Eligibility quiz
Are you or were you married to a man who was an Egyptian citizen during your marriage?
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 from inside EgyptApplying from inside Egypt
Pick up the form
Get the request to acquire Egyptian nationality, also known as Form 19C, from the Nationality Section of the General Administration of Passports, Immigration and Nationality.
Find the nationality officeSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I get the Egypt application form for acquisition of Egyptian nationality for the foreign wife of an Egyptian?”
Fill in the form
Fill in the form with your details and have your husband sign where required. You will sign it before an officer when you hand it in.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Egypt application form for acquisition of Egyptian nationality for the foreign wife of an Egyptian?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the nationality office.
See required documentsHand in your application
Go with your husband to the Nationality Section with your completed form and the required documents. Sign before the officer, hand in your application and pay the fee and any required stamps using the method the office accepts.
Find the nationality officeSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where do I submit an Egypt application for acquisition of Egyptian nationality for the foreign wife of an Egyptian?”
Wait for the decision
The authorities will consider your application after the two-year period from your notification and issue a nationality certificate if it is approved. Respond if they ask you for more information.
See how long it takesSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does acquisition of Egyptian nationality for the foreign wife of an Egyptian take in Egypt?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Get your Egyptian husband's father's Egyptian birth certificate. The office may also ask for your own birth certificate, your husband's computerized Egyptian birth certificate, or his grandfather's Egyptian birth certificate. If his grandfather's birth certificate cannot be obtained, ask whether his death certificate or, in some cases, his uncle's birth certificate can be used.
Marriage certificate
Get your official computerized Egyptian marriage certificate and bring the original and a copy. If you married outside Egypt, register the marriage and obtain the Egyptian certificate; a foreign marriage certificate alone is not enough.
Husband's citizenship records
Bring your Egyptian husband's valid Egyptian passport and a copy. The office may also accept or ask for his valid Egyptian national ID.
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
مشاكل الاقامة في مصر واللاجئين وزواج الأجانب واكتساب الجنسية
Facebook group for people interested in Egyptian citizenship and visas (Arabic & English)
Join on FacebookForeigners 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 FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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