Corporate & Commercial Law in Egypt

Corporate and commercial work in Egypt

Our Cairo branch advises on Egyptian company law, corporate governance and commercial contracts for local and international clients. Typical work includes shareholder arrangements, signing authority, board and deadlock mechanics, and matching contracts to how distribution, supply, technology or services actually run.

Egypt's legal framework

Egyptian companies are primarily governed by Companies Law No. 159 of 1981, as amended (including by Law No. 4 of 2018). Investment Law No. 72 of 2017 provides the investment framework, and the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) administers incorporation and investor services. Which rules apply depends on the entity form, activity and ownership - each matter is checked against its own facts.

Contracts and governance

We map who owns the shares, who can sign, and how decisions and deadlocks are handled before drafting. Signed versions, notices and the transaction record are preserved so a later disagreement can be managed on evidence. Where a disagreement already exists, see our dispute resolution practice, or read the General Commercial & Corporate overview.

MENA coordination

The firm was founded in Kuwait in 1986 and has a branch in Cairo. It covers MENA matters in cooperation with partner offices in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, and partner offices in Turkey and the United States. Those partner offices are not branches owned by the firm; local licensing and advice are assessed in the relevant jurisdiction.

This page is general information, not advice for a particular entity or transaction.

Frequently asked questions

What law governs companies in Egypt?

Companies Law No. 159 of 1981, as amended (including by Law No. 4 of 2018), is the primary framework. Investment Law No. 72 of 2017 sets the investment rules, and the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) administers incorporation and investor services.

Can a foreign investor set up a company in Egypt?

Yes. Investment Law No. 72 of 2017 provides the framework, and GAFI runs Investor Service Centers and electronic incorporation for specified forms. The approvals required depend on the activity, the ownership structure and the sector.

Does the firm advise on Egyptian matters directly?

Yes. The firm has a branch in Cairo that advises on Egyptian company law, corporate governance and commercial contracts for local and international clients.

Other markets

Company Formation in Egypt · Corporate & Commercial Law in the UAE · Corporate & Commercial Law in Qatar · Corporate & Commercial Law in Oman · Corporate & Commercial Law in Bahrain