Types of Companies in Egypt - Company Formation Egypt

If you would like to invest in Egypt and need to know about the existing types of companies, this article is for you. Explore this information and then reach out to our local agents for support & guidance.

Short Facts
Types of entities available in Egypt	– limited liability company, – joint stock company, – one-person company, – partnership, – branch, – subsidiary, etc.
Company legislation	Companies Law (No. 159 of 1981) & the Investment Law (No. 72 of 2017)
Most popular business option	Limited liability company (LLC or Sharikat al-Mas’uliyah al-Mahdudah)
Minimum share capital for an LLC in Egypt	Not imposed. However a nominal amount of EGP 1,000 is recommended.
Minimum share capital for a JSC in Egypt	EGP 250,000.
What is a one-person company (OPC)	A type of entity similar to an LLC that can be owned by a single individual. EGP 50,000 is the minimum share capital required.
Company registration in Egypt	Completed through the Commercial Register in Egypt.
Requirements for LLC registration	Must verify and reserve the trade name with the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI)
Documents	– valid IDs/passports, – Articles & Memorandum of Association, – proof of registered business address, – paid incorporation fee, etc.
Are liaison offices available in Egypt?	YES
Can I buy a shelf company in Egypt?	YES
Minimum share capital for branches & subsidiaries	– no minimum capital for a branch (a deposit equivalent to EGP 5,000 is made), – no statutory minimum for a subsidiary set up as an LLC, EGP 250,000 for one set up as a JSC
Types of partnerships in Egypt	General & limited
Minimum share capital for sole traders	EGP 100,000
Free-zone companies in Egypt	Available options for import-export activities, subject to low taxation

What are the main company types in Egypt?

Limited liability company – LLC,
Joint-stock company – JSC or SAE,
One-person company – OPC,
Sole proprietorship,
Partnerships, etc.

What is the legislation on companies in Egypt?

Companies Law No. 159 of 1981,
Capital Market Law No. 95 of 1992.

Do I need a local partner to set up a business in Egypt?

No.

What is the most popular business entity in Egypt?

The LLC.

Here is an infographic with details on this subject:

What is the minimum share capital for an LLC in Egypt?

EGP 1,000 as nominal share capital.

Is an LLC in Egypt 100% foreign owned?

Yes.

How many shareholders can set up an LLC in Egypt?

At least 2.

Where do I register a company in Egypt?

At GAFI.

What is the minimum share capital for a JSC in Egypt?

EGP 250,000 for a private JSC,
EGP 500,000 for a public JSC.

What foreign extensions are available in Egypt?

Branch,
Subsidiary,
Liaison office.

What are the conditions to start a branch in Egypt? What about a subsidiary?

We have an article here about branches. And here about subsidiaries.

What types of partnerships are available in Egypt?

General and limited.

Do I need a minimum share capital for setting up a sole trader in Egypt?

No.

REMARK: Sole proprietorships are only available to Egyptians, while the one-person company can be established by foreigners looking for business in Egypt.

What are the general steps in opening a company in Egypt?

Check and reserve the business name with GAFI,
Draft the Articles & Memorandum of Association,
Open a bank account in Egypt,
Apply for a business license in Egypt,
Register for taxation in Egypt,
Obtain the company stamp, etc.

Can I open a holding company in Egypt?

Sure.

Are joint ventures available in Egypt?

Yes. These can be set up by domestic and international entrepreneurs.

What are the benefits of opening a company in Egypt?

advantageous free-trade agreements signed by Egypt and applicable to various types of companies with establishments here,
access to specialized investment zones/free trade zones, with 0% CIT & customs duties,
access to the largest workforce in the region,
100% repatriation of profits, etc.

What is the time frame to set up a company in Egypt?

A few days.

How can foreign businessmen choose the optimal company type in Egypt?

Considering:

The size of the business,
Region,
Incentives,
Flexibility,
Various business advantages provided in Egypt.

We invite you to explore more about the types of companies available in Egypt by contacting our local team. Tailored company formation services in Egypt are available to international and domestic customers.