Nationality of Egypt: all obtaining pathways
Egypt requires between five and ten years of residence depending on the applicant's origin, reduced to two years of marriage to an Egyptian. It also has a citizenship-by-investment program established by Law 190 of 2019 and updated in 2024, which allows applicants to request nationality directly after a qualifying contribution.
1Nationality by birth in the territory (ius soli)
Nationality by birth in the territory (ius soli)
Requirements
- Birth in Egypt of Egyptian parents
- Children of unknown or stateless parents born in Egypt
- Birth in Egypt to parents also born in Egypt and considered of origin
Documentation
- Egyptian birth certificate
- Parents' identity documents
- In case of unknown parents: foundling certificate
2Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- Child of a Egyptian father or a Egyptian mother
- Nationality is transmitted through paternal or maternal filiation
- An Egyptian who acquires another nationality keeps the Egyptian one (dual nationality permitted with authorization)
- Children of an Egyptian mother may acquire nationality under Law No. 154 of 2004 (art. 3), through the General Administration of Passports, Immigration and Nationality (EOI) of the Ministry of Interior
Documentation
- Egyptian parent's birth certificate
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Proof of filiation
3Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- 5 years of legal and habitual residence in Egypt for Arabs or persons born in Egypt
- 10 years of residence for other foreigners
- Legal age of majority
- Good conduct and no criminal record
- Knowledge of the Arabic language
- Legitimate means of subsistence
- Habitual residence in Egypt
Documentation
- Valid passport or identity document
- Certificate of residence
- Criminal record certificate
- Certificate of proficiency in the Arabic language
- Proof of means of subsistence
- Declaration of renunciation of previous nationality (depending on the case)
4Naturalization by marriage
Naturalization by marriage
Requirements
- The foreign woman married to an Egyptian acquires nationality after two (2) years from the date of submission of her application and declaration of intent, provided the marital relationship is not dissolved before that period elapses (art. 7 of Law No. 26 of 1975)
- Joint appearance of both spouses; every 6 months they must sign a declaration of continuity of married life at the consulate, presenting their passports
- The application must be submitted by the wife with the husband present to sign
Documentation
- Original of the official Egyptian marriage contract authenticated by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Original of the husband's Egyptian passport
- Original of the wife's foreign passport with certified translation
- Wife's birth certificate with certified translation
- Original of the computerized birth certificate of the husband and his father
- Birth certificates of the husband's siblings (with details, dates, occupations and addresses)
- Original of the computerized birth certificate of the husband’s grandfather
- Copy of each of the above documents
- 5 recent passport-size photographs of the spouse on a white background (4×6 cm)
- Form "Application for acquisition of the nationality of the Arab Republic of Egypt" pursuant to art. 7 of Law 26/1975
5Nationality through investment programs (Presidency of the Council of Ministers)
Nationality through investment programs (Presidency of the Council of Ministers)
Requirements
- Participation in one of the citizenship investment programs: purchase of real estate, approved investment project or foreign currency deposit
- Payment of the non-refundable $10,000 fee (bank transfer from abroad or proven income and transfer to the Naturalization Applications Review Unit account at the Central Bank of Egypt)
- With preliminary approval from the Prime Minister, temporary residence of 6 months is granted to execute the program (registered purchase of the property, project approval or deposit payment)
- The final citizenship decision is issued within a maximum of 3 months from the completion of the program
Documentation
- Citizenship application with all required documents
- Proof of payment of the $10,000 fee
- Documents proving the investment (purchase agreement, project approval or proof of deposit)
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Egypt
How many years of residence does Egypt require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Egypt (Naturalization by residence), the term is 5-10 years depending on origin. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
How much does the nationality of Egypt cost?
The official fee referenced in the fact sheet is Fee of USD 10,000 + investment according to modality. Check the linked official source on each pathway in case it has changed.
Can the nationality of Egypt be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization by marriage pathway (2 years of marriage and residence). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Egypt require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Valid passport or identity document; Certificate of residence; Criminal record certificate; Certificate of proficiency in the Arabic language; Proof of means of subsistence; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Egypt?
Egypt provides 5 pathways: Nationality by birth in the territory, Nationality by descent, Naturalization by residence, Naturalization by marriage, Nationality through investment programs.
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