العربية• Investment Regimes in Egypt
A free zone project starts with a review of the activity
The free zones regime gives a project special treatment under import rules, customs and currency transactions, and is geared towards export-oriented projects. It does not suit every activity, as free zone projects do not benefit from the general incentives available to investment projects. We review your activity and business plan, determine whether this regime is right for you, and then handle the incorporation and licensing procedures through to completion.
• What we review before we start
- Whether the activity targets export or the local market.
- Whether the activity may be carried out in a free zone.
- The right zone: a public free zone or a private free zone.
- The effect of the general incentives not applying to the project.
• What our support covers
How we work with you
- Assessing whether the activity fits the free zones regime.
- Incorporating the company through GAFI’s free zones portal.
- Following up on project approval and licence issuance.
- Post-incorporation procedures and the amendments the project needs.
• Points to consider
Before applying
- General incentives do not apply to free zone projects, under the Investment Law and GAFI’s Investment Incentives Guide.
- Free zone projects are subject to customs supervision under rules set by GAFI’s board of directors.
- The law prohibits certain activities in free zones, so the activity should be reviewed before applying.
The information on this page is based on Investment Law No. 72 of 2017, as amended, and the website of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), and should be checked against the official texts before any decision is made.
• How we work
How we work on your project
1. Reviewing the activity
We review the activity and export plan, and determine whether the free zones regime suits your project.
2. Choosing the zone
We help you choose the right zone: a public free zone or a private free zone.
3. Incorporation and licensing
We prepare the documents, file through the free zones portal and follow the application through to licence issuance.
4. After incorporation
We handle subsequent procedures and the amendments the project needs.
• FAQs
Common questions about free zones
What is the difference between a public and a private free zone?
A public free zone is established by a Cabinet decree, while the Cabinet approves the establishment of a private free zone upon a proposal from the competent minister. We help you decide which suits your project.
Do general incentives apply to free zone projects?
No. The Investment Law excludes free zone projects from the general incentives; instead, they receive special treatment under import rules, customs and currency transactions.
How is a company incorporated in a free zone?
Incorporation is completed through the free zones portal of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, followed by project approval and licence issuance.
• Related areas
Your matter may also involve
• Your next step
Considering a free zone for your project?
Send us your activity details and export plan, and we will assess whether this regime suits you and the steps involved.
Contacting us does not create a contractual relationship, and your data is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.