et guide: Regulations governing obtaining work permit for foreigners in Egypt

CAIRO - 28 March 2026: Egypt's new Labor Law No. 14 of 2025 established new and comprehensive financial and administrative regulations to govern the presence of foreign workers in the Egyptian market.

 

The law set a financial ceiling for work permit fees and granted the relevant minister broad powers to determine prohibited professions and employment quotas.

 

Work permit fees for foreigners:

 

Article (71) of the law outlines the fees for obtaining a work permit for a foreigner, as follows:

 

- Minimum fee: 5,000 Egyptian pounds.

 

- Maximum fee: 150,000 Egyptian pounds.

 

The relevant minister determines the exact fee within these limits based on the type of profession, economic needs, or the principle of reciprocity.

 

This fee is payable upon initial issuance or renewal of the permit.

 

 

Conditions for Employment:

 

The law stipulates that a foreigner may not work in the country without obtaining an official permit, subject to two essential conditions:

 

1. Permit and Residency: The foreigner must be authorized to enter and reside in the country for the purpose of employment.

 

2. Reciprocity: Article (70) emphasizes the obligation to observe the principle of reciprocity when granting licenses, while granting the competent minister the right to exempt certain cases from this condition.

 

 

The law also obligates (in Article 74) the employer to return the foreign worker to the country from which they were recruited at their own expense immediately upon termination of the employment relationship, unless the employment contract stipulates otherwise.

 

The law grants the competent minister (according to Article 70) the right to:

 

- Determine the maximum percentage of foreign workers in establishments (to protect job opportunities for Egyptians).

 

- Establish a list of professions and trades that foreigners are prohibited from working in.

 

Article (72) obligates the employer to immediately notify the relevant administrative authorities and competent bodies in the event of a foreign worker's absence from work for 15 consecutive days without a legal justification.