Egypt•AfricaVaries
150 USD
Varies (Tied to employment contract length, renewable)
Yes
Required
Allowed
No
Not Required
Employer-sponsored work permit issued by the Ministry of Manpower for foreign nationals in positions where no qualified Egyptian is available, valid for one year and renewable up to three years.
The Standard Work Permit and Visa in Egypt is a rigorous, employer-sponsored process regulated by the Ministry of Manpower. Unlike many other countries, Egypt does not offer a short-term work permit; all foreign nationals intending to work must obtain a formal, long-term work permit. The process is dual-layered: the employer must first secure approval from the Ministry of Manpower to hire a foreign national, and the employee must subsequently obtain a work visa to enter the country. This system is designed to prioritize the local workforce, requiring employers to demonstrate that the foreign hire possesses specialized skills that are not readily available among Egyptian citizens.
Once in Egypt, the applicant must finalize the work permit process, which includes medical testing and security vetting. The work permit is typically valid for one year and is renewable for up to three years, provided the employer remains in compliance with labor laws and workforce quotas. Because the permit is tied to a specific employer and role, changing jobs requires a new application process. This system is highly bureaucratic and requires close coordination between the foreign employee and the sponsoring company to ensure all legal requirements are met, as working without a valid permit is a serious violation of Egyptian immigration law.
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
Must have a confirmed job offer from a legally registered Egyptian employer.
The employer must prove that no qualified Egyptian national is available for the position.
Must hold relevant academic qualifications and professional experience for the role.
Must pass a medical examination, including a mandatory negative HIV test conducted in Egypt.
Must obtain security clearance from the Egyptian State Security Service.
Must comply with the 10% foreign workforce quota restriction per company.
Job Offer
Required
Education
bachelor or higher
Experience
3+ years
Valid passport.
Completed work permit application form.
Employment contract or appointment letter.
Certified copies of academic degrees and professional certifications.
Employer's commercial register and tax card.
Letter of justification from the employer for hiring a foreign national.
Negative HIV test report.
Security clearance approval.
Passport-sized photographs.
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