Complete guide to purchasing property in Egypt — Green Contract explained, step-by-step process, required documents, costs, and expert legal guidance.
Egypt's real estate market has become increasingly attractive to foreign buyers, offering competitive prices, modern developments, and a strategic location bridging Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Whether you are looking for a vacation home on the Red Sea, an apartment in Cairo, or a commercial investment, understanding the legal process is essential to protect your investment.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about buying property in Egypt as a foreigner — from legal requirements and the Green Contract system to step-by-step procedures, required documents, and cost breakdowns.
The Green Contract (Al-Eqda Al-Khadra) is one of the most important legal protections for property buyers in Egypt. Regulated by Law No. 18 of 2017, it applies specifically to off-plan (under construction) property purchases and provides comprehensive buyer protection:
Important: The Green Contract is mandatory for all off-plan sales in Egypt. If a developer offers to sell you an off-plan property without a Green Contract, this is a red flag and potentially illegal.
Here is the complete process for buying property in Egypt as a foreigner, from initial consultation to receiving your title deed:
Foreign buyers need to prepare the following documents before starting the property purchase process:
Beyond the property price itself, buyers should budget for the following transaction costs:
| Cost Item | Amount | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fees | 2% of assessed value | Buyer |
| Stamp duty | 1% of assessed value | Buyer |
| Notary fees | 0.5 – 1% | Buyer |
| Legal fees | 1 – 3% of property value | Buyer |
| Agent commission | 2 – 3% | Buyer or Seller |
| Total estimated costs | 4 – 8% of property value |
Different property types in Egypt have different legal requirements, costs, and considerations for foreign buyers:
| Feature | Apartment | Villa | Commercial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership restrictions | Standard rules | Standard rules | Additional permits |
| Registration time | 30 – 45 days | 30 – 60 days | 45 – 90 days |
| Green Contract applicable | Yes (off-plan) | Yes (off-plan) | Varies |
| Residency qualification | $400K+ for Investor Residency | $400K+ for Investor Residency | Separate business permit |
Expert legal guidance at every stage — protecting your investment
We assess your situation, explain your legal rights as a foreign buyer, and recommend the best approach for your property purchase.
We verify the title deed, check for encumbrances, confirm developer licenses, and ensure the property is eligible for foreign ownership.
We review the purchase contract (Green Contract or standard sale), negotiate favorable terms, and ensure your interests are protected.
We handle the complete registration process at the Land Registry Office and ensure you receive your official title deed (Tapu).
"Counselor Mohamed handled my apartment purchase in New Cairo from start to finish. His due diligence caught an issue with the title deed that would have cost me thousands. The entire process was smooth and professionally managed. Highly recommended for any foreign buyer."
"As a German investor, I was concerned about the legal complexities of buying property in Egypt. Counselor Mohamed explained the Green Contract system clearly, handled all the paperwork, and completed the registration in just 35 days. Professional, transparent, and efficient."
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I wanted to establish a company in Egypt and was worried about the complex procedures. Counselor Mohamed Khaled's team handled everything from establishment to licensing within just two weeks. I highly recommend working with them.
I bought a property in New Cairo and was worried about insurance and ownership issues. Counselor Mohamed Khaled made sure everything was in order and fully protected my rights. Very high experience and professionalism.
Contact us today for expert legal guidance on your property purchase. We handle everything from due diligence to title deed registration.
Contact Counselor Mohamed Khaled Abdel Hady today for expert legal guidance on buying property in Egypt. Free initial consultation — no obligations.