How to Acquire Egyptian Citizenship

Egyptian citizenship can be obtained through several legal avenues, each with its own requirements, processes, and timelines. The procedures are handled by the Egyptian Ministry of Interior, and applications must be submitted through the Passports, Immigration, and Nationality Administration in Cairo.

1. Ways to Acquire Egyptian Citizenship

1.1 Citizenship by Birth

Egyptian Citizenship for Foreigners, how foreigners can get egyptian citizenship

A person is automatically considered an Egyptian citizen if they meet one of the following conditions:

  • They are born to at least one Egyptian parent, in Egypt.
  • They are born in Egypt to unknown parents. In such cases, the child is presumed to be Egyptian.
  • If a child is born abroad to one or both Egyptian parents, they are eligible for Egyptian citizenship by descent. However, they must register their birth at the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate and obtain an Egyptian birth certificate to formalise their nationality.

1.2 Citizenship by Marriage

  • A foreign woman married to an Egyptian man can apply for Egyptian citizenship after two years of continuous marriage and residency in Egypt.
  • She must submit her application to the Ministry of Interior.
  • The husband’s Egyptian nationality must be verified, and security checks are conducted to confirm the legitimacy of the marriage.
  • Fees for processing vary, but generally range from EGP 10,000 to EGP 15,000.
  • A foreign husband married to an Egyptian woman does not automatically qualify for citizenship but may apply through naturalisation.

1.3 Citizenship by Naturalisation

Foreigners can apply for Egyptian citizenship if they meet the following criteria:

  • Have resided in Egypt for at least 10 consecutive years.
  • Are at least 21 years old.
  • Have a legal and stable source of income in Egypt.
  • Do not have a criminal record and have no activities that threaten national security.

Applicants must submit a request to the Passports, Immigration, and Nationality Administration in Cairo, providing:

  • A valid passport and copies.
  • Proof of continuous residency.
  • Security clearance certificate.
  • Proof of employment or financial stability.
  • Payment of EGP 25,000 to EGP 30,000 as processing fees.

Processing takes approximately one to three years, depending on background checks and approval from the Ministry of Interior.

1.4 Citizenship by Investment

As of recent legal amendments, Egypt allows foreign investors to obtain citizenship by making substantial financial contributions. The options include:

  • Depositing EGP 7 million in an Egyptian bank account for five years.
  • Investing at least USD 400,000 in real estate or a business in Egypt.
  • Making a non-refundable donation of USD 250,000 to the Egyptian government.

Applications are reviewed by the Citizenship Committee of the Ministry of Interior. Processing times typically range between six months to one year.

1.5 Citizenship by Exceptional Grant

The Egyptian government may grant citizenship in special cases, such as:

  • Foreigners who have provided distinguished services to Egypt.
  • Individuals with Egyptian ancestry who can prove strong ties to the country.
  • Persons of Palestinian origin who meet specific conditions set by the government.

Decisions on exceptional citizenship grants are made at the discretion of the Egyptian President and the Ministry of Interior.

2. The Application Process

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following:

  • Original and copies of the passport.
  • Birth certificate (translated into Arabic and authenticated if foreign).
  • Proof of residency in Egypt (utility bills, rental contracts, etc.).
  • Marriage certificate (if applying through marriage).
  • Bank statements or proof of financial stability.
  • Security clearance from the Egyptian Ministry of Interior.

Step 2: Submit the Application

Step 3: Security Checks and Interview

  • The Ministry of Interior conducts background checks to assess eligibility.
  • Applicants may be called for an interview to verify their application details.

Step 4: Approval and Oath of Allegiance

  • Once approved, applicants must take an oath of allegiance to Egypt.
  • The citizenship certificate is then issued.

3. Fees and Processing Time

  • Citizenship by marriage: EGP 10,000 – EGP 15,000, Processing Time: 1-2 years
  • Citizenship by naturalisation: EGP 25,000 – EGP 30,000, Processing Time: 1-3 years
  • Citizenship by investment: USD 250,000 – USD 400,000, Processing Time: 6 months – 1 year

4. Revocation of Egyptian Citizenship

Egyptian nationality can be revoked if the individual:

  • Obtains another nationality without prior approval from Egyptian authorities.
  • Is found guilty of acts that harm national security.
  • Provides false information during the citizenship application process.

5. Where to Apply

All citizenship applications must be submitted in person to: Passports, Immigration, and Nationality Administration
Abbasiya, Cairo, Egypt

For additional information, applicants can contact the Ministry of Interior.

We are able to facilitate this process from beginning to end. Our fees start at $350 USD or EGP equivalent plus government fees. We will talk about all the fees for your case on our free consultation.

You can contact us by phone, Whatsapp or the form below.

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