What are the relevant property ownership laws for foreigners in Egypt?
Law 230 of year 1996 on July 14, Law No. 230 of 1996 was issued superseding Law No. 56 of 1988. The new law allows non-Egyptians to own real estate whether built or vacant with the following conditions: • 1. that ownership be limited to only two real estate properties throughout Egypt; • 2. that the area of each real estate not be in excess of four thousand square meters; • 3. that Non-Egyptians may only sell their real estate five years after registration. Restrictions only apply to registered property. Registration of property is not mandatory in Egypt. • Please note: The vast majority of foreign buyers in Egypt avoid these restrictions by not registering their properties. Most Egyptians do not register their property either. Less than 10% of the housing stock in Egypt is registered.
