Regulations of Law No. 34 of 1976. Stamp duties and service charges may bring the total actually paid to between EGP 200 and EGP 400. ^[1]

Next comes the Tax Card from the competent Tax Authority office. The card itself carries no material fee, but you may need minor stamps and forms whose combined cost does not exceed approximately EGP 50. ^[2]

The insurance file at the National Organisation for Social Insurance is free to open, but bear in mind that the monthly contribution as an employer starts from thresholds updated annually under Social Insurance and Pensions Law No. 148 of 2019. This is not a registration fee, but it is an obligation that begins from day one. ^[3]

Hidden Costs Most People Overlook

This is where most people miscalculate. Sole establishment registration fees in Egypt do not end at the Chamber of Commerce window.

You will need a lease agreement or proof of ownership for the business premises, notarised or at minimum date-stamped by the Real Estate Publicity Authority. Notarising a lease costs a percentage of the annual rent value plus service charges and stamp duties, and the total can reach several hundred Egyptian pounds. Without documented premises, your file will not be accepted.

Then there is the business licence from the district or centre authority, which is the most variable and highest-cost item. Fees differ substantially depending on the activity (ordinary shop, restaurant, workshop, pharmacy, etc.) under Public Establishments Law No. 154 of 2019 and its Executive Regulations. Food and café activities may require additional health approvals and inspection fees.

Registration with the Federation of Egyptian Industries or the relevant chamber is mandatory for certain activities and carries an annual subscription starting from a few hundred pounds.

Caution: The figure circulating on social media under the headline "register your business for EGP 500" typically ignores the business licence, Real Estate Publicity Authority fees, and the accountant. The full realistic cost for a small sole establishment starts in practice at EGP 2,000–5,000 when all items are added together.

When Do You Need a Lawyer or Accountant?

Legally, engaging a lawyer is not required to register a sole establishment; you can complete the procedures yourself. However, certified public accountant fees become almost inevitable after the first month, because you are required to file an annual income tax return under Income Tax Law No. 91 of 2005, and periodic VAT returns if your activity exceeds the registration threshold of EGP 500,000 per year under Value Added Tax Law No. 67 of 2016. ^[4]

Monthly accountant fees for a small establishment start at around EGP 500 and may reach EGP 2,000 depending on transaction volume. This is technically not a registration cost, but it is an operating expense that begins immediately.

For more answers in the business field, see Business and Companies Q&A.

Does This Differ from Registering a Single-Member LLC?

Yes, substantially. A sole establishment is not a "company" under Egyptian commercial law; it is a trade name registered under a single natural person's name, and that person's liability for the business's debts is unlimited, extending to their personal assets.

A single-member limited liability company, governed by Companies Law No. 159 of 1981 as amended by Law No. 4 of 2018, requires a minimum capital of EGP 50,000 and significantly higher registration fees covering the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, the Real Estate Publicity Authority, publication costs, and a legal auditor — potentially exceeding EGP 5,000–10,000 in total. ^[5]

If your activity carries limited risk and your expected income is modest, a sole establishment is cheaper and faster. If you are dealing with large contracts, partnerships, or serious bank financing, the difference in legal protection justifies the additional cost.

Need to review your situation? Speak to a lawyer registered with the Egyptian Bar Association →

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