Egypt is the region's largest consumer market and its most sector-diverse, and entering it requires a careful reading of Investment Law No. 72 of 2017, its executive regulations, and the web of sector licensing. The opportunity is real - from manufacturing and export to privatization and IPOs - but the wrong entry model costs time and money. This consultation comes before commitment.
Available Entry Models
Distribution or agency with no entity. A fully foreign-owned company in most activities through the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) under modernized incorporation tracks. Representative offices for study without commercial activity. Public and private free zones with customs and tax advantages for export activity. And the government privatization program has opened foreign capital appetite for acquiring existing stakes.
What the Consultation Covers
Activity fit: sector restrictions and prior licensing. Entity choice: capital vs. partnership forms vs. branch, with capital and governance effects. Incentives: the Investment Law's general and special packages and their continuity conditions. Taxes: corporate income tax, 14% VAT, and withholding. Labor: the new labor law and hiring and secondment rules. Trademark protection before launch.
Practical Friction Points
Licensing overlap across multiple authorities in regulated activities. Profit repatriation and currency: early planning of the banking route shortens later crises. Distribution contracts: no excessive statutory distributor protection as in some Gulf markets, but termination and compensation drafting remains decisive. Official Arabic documentation is mandatory before authorities and courts.
How the Consultation Runs Remotely
Analysis, structuring, and drafting are delivered fully remotely by our team, while our Cairo branch handles filings and field follow-up before Egyptian authorities - real presence without travel cost to the client.
See our company formation in Egypt, our commercial and corporate practice and Egypt's Investment Law No. 72 of 2017: Incentives and Guarantees for Foreign Investors for related work.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner own 100% of an Egyptian company?
In most activities yes, with specific sector exceptions reviewed case by case.
What are the Investment Law's main incentives?
Customs and tax exemptions conditioned on activity type, location, and scale - assessed per project.
Do you deal with GAFI directly?
Yes, through our Cairo branch, which manages incorporation and licensing files daily.
How long does incorporation take?
Days to weeks depending on the activity, document completeness, and sector licensing.