Under the Egyptian Companies Law (Law No. 159 of 1981), there are three main company types available to foreign investors and expats: Joint Stock Companies (Shareholder Companies), Joint Stock Companies with Shares (Commandite par Actions), and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs). These are all governed by Articles 6–9 of the law.
A Joint Stock Company (Art. 7) has capital divided into equal-value shares that can be traded, with shareholders liable only up to the value of their shares. A Limited Liability Company (Art. 9) is capped at 50 partners, each responsible only for their own capital contribution — this is a popular choice for small-to-medium foreign businesses. The Joint Stock Company with Shares (Art. 8) is a hybrid structure less commonly used by expats.
Importantly, Art. 10 prohibits joint stock companies with shares and LLCs from conducting insurance, banking, savings, deposit-taking, or third-party fund investment activities. If your business involves any of these sectors, you will need to consult a specialist lawyer about alternative licensing frameworks. Always verify current foreign ownership percentage rules with the Egyptian General Authority for Investment (GAFI), as sectoral restrictions may apply beyond this law.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Egypt.