Egypt Announces New CIP Regulations as it Tackles Backlog

Hany Mostafa Moawad
Cairo

The Egyptian Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU) faced significant processing delays between November and June. Officials did not explain the reasons behind the slow processing amid a growing backlog.

However, there is good news for applicants and stakeholders. The cabinet has increased its meeting frequency, processing is now faster, and the government is producing approvals more quickly.

During Global Citizen Week in Cairo in April, Sherif Samy, Deputy Head of the CIU, announced that the government had received around 1,000 CBI applications.

That number has significantly increased. Application numbers have grown considerably over the past three months. Firms assisting with citizenship applications have witnessed a sharp rise in Egyptian citizenship by investment (CBI) files.

Approximately 75% of current applicants already have strong ties to Egypt. Many own properties, operate businesses, or have established long-term residences in the country. This suggests the program particularly appeals to those with existing connections to Egypt.

The government has constantly tinkered with the program to find the right formula, either through price changes or allowing investors to pursue property on an open market policy instead of confining them to state-owned real estate.

Now, the government continues adjusting its CBI program, announcing new regulations that it hopes will improve its framework.

Shared property investments

The government has amended its policies regarding property investments. Applicants may now collectively invest in a single property as long as each individual’s share exceeds $300,000 in value.

For example, three applicants can invest in a $900,000 property to qualify for the program. This change will likely attract more group investments, making high-value properties more accessible for citizenship purposes.

New bank requirements and investment guidelines

New requirements apply to those purchasing property through the private sector. Applicants must open a personal bank account in Egypt. They must transfer the full $300,000 investment into this account before converting the funds to Egyptian pounds and paying the seller.

This rule doesn’t apply to those buying from government developers, who can make payments directly from outside Egypt without opening a local bank account.

Building permit requirement

The CIU now requires investors to obtain a valid building permit for any property they will use in a citizenship application. This rule applies even to state-built properties. The CIU will void citizenship applications lacking a building permit.

These updates reflect Egypt’s effort to streamline its CBI program while ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance. As the application backlog clears and the government sets new rules in place, we expect to see more demand for the Egyptian CBI program in the coming months.