Budgeting for a new legal entity in Egypt means more than a single line item. Between Government fees, lawyer and notary work, and the hidden expenses that appear after incorporation, founders often underestimate the true cash requirement. This guide explains the main categories so you can plan capital and timelines realistically for 2026.
Official tariffs and GAFI schedules change. Treat figures as illustrative; confirm current amounts with the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), the Commercial Registry, and your legal counsel before you commit to a budget.
1. Government and registry fees
Incorporation typically passes through GAFI (for most investment forms), the Companies Department at the Commercial Registry, and sometimes sector-specific regulators. You should expect filing fees, name reservation, registration of articles of association, publication charges (where applicable), and stamp duties on certain documents. The total varies with legal form (LLC, JSC, branch, representative office), capital (where stamp duty or registration scales with authorized capital), and expedited processing options.
2. Lawyer fees and corporate documentation
A law firm usually drafts or reviews the memorandum and articles of association, prepares board and shareholder resolutions, coordinates signatures and legalization, files with GAFI and the registry, and follows up until the commercial register extract is issued. Fees may be fixed packages for standard LLCs or time-based for complex structures, foreign shareholders, or regulated activities. Budget separately for translation, apostille, and any cross-border corporate certificates.
3. Hidden or easy-to-miss expenses
- Chamber of Commerce membership and related subscriptions required for operational filings.
- Notarization and legalization chains for powers of attorney and parent company documents.
- Minimum bank deposit or capital freeze requirements until registration is completed.
- Post-incorporation steps: tax registration, e-invoice onboarding, labor office registration, and industry licenses — each may carry its own fees.
4. Why the total differs from one founder to another
Two LLCs rarely cost the same: foreign ownership ratios, licensed activities (financial services, import/export, healthcare), lease verification, and whether you start with one shareholder or a complex holding structure all move the needle. Early legal scoping usually saves money by avoiding rejected filings and duplicate notarizations.
Government & registry
GAFI and Commercial Registry charges, publications, and stamps — aligned to your legal form.
Legal counsel
Drafting, filing, and representation through issuance of the commercial register extract.
After incorporation
Tax card, labor registration, and sector licenses — plan these in the same budget.
Related resources
For end-to-end support on choosing the right vehicle, filings, and governance, see our Company Incorporation & Corporate Governance service hub. Arabic-speaking clients may prefer the parallel overview on النسخة العربية.