What Is the Egyptian Civil Code?
The Egyptian Civil Code (Law No. 131 of 1948) is the foundational legislation governing private legal relationships in Egypt. It covers contracts, property, obligations, personal status conflicts, and much more. For expats, it is the single most important piece of civil legislation you are likely to encounter during your time in Egypt.
The Hierarchy of Legal Sources (Article 1)
When a dispute arises, Egyptian judges must follow a strict order of legal authority:
- Legislative provisions — Written laws and codes come first. If a law directly addresses the situation, the judge applies it.
- Custom — If no written law applies, the judge looks to established customs and practices recognized in Egyptian society.
- Principles of Islamic Shari'a — In the absence of custom, Islamic legal principles fill the gap.
- Natural law and principles of equity — As a final fallback, judges rely on general principles of justice.
Practical tip for expats: Never assume a legal gap works in your favor. Egyptian courts will always find an applicable standard, and it may not align with your home country's legal traditions.
How Laws Are Repealed and Changed (Article 2)
A law in Egypt can only be repealed by a subsequent law that:
- Expressly states the repeal, or
- Contains provisions inconsistent with the prior law, or
- Re-regulates the same subject matter covered by the earlier law
This means older laws can remain partially in force even when new legislation is passed. Always verify which version of a law applies to your specific situation, particularly for long-term contracts or property agreements signed years ago.
Time Limits and the Gregorian Calendar (Article 3)
All legal deadlines and time limits in Egypt are calculated using the Gregorian calendar, unless a specific law states otherwise. This is directly relevant for expats because:
- Contract deadlines must be calculated in Gregorian dates
- Prescription periods (statutes of limitations) run on the Gregorian calendar
- Court filing deadlines follow Gregorian dates
Always confirm calendar conventions in any contract you sign in Egypt.
The Lawful Exercise of Rights (Articles 4 and 5)
Egyptian law protects individuals who exercise their rights lawfully — if you act within the law and someone suffers harm as a result, you bear no liability (Article 4).
However, the exercise of a right becomes unlawful when:
- Its sole purpose is to harm another person
- The benefit sought is disproportionate to the harm caused
- The benefit sought is itself unlawful
Example for expats: If you are a landlord and lawfully terminate a lease according to its terms, you are generally protected from liability. But if you take actions designed purely to harass a tenant with no legitimate benefit to yourself, Egyptian courts may find your conduct unlawful.
Prescription Periods: Old Law vs. New Law (Articles 7 and 8)
Changes to prescription periods (time limits within which legal claims must be brought) are handled carefully:
- New prescription rules apply from the date they come into force to any period not yet completed
- If a new law introduces a shorter prescription period, it runs from the date the new law takes effect — even if the old period had already started
- The old law still governs how prescription commenced, was suspended, or was interrupted before the new law arrived
Practical tip: If you have a potential legal claim in Egypt, seek legal advice immediately. Changes in law can shorten the window you have to act, and waiting may cost you your right to sue.
Evidence Rules (Article 9)
The law applicable to pre-prepared evidence (such as written contracts, notarized documents, or official records) is the law in force at the time the evidence was prepared. This protects the validity of documents you signed under a prior legal regime.
Key Takeaways for Expats
- Egyptian courts always find an applicable rule — understand the hierarchy
- Laws change, and transitions have specific rules that affect your rights
- All deadlines run on the Gregorian calendar
- Exercising your rights lawfully protects you from liability
- Consult an Egyptian lawyer promptly if you believe you have a legal claim — prescription periods can change