Moving to Egypt

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence permit process for Egypt depends significantly on your nationality. Citizens from certain regions, such as the European Union, may have different entry requirements and pathways compared to those from non-EU countries. Generally, common routes for obtaining a residence permit include:

• Work Permit: If you are moving to Egypt for employment, your employer will typically sponsor your work permit application. This usually involves a series of steps and documentation from both you and your sponsoring company.
• Family Reunification: If you are joining a spouse or family member who is an Egyptian national or already holds a valid residence permit, you may be eligible for a family reunification visa.
• Study Visa: For those enrolling in an Egyptian educational institution, a study visa will be required, often necessitating proof of acceptance and financial means.
• Other Residence Permits: Depending on your specific circumstances, there may be other categories of residence permits available, such as for investors or retirees.

It is crucial to verify the most up-to-date requirements, application procedures, and necessary documentation with the official Egyptian embassy or consulate in your home country, or the relevant authorities upon arrival in Egypt. Regulations can change, so always consult official sources.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Egypt can be an exciting part of your relocation. Most expatriates tend to gravitate towards specific neighborhoods in major cities like Cairo, Alexandria, or Hurghada, which offer a range of amenities and international communities. Here's what to expect:

• How to Find Housing:
  • Real Estate Agents: This is often the most common and efficient way to find properties, especially for long-term rentals. Agents have extensive listings and can help negotiate terms.
  • Online Portals & Social Media Groups: Various local and international online platforms, as well as expat groups on social media, often feature rental listings.
  • Word of Mouth: Networking with other expatriates can sometimes lead to direct rental opportunities.
• Typical Rental Process: Once you find a suitable property, you'll typically sign a rental agreement (lease). It's advisable to have the agreement reviewed by a legal professional, especially if it's not in English. The lease term is usually one year, renewable.
• Deposits: A security deposit, typically equivalent to one or two months' rent, is standard. This is held by the landlord to cover any potential damages or unpaid utilities upon your departure. Ensure the terms for its return are clearly stipulated in your contract.
• Temporary vs. Long-Term: Many newcomers opt for temporary accommodation (serviced apartments, hotels, or short-term rentals) for the first few weeks or months. This allows you time to explore different neighborhoods, understand the market, and secure a long-term lease that truly fits your needs.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Egypt can vary significantly based on several key factors. Understanding these elements will help you budget effectively:

• Volume of Goods: The more items you move, the higher the cost. This is often measured in cubic meters or by weight. Decluttering before your move can significantly reduce this expense.
• Distance: The geographical distance between your origin country and Egypt directly impacts shipping costs. Longer distances generally incur higher freight charges.
• Seasonality: Moving during peak seasons (e.g., summer months or end-of-year holidays) can sometimes be more expensive due to higher demand for shipping and logistics services.
• Access at Origin and Destination: Difficult access, such as narrow streets, lack of elevators, or long carries at either your old or new residence, can lead to additional charges for specialized equipment or extra labor.
• Type of Transportation: Air freight is considerably faster but more expensive than sea freight. Your choice will depend on your budget and urgency.
• Extra Services: Opting for additional services like professional packing, unpacking, disassembly/assembly of furniture, storage solutions, or specialized handling for delicate items will add to the overall cost.
• Insurance: While an additional cost, comprehensive transit insurance is highly recommended to protect your belongings against unforeseen damage or loss during transit.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, exact prices come from a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is crucial for a smooth relocation. Here’s a checklist-style guide for a typical 4-8 week preparation period:

• 8 Weeks Before:
  • Declutter and Downsize: Start going through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This is the biggest cost-saver.
  • Research & Request Quotes: Begin researching relocation companies and request free quotes from relocation123.com for your move to Egypt.
  • Visa & Immigration: Start gathering necessary documents for your visa application. Contact the Egyptian embassy/consulate for specific requirements.
  • Schooling: If moving with children, research and apply to international schools in Egypt.
• 6 Weeks Before:
  • Confirm Relocation Company: Finalize your choice of relocation company and confirm your moving date.
  • Documents: Organize all essential documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, medical records, driving license) and make multiple copies, both physical and digital.
  • Medical Check-ups: Schedule any necessary medical check-ups for your family and obtain prescriptions for essential medications.
  • Pet Relocation: If moving with pets, research Egypt's import requirements and begin the necessary veterinary procedures.
• 4 Weeks Before:
  • Start Packing (Non-Essentials): Begin packing items you won't need immediately, such as seasonal clothing, books, and decorative items.
  • Utilities & Notifications: Notify utility companies (electricity, gas, water, internet) of your move-out date. Arrange for mail forwarding.
  • Banking & Finances: Inform your bank of your move and explore options for international banking or setting up an Egyptian bank account.
  • Insurance: Review your current insurance policies (health, home, car) and arrange for international coverage if needed.
• 2 Weeks Before:
  • Change of Address: Update your address with relevant institutions (banks, subscriptions, government agencies).
  • Essentials Box: Prepare an "essentials" box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, medications, important documents, chargers, a change of clothes).
  • Electronics: Back up all computers and electronic devices.
  • Valuables: Set aside high-value items and important documents to carry with you personally.
• 1 Week Before:
  • Final Packing: Finish all remaining packing. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
  • Confirm Arrangements: Reconfirm all moving arrangements with your relocation company.
  • Clean Out: Start cleaning your old residence.
• Moving Day:
  • Supervise: Be present to supervise the movers.
  • Final Walk-through: Do a final walk-through of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.

Get a free quote today on relocation123.com to start planning your move to Egypt!

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Egypt: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Egypt involves navigating specific customs and import regulations. This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help ensure a smooth transition for your belongings, whether you're a new resident, returning citizen, or diplomat.

If you're relocating as a new resident or returning citizen

Importing your household goods and personal effects to Egypt requires careful preparation. All shipments, regardless of status, will undergo customs inspection. Foreign citizens with a valid residency visa of at least six months may be eligible for temporary admission of used household goods, subject to a Ministry or bank guarantee, with full exportation required later. Returning Egyptian citizens must have a passport entry stamp no older than three months.

What you'll need

• Original passport (with valid residency visa for foreign citizens, or recent entry stamp for returning citizens).
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) or Telex Release (SWB)/Air Waybill (AWB) with your name as consignee, c/o Egyptian employer/authority and local agent address.
• ACID (Advanced Cargo Information Declaration) number, which must be added to your Bill of Lading before shipment.
• Detailed, valued, typed, dated, and signed inventory in English. Avoid terms like "Miscellaneous" or "Packed by Owner."
• Packing list.
• Original power of attorney, notarized in Egypt or at an Egyptian embassy abroad and legalized by the MOFA office in Egypt.

Good to know

• Egyptian Customs do not accept handwritten inventories.
• Keys for any locked baggage, safes, or vehicles must be provided.
• Vehicles and all audio-visual goods should be loaded at the container door.
• Foreign citizens' shipments are generally subject to 60% duties and 14% VAT for used household goods and personal effects.
• Egyptian citizens/private shippers also pay full duties and VAT.
• Clearing time is typically 14-21 business days, provided all paperwork is complete.
• All audio-visual items (tapes, videos, books, DVDs, CDs) will be inspected and reviewed by Customs, potentially delaying release by three weeks or more.
• Extra charges may apply for inspecting special items like food, phones, or paintings.
• Shippers are responsible for inspection fees, duties, VAT, demurrage, port storage, and other related fees.
• Any manifest amendment or shortage of pallets mentioned in the Master Bill of Lading will incur a USD 1000 fine.
• Wood packaging must comply with ISPM15 standards.
• For all electrical and electronic items, the inventory must state the model, brand, size, and content (e.g., Sony 40” Television).

Diplomatic moves

Diplomats benefit from specific exemptions and a streamlined process, though preparation is still key. Full/first-degree diplomats can import used household goods and personal effects duty-free.

What you'll need

• Sea Way Bill or original Bill of Lading and Air Way Bill with consignee's name, c/o Egyptian employer/authority and local agent address.
• Egyptian Diplomatic ID for full/first-degree diplomats (takes 2 weeks to 1 month to issue).
• Original power of attorney.
• Clearing letters issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Egypt.
• Form 4DE (for diplomats), along with a notarized packing list.
• Authorization letter, locally issued in Egypt (for vehicles).

Good to know

• Wood packaging must comply with ISPM15 standards.
• The consignee must be present in Egypt during customs clearance, but personal attendance during inspection is not required.
• Clearing time for household goods is around 3-9 working days if all paperwork is complete.
• Motor vehicles can be imported duty-free by full diplomats, but vehicle clearance takes longer (10-14 working days).
• If the consignee is a half-diplomat (second degree), their shipment will be subject to 14% VAT fees.
• Diplomatic missions and some international organizations must apply for duty and VAT exemptions, which can take 7-21 working days.
• Diplomats may be exempt from customs duties and inspection if Form 4DE (Protocol) is applied for and granted.
• Only diplomats with a diplomatic passport can import alcohol, subject to an accepted quota and MOFA exemption documents.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing vehicles to Egypt is highly restricted for non-diplomats. Currently, it is generally not possible for private individuals (non-diplomats) to import vehicles. Laws regarding vehicle imports for Egyptian citizens and foreigners are still under discussion with customs.

What you'll need

• Original Registration Card.
• Original Bill of Lading.
• Original Passport with Residence/Work Permit.
• Ownership certificate from Traffic Authority at country of origin (notarized by Egyptian Consulate/Embassy) – for returning citizens.
• Authorization letter, locally issued in Egypt (for foreign citizens).
• Certificate of origin.
• EUR1 Certificate for Vehicle imported from the European Union.
• Commercial invoice.

Good to know

• Only individuals with full diplomatic status can import vehicles duty-free by providing exemption documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
• Foreign diplomats may import cars older than 1 year.
• A trip ticket system allows free import for a maximum of 6 months, requiring trip ticket documentation and plates. After 6 months, the car must be exported for at least 6 months before re-importing.

Pets

Bringing your furry friends to Egypt requires specific health documentation and a veterinary examination upon arrival.

What you'll need

• Legalized health condition certificate (legalization by Egyptian embassy at origin country).
• Vaccination certificate from a registered veterinarian.
• Original passport of pet.
• Original passport of owner and work residence visa.

Good to know

• The Veterinary Health Certificate must be issued at the point of origin no more than two weeks before the date of issue.
• Pets will be examined upon arrival by a doctor from the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture.
• Animals suspected of having rabies will be quarantined, and charges will apply.
• Live chicks are the only birds permitted for import and must meet all health requirements.

Restricted & prohibited items

Many items are restricted or completely forbidden from import into Egypt. It's crucial to be aware of these regulations to avoid severe penalties and delays.

Restricted Items (may require special approval or incur higher duties):

• Scanners, printers, phones, and faxes (agreement by Egyptian Authorities required).
• Perfume for personal use.
• Tobacco.
• Video tapes, computer disks, cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, records, and slides are subject to censorship authority approval and may be confiscated if deemed prohibited.
• Printers, scanners, fax machines, copiers, and satellite receivers are subject to censorship by the Ministry of Interior and require approval. The brand, model number, and owner's manual should be included on the packing inventory.
• Office jets/workstations are subject to approval or refusal.
• High-value works of art, including statues and paintings, will be examined by a special committee for evaluation, which is time-consuming and costly.
• Foods will be examined by health authorities.

Prohibited Items (strictly forbidden):

• All telephones (mobile, wireless, landline).
• Pornographic materials.
• Drugs and most medications (including medical devices like wheelchairs, crutches, canes, blood pressure monitors, thermometers, nebulizers, and blood glucose monitors).
• Firearms, weapons, ammunition, daggers, swords (even decorative), axes, hunting rifles, toy guns, saws (including electric saws and shredder machines).
• Compasses.
• Anti-Islamic religious materials or any religious books (including Qurans and Bibles).
• Gold and silver jewellery (except tableware).
• Bank notes and coins.
• Humidifiers.
• Camping tents.
• Inflatable boats.
• Seeds.
• Internet routers.
• Printers (including multifunction devices with scanner and fax functions). Laserjet color printers are prohibited for personal use.
• Air tanks, diving suits, and diving equipment.
• Telescopes and binoculars.
• Stamps.
• Any kind of alcohol.
• Scaffolding materials.
• Large butcher or supermarket knives/devices with sharp blades used for cutting meat and cheese.
• Collections of stamps or old/cancelled money.
• Remote-controlled toy cars.
• Drones (including parts).
• Kitesurfing boards.
• Inflatable kites.
• Globe maquettes and any kind of map.
• Ivory items (even decorative).
• Embalmed items.
• Natural leather (even decorative).
• Air filters.
• Any GPS devices.
• Food.
• Cosmetics (except within personal use only).
• Receivers.
• Camouflage clothing (military style).
• Security cameras.
• Electronic cigarettes and hookahs.
• Wines or Alcohols.

Good to know

• A large quantity of restricted items might be considered "commercial," leading to higher duties and a more complicated, expensive clearing process.
• It is strictly forbidden to send alcohol on shipments to Egypt. Violating this rule can result in severe penalties and criminal charges.

Alcohol & tobacco

The import of alcohol is generally prohibited for private individuals. Only diplomats with a diplomatic passport and MOFA exemption documents are permitted to import alcohol, subject to an accepted quota. Tobacco is a restricted item.

Frequently asked questions

What is an ACID number and why do I need it?
The ACID (Advanced Cargo Information Declaration) number is a pre-registration system for shipments implemented in Egypt since 2021. It must be issued before your sea shipment departs and included on your Bill of Lading. Without it, your container will be returned to the country of origin.

How long does customs clearance typically take?
For household goods, clearance usually takes 14-21 business days for private shipments and 3-9 working days for diplomatic shipments, assuming all documentation is complete and available.

Do I need to be present for customs inspection?
The consignee must be present in Egypt during customs clearance of used household goods. However, personal attendance during the physical customs inspection is generally not required.

Are all my belongings subject to duties and VAT?
Most imported items are subject to customs duty and 14% VAT, including consumables, for both Egyptian citizens and foreign residents. Full/first-degree diplomatic shipments are generally duty-free.

Can I import my car to Egypt?
For private individuals (non-diplomats), importing vehicles is currently not possible, as the laws are still under review. Only full diplomats can import vehicles duty-free with specific exemption documents.

What happens if there's a discrepancy in my shipment or documents?
Any discrepancy, such as an incorrect ACID number or a manifest amendment, can result in the shipment being blocked at the port and returned, leading to significant delays and additional costs, including a USD 1000 fine for manifest amendments.

For personalized assistance with your move to Egypt, please contact relocation123.com.

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