Moving to Egypt promises a rich cultural immersion, affordable living, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re moving for work, study, or retirement, Egypt offers several residency options for foreigners. Yes, foreigners can live in Egypt, and many expats do.
Moving to Egypt is not difficult, but it requires some planning. Getting the right visa, finding accommodation, and adjusting to the culture can take time. It’s also important to learn some Arabic before you arrive.
If you have decided to move to Egypt, أهلا وسهلا! Now, let’s talk about how you can make this move smoothly.
Luxor Temple at sunset.
Essential Steps for Moving to Egypt
Moving to Egypt is not difficult, but there are some things you need to prepare for.
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1. Securing a Visa
The first thing you need is a visa. Most people start with a tourist visa. You can get this on arrival if you come from the US, UK, Europe, or other countries. To extend your visa, you need to visit the Egyptian Passport, Immigration and Nationality Administration office, located at the Police Academy in Abbasiya, Cairo, and submit your visa renewal application.
If you plan to stay longer, apply for a residency visa. You can get a residency visa if you’re working, studying, or married to an Egyptian.
2. Finding Accommodation
You can either rent an apartment or buy one, but most expats prefer renting first. Make sure to visit the apartment before you agree on anything. Or, better yet, ask locals.
3. Adjusting to the Egyptian Culture
Moving to Egypt means adjusting to a new way of life. Things here move slower. We have a phrase: بكرة (bukra), which means “tomorrow” but can also mean “later” or “sometime in the future.” This is the way things work in Egypt. Also, life in Egypt is very social. Egyptians love spending time with family and friends. You will often find people sitting in cafés, drinking shaay (tea) or ahwa (coffee) for hours, chatting and watching football. Don’t be shy!
4. Setting Up Utilities
Once you find a place, you will need to set up basic utilities, like the internet. This can take some time, so be prepared. To pay for these services, you usually go to local offices or pay through mobile apps like Fawry or Vodafone Cash.
Read also: Learn Arabic in Egypt: Guide
If you’re not confident speaking Arabic, you can ask a local friend to help you deal with service providers.
5. Managing Your Finances
To manage your finances in Egypt, you’ll want to open a bank account. Most international banks are available here, like HSBC and Citibank, but local banks like National Bank of Egypt also offer good services.
6. Learning Arabic
Learning Arabic is essential for living in Egypt. Egyptians appreciate when foreigners try to speak the language, even if it’s just a few words. Start by learning how to greet people, ask for directions, or bargain in markets.
Arabic Conversation for Beginners | 70 Basic Arabic Phrases To Know
To make Egypt your permanent home, foreign nationals are required to obtain a residence permit. Thankfully, there are several pathways to acquiring this crucial document.
Cost of Living in Egypt
When you move to Egypt, the cost of living is something you will notice right away. It’s lower than in many Western countries, but you must be careful about how you spend your money.
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Rent
First, rent is cheap compared to the USA or UK. In Cairo, you can find a small apartment for around $200 to $400 a month. Of course, it depends on where you want to live. If you choose a place in Zamalek or Maadi, which are popular with expats, the rent will be higher. In Egypt, it’s also normal to negotiate the rent with the landlord.
Food
When it comes to food, eating out in Egypt is very affordable. You can have a full meal at a local restaurant for just 70 to 150 Egyptian pounds, which is about $1.50 to $2.50. If you prefer cooking at home, groceries are also cheap, but prices can vary depending on where you shop. But if you go to a local market (سوق, souq), you’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables at very low prices.
Transportation
Moving around in Egypt is very affordable, but it can be a little chaotic. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are also cheap compared to Western countries. Many Egyptians prefer to use microbuses (ميكروباصات), which are small vans that serve as shared taxis. They are even cheaper but can be crowded.
Healthcare
Health care is another thing to think about when you move here. Public hospitals are available, but many expats prefer private clinics, which offer better services. Private health care is more expensive, but it’s still cheaper than in the West. If you take any regular medication, you can find most of it here in Egypt, and prices are usually low.
The Good and the Not-So-Good Things About Living in Egypt
Now, let’s talk about the good and the not-so-good things about living in Egypt. Every place has its positives and negatives, and Egypt is no different. It’s important to understand these before you make a big decision to move.
Pros
- Nature: Egypt’s natural beauty is truly accessible. Whether it’s the vibrant Red Sea, the vast Arabian Desert, or the iconic Nile River, residents are just a short trip away from these wonders.
- Hospitality: Egyptians take hospitality so seriously, and they make sure their guests are happy and taken care of.
- Delivery Services: Literally anything and everything gets delivered to your house. Groceries, food delivery, medicine, doughnuts and even coffee!
Cons
- Persistent Sellers: In Cairo, a bustling tourist hub, persistent sellers are a common sight. It’s no secret that they can be quite assertive, especially with foreigners.
- Slower Pace of Life: Adjusting to the Egyptian pace of life can be challenging for some.
Map of Egypt.
Living in Egypt as an American: Taxes and Finances
Living in Egypt as an American offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and professional opportunities. However, it’s essential to understand the tax obligations and financial considerations that come with residing abroad.
Tax Obligations
Navigating taxes as an American living in Egypt can feel like learning a whole new language-one where mistakes can be costly and rules seem to shift overnight.
Key point: The standard filing deadline is April 15, but Americans abroad automatically get a two-month extension (to June 15).
- If the total value of your foreign accounts-including those in Egypt-exceeds $10,000 at any point in the year, you must file an FBAR.
- Living and working in Egypt means you may also be subject to local taxation.
- Egyptian income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 0% to 25%.
However, Egyptian tax rates, filing requirements, and social insurance rules differ.
Residency Options and Visa Information
Navigating Egypt’s residency options can be complex. Applying for an Egyptian visa as an American involves a few clear steps. The process will vary slightly depending on whether you’re seeking residency by investment, marriage, or work.
Egypt offers residency permits to foreigners who invest in property or businesses within the country. Initially, a temporary residency is granted and can be renewed annually.
Expat Experiences: Abu Samra's Journey
Meet Abu Samra, an expat from Eritrea who moved from his home in the UK to embrace life in Egypt and all that it has to offer. When making the move to Egypt from London, Abu Samra quickly learned the importance of adaptability, especially in Cairo, “the city that never sleeps’.
Using his YouTube channel, Abu Samra The Expat, to share tips, lessons and life in Egypt, he was able to help encourage others to make the move too.
Abu Samra's insights include:
- The importance of learning the language, culture, and traditions.
- The endless places to explore, from historical sites in Cairo to the Nubian culture in Aswan.
- The exceptional Egyptian hospitality.
Popular Expat Locations in Cairo
- Maadi (Cairo): This leafy, residential suburb south of downtown Cairo is a longtime favorite for American families and embassy staff.
- Zamalek (Cairo): Set on an island in the Nile, Zamalek is popular with young professionals and diplomats.
- New Cairo: A rapidly growing district on the city’s outskirts, New Cairo features modern housing compounds, shopping malls, and international schools.
Conclusion
Moving to Egypt offers a rich cultural experience with affordable living. Securing a visa is straightforward, with options for tourist or residency visas depending on work, study, or marriage. For expats, living costs are relatively low, with affordable rent, groceries, and public transportation. However, adapting to Egypt comes with challenges like traffic, occasional service disruptions, and cultural differences. Expats, especially from the USA or UK, should be prepared for cultural adjustments but can join local communities for support.
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