Egypt to accept applications from expats to settle military service status from May

CAIRO – 28 April 2024: Egyptians residing abroad, whose military service statuses are yet to be settled, will be able to apply for a settlement starting from May 1 for a period of two months.

The initiative, launched for the first time in 2023, allows Egyptians between the ages of 18 and 30, as well as those who have exceeded this age range, to settle their military service status while staying abroad.

The fees for settling military status for expats are $5,000 or €5,000, payable through Banque Misr.

You can apply by visiting the following website (https://www.tagneedinit.gov.eg/)

Cairo branch

Payments can be made through the Swift Code (BMISEGC) via the Banque Misr Cairo branch.

For payment through this branch in dollars, you can use the account number (1010120000002083) and IBAN (EG330002010101010120000002083).

For euro payments, you can use the account number (1010130000000449) and IBAN (EG510002010101010130000000449).

Abu Dhabi branch

If you are paying through the Abu Dhabi branch of Banque Misr, use the Swift Code (BMISAEAA).

For payment through the Abu Dhabi branch in dollars, use the account number (80215000000149) and IBAN (AE160150080215000000149).

For euro payments, use the account number (80215200000158) and IBAN (AE550150080215200000158).

The routing code for both dollar and euro payments through the Abu Dhabi branch is (001510102).

To facilitate payment, Egyptian expats residing in France can pay through the General Consulate of Egypt in Paris in cooperation with the military representation office.

If you are residing abroad and your military service status is still unsettled, you will not be able to renew your passport, according to the website.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that this initiative aims to address the hesitation of citizens residing abroad to return to Egypt due to fears of being unable to leave again if required for military service or if their military status remains unsettled.

Military service is mandatory in Egypt, with scores of individuals aged 18 to 30 joining the army each year, serving in the military for a period of 1-3 years.

In recent years, Egypt has launched several initiatives to assist citizens abroad and secure much-needed foreign currency.

One notable initiative allows expats to bring one personal-use car to Egypt free from customs duties or taxes in exchange for a five-year bank deposit in foreign currency by the beneficiaries.

The initiative, which is set to conclude on Monday, has issued payment orders worth $1.8 billion for beneficiaries, of which $767 million has already been paid, according to Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait.

The country has faced a foreign currency shortage over the past two years, but recent significant inflows of foreign currency, particularly through the mega investment project of Ras El-Hekma, have alleviated the situation.