Eligibility quiz
Was your father an Egyptian citizen when you were born?
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
Get the nationality-acquisition form from the Nationality Section of the Passports, Immigration and Nationality Administration in Cairo. You can get it yourself or use a permitted representative; for a child, their mother, guardian, caregiver or authorised agent can get it.
Find the nationality officeSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where do I get the Egyptian nationality acquisition application form for a child of an Egyptian mother?”
Fill in the form
Fill in and sign the form yourself or through a permitted representative. For a child, their mother, guardian, caregiver or permitted agent fills in and signs it.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Egyptian nationality acquisition form for a child of an Egyptian mother?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the documents required by the nationality office.
See required documentsHand in your application
Submit the completed form and documents to the Nationality Section in Cairo, and pay the required fees and stamps. You can submit it yourself or through a permitted representative with the required special power of attorney; for a child, their mother, guardian, caregiver or permitted agent can submit it.
Find the nationality officeSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where do I submit an Egyptian nationality acquisition application for a child of an Egyptian mother?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the decision on your application or your child's application. Egyptian nationality is acquired one year after filing unless the Minister of Interior issues a reasoned refusal.
See how long it takesSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does Egyptian nationality acquisition take for a child of an Egyptian mother?”
Notify Civil Status
After the one-year period, if there has been no refusal, notify the Civil Status Department so an Egyptian birth certificate and national identity card can be issued for you or your child. You may then be able to obtain an Egyptian passport under the applicable rules.
Find Civil StatusSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I notify the Egyptian Civil Status Department after acquiring Egyptian nationality through my mother?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates *
Bring the original and a copy of your official birth certificate, your Egyptian mother's birth certificate and your maternal grandfather's Egyptian birth certificate. Your grandfather's certificate must have no missing details.
* Only if you apply through your Egyptian mother and were born before 15 July 2004.
Parents' marriage certificate *
Bring the original of your parents' official Egyptian marriage certificate. It should be the computer-issued certificate.
* Only if you apply through your Egyptian mother and were born before 15 July 2004.
Mother's passport or ID *
Bring your Egyptian mother's passport or national identity card.
* Only if you apply through your Egyptian mother and were born before 15 July 2004.
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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