Eligibility quiz
Were you an Egyptian citizen who was not recognized as one because of a rule about where you or your father lived?
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
Get the application form
Get the Egyptian-origin nationality application form from the Citizenship Department of the General Administration of Passports, Immigration and Nationality.
Find the application formSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get the Egyptian-origin naturalization application form from the Citizenship Department in Egypt?”
Fill in the form
Fill in and sign the Egyptian-origin nationality application form.
See how to fill itSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Egyptian-origin naturalization application form in Egypt?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the documents the Citizenship Department asks for.
See required documentsHand in your application
Bring your signed form and your original documents and copies to the Citizenship Department. Pay the assessed fees and stamp charges as instructed, and get a receipt.
Find the Citizenship DepartmentSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where do I hand in an Egyptian-origin naturalization application at the Citizenship Department in Egypt?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the Minister of Interior's decision, and provide any further documents or attend an interview if asked. Citizenship is not granted automatically.
See how long it takesSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does an Egyptian-origin naturalization decision take in Egypt?”
Get your citizenship certificate
If your application is approved, get your nationality certificate. You can use it as evidence of your Egyptian citizenship.
Find out about certificatesSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get my nationality certificate after Egyptian-origin naturalization in Egypt?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Bring civil records, such as birth certificates, that connect you to your parent and your Egyptian grandparent and show where your grandparent was born. If another relative was born in Egypt, ask the office which records it needs to show your connection to them. Bring originals and copies.
Grandparent's citizenship records
Bring evidence of your Egyptian grandparent's Egyptian status. Ask the office which records it needs to assess your Egyptian origin, including any records about residence and why Egyptian citizenship was not recognised. Bring originals and copies.
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
Adavia doesn't provide advice, but we're building a directory of professionals who do. If you'd like, we can notify you when help is available.
Updated