Egypt Country Guide
Your Complete Guide to Moving, Living & Working in Egypt
Important: This guide provides essential relocation information for individuals and families moving to the Arab Republic of Egypt. With major cities like Cairo and Alexandria, historic landmarks, expanding business districts, and strategic logistics advantages along the Suez Canal, Egypt offers opportunities in education, engineering, energy, logistics, tourism, IT, and development sectors. Visa rules and work permit procedures may change, so always verify details through official Egyptian government sources before relocating.
Home To Home Relocations supports clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to Egypt, including professional export packing, air/ocean freight, customs coordination, and door-to-door delivery to areas such as Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, New Cairo, 6th of October City, Mansoura and Hurghada.
1. Before You Move to Egypt
1.1 Visa Types & Entry Requirements
Egypt offers several visa categories depending on nationality and purpose of stay. Most visitors can apply for an e-Visa or obtain a Visa on Arrival at Cairo International Airport, depending on eligibility.
- Tourist Visa – e-Visa or visa-on-arrival for short-term stays
- Work Visa & Work Permit – issued through the employer; required for legal employment
- Residence Permit – for longer stays, employment, investment or family joining
- Business Visa – for commercial visits
- Student Visa – for approved educational institutions
1.2 Working in Egypt
Key economic sectors include:
- Engineering & construction
- Renewable and conventional energy
- Tourism & hospitality
- Education & international schools
- Information technology
- NGO and development sector
- Logistics & maritime operations connected to the Suez Canal
1.3 Housing & Accommodation
Housing is available in urban apartments, compounds, and villa communities. Popular expatriate areas include:
- New Cairo – modern developments, international schools
- Maadi – green suburbs, embassies, international community
- Zamalek – central, historic island neighbourhood
- Sheikh Zayed & 6th of October City – gated compounds and new developments
Typical housing requirements:
- Passport and visa copy
- Deposit (1–3 months of rent)
- Rental contract, often signed in-person
- Utilities usually paid separately
1.4 Banking & Finances
Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Opening a bank account may require:
- Passport
- Residence permit or work visa
- Proof of address
- Employment contract or employer letter
1.5 Healthcare & Medical Insurance
Egypt has public hospitals, private clinics and international medical centres. Many expatriates use private healthcare for faster access and broader services.
1.6 Documents to Prepare Before Moving
- Passport with several months’ validity
- Visa or e-Visa approval
- Employment contract (for work visas)
- Certified or notarised educational certificates
- Marriage & birth certificates for dependants
- Police clearance certificate (if required)
2. Your First Weeks in Egypt
2.1 Arrival & Immigration
Upon arrival, immigration may check your e-Visa, passport and supporting documents. Some visitors may obtain a visa-on-arrival depending on nationality.
2.2 Residence Permit Processing
Work permit holders and long-term residents must obtain a Residency Permit Card through the Ministry of Interior’s immigration office. Employers typically coordinate the process.
2.3 Setting Up Essentials
- Mobile number & SIM (Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat)
- Internet services for home
- Bank account activation
- Utilities setup (electricity, water, gas)
3. Egypt at a Glance
3.1 Geography & Regions
Egypt spans North Africa with coastlines along the Mediterranean and Red Sea. Major regions include Greater Cairo, Alexandria, Red Sea cities (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh), the Nile Delta and Upper Egypt.
3.2 Politics & Economy
Egypt is a republic with a mixed economy involving tourism, petroleum, manufacturing, agriculture and a major global logistics role via the Suez Canal.
3.3 Climate & Weather
Egypt has a hot desert climate, with extremely dry summers, mild winters, and cooler temperatures near the Mediterranean.
4. Why Many Canadians Choose Egypt
- Rich cultural history and global heritage sites
- Growing expatriate communities in Cairo and Alexandria
- Expanding opportunities in education, engineering, energy, NGOs and tourism
- Affordable cost of living in many areas
- Warm climate and diverse coastlines
5. Housing, Cost of Living & Daily Life
Living standards vary widely depending on neighbourhood and lifestyle. Key cost considerations include:
- Rent (higher in Zamalek, New Cairo, Sheikh Zayed)
- Utilities (water, electricity, gas)
- International school fees
- Private healthcare insurance
- Transport (ride-hailing apps are very common)
6. Transportation & Getting Around
6.1 Public Transport
Transport modes include:
- Cairo Metro (fastest way to travel in central Cairo)
- Public buses & minibuses
- Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem)
- Taxis
6.2 Driving in Egypt
Egypt drives on the right-hand side. Traffic congestion can be heavy in Cairo, and driving conditions may require adjustment for newcomers.
6.3 Domestic & Regional Travel
Egypt has strong domestic air connectivity, with frequent flights between Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada.
7. Culture, Lifestyle & Places to Visit
7.1 Everyday Culture
- Arabic is the official language; English widely spoken in business
- Hospitality is a deeply valued cultural tradition
- Cafés, outdoor markets and riverfront dining are central to daily life
- Family and social gatherings are important parts of Egyptian culture
7.2 Popular Cities & Attractions
- Cairo: Pyramids of Giza, Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili
- Alexandria: Mediterranean waterfront, Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- Luxor & Aswan: Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple
- Sharm El Sheikh & Hurghada: Red Sea beaches and diving
- Siwa Oasis: Desert landscapes and natural springs