Citizenship for born in country (Egyptian-born naturalization)Citizenship for born in country (Egyptian-born naturalization)
Eligibility quiz
Were you born in Egypt?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Egyptian passport and ID
Egyptian citizens can get a passport and identity card.
A passport is normally valid for seven years, but may be shorter if the holder lacks the required ID or has unresolved military-service status.
The identity card is normally replaced every seven years.
Live in Egypt for life
Egyptian citizens can enter and live in Egypt without a visa or residence permit.
They cannot be removed to another country as foreigners.
Study in Egypt
Egyptian citizens have a right to education in Egypt, including free education at state institutions at the stages set by law.
This does not guarantee a place on every course or at every institution.
Work in Egypt
Egyptian citizens can work and start businesses in Egypt without a foreign worker's permit.
Some jobs, especially in public service, the courts, security and the military, have extra requirements.
Get help abroad
Egyptian citizens abroad can get help from embassies and consulates, including with work problems and checking on relatives.
They can also help arrange the return of a person's remains after death.
Vote and run for office
Egyptian citizens can normally vote from age 18 in elections and referendums, and can stand for office if they meet the conditions.
Those who become Egyptian through naturalisation are entered in the voter database after five years.
Use public healthcare
Egyptian citizens have a right to healthcare and health insurance.
What is covered and whether a person must contribute depend on the health insurance rules.
Get social support
Egyptian citizens without social insurance may qualify for social security support if they cannot support themselves and their family.
This includes situations involving disability, old age or unemployment, and depends on their means and eligibility.
How to apply
Applying at the nationality officeApplying at the nationality office
Get the application form
Ask the nationality section of the General Administration of Passports, Immigration and Nationality or the Ministry of Interior’s nationality service for the Egyptian-born naturalization form and current document instructions.
Find the application formSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get the Egyptian-born naturalization application form from the Egypt nationality service?”
Fill in the form
Complete the Egyptian-born naturalization application form.
See how to complete itSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Egyptian-born naturalization application form in Egypt?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the documents the nationality section asks for.
See required documentsHand in your application
Submit your completed form and documents to the nationality section, yourself or through a legally authorised representative if the office accepts one. Pay the required fee when you submit, using the method the office tells you.
Find the nationality sectionSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where do I submit an Egyptian-born naturalization application to the nationality section in Egypt?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the Minister of Interior’s decision and answer any requests from the nationality section. You become an Egyptian citizen only if your application is approved.
See how long it takesSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does an Egyptian-born naturalization application take at the nationality section in Egypt?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Provide your Egyptian birth certificate or another official record showing you were born in Egypt. If you are applying because your foreign parent was also born in Egypt, provide their birth record too.
Parent's origin records *
Provide proof of your parent’s Egyptian origin. Ask the nationality section or your consulate which records it accepts.
* Only if you apply based on an Egyptian-origin parent.
Parent's background records *
Provide proof of your parent’s foreign status and their connection to the majority population of a country where Arabic is the language or Islam is the religion. Ask the nationality section or your consulate which records it accepts.
* Only if you apply based on a foreign parent also born in Egypt.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Military service for men
Eligible Egyptian men may have to do military service, including if they live abroad.
The duty depends on factors including age, education, health, previous service and whether they qualify for a delay or exemption.
Citizenship can be lost
Egyptian citizenship can be given up voluntarily.
It can also be taken away if someone acquires another citizenship without the required Egyptian permission, or obtained citizenship through fraud or false statements.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Foreigners in Egypt
English Facebook group for people living in Egypt interested in Egyptian local life
Join on FacebookExpats in Egypt - English Speaking Group
English Facebook group for people living in Egypt interested in Egyptian local life
Join on FacebookExpats In Egypt
English Facebook group for people living in Egypt interested in Egyptian local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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