Residence & citizenship
Egyptian Long-Term and Special Residence
Ordinary long-term residence and the special long-term residence for people with a long historical connection to Egypt.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The specific validity periods (commonly cited as 3-5 years for ordinary residence and 10 years for special residence), the historical eligibility date, and the qualifying number of years of prior residence are not confirmed on an official government page reviewed here; verify with the Ministry of Interior / MFA before publishing figures.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Egypt government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Ordinary residence permit / Special residence permit
- Route type
- Long-term residence
- Re-entry
- A valid residence permit generally removes the need for a new entry visa when re-entering within the permitted period
Who it is for
- Foreign nationals settling in Egypt on a longer-term basis (ordinary residence)
- People with a long historical connection to Egypt, such as long-term residents or those born in Egypt before the qualifying historical date (special residence)
What you can do
- Reside in Egypt for the multi-year term of the permit
- Extend residence to an accompanying spouse (ordinary residence)
- Re-enter Egypt without a new entry visa within the permitted timeframe
- Renew the permit on expiry
How to apply
- Residence permits are handled inside Egypt by the Ministry of Interior's passports, immigration and nationality authorities, not through the e-Visa portal
- You generally need a valid entry visa before a residence permit can be finalised
- The class of residence granted (ordinary long-term or special long-term) depends on your circumstances and connection to Egypt, as assessed by the authorities
- Renewal is applied for before the permit expires
Documents you may need
- A valid passport
- Evidence supporting the basis for your residence (for example your long-standing connection to Egypt for special residence, or your qualifying status for ordinary residence)
- Documents for an accompanying spouse, where residence is extended to them
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.