Company formation · Law 159/1981
Joint Stock Company in Egypt
(S.A.E.): Formation and Rules
An Egyptian joint stock company needs at least three founders and EGP 250,000 of issued capital, with a board of three or more. In Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab, Decree 128/2022 makes it the required form for non-Egyptian projects. We set it up and keep it compliant from Office 314, Al Azizia Mall.
- Chartered Accountant (محاسب قانوني)
- Office 314, Al Azizia Mall, Sharm El Sheikh
- Arabic, English, Italian, Russian
01What's included
What we do for your JSC
Formation is day one. We stay for the tax card, the capital calls, the books and the general assembly.
02Process
JSC formation in Egypt, step by step
Time ranges, not promises. The filing is quick; the preparation around it sets the pace.
- 01
Structure and regime check
Shareholding, capital level, and whether Decree 128/2022 or Law 14/2012 applies at your address.
- 02
Documents and security forms
Founders' papers (those issued abroad may need translation and certification), plus security forms for every foreign founder and manager. A foreign attorney-in-fact needs valid Egyptian residency.
- 03
Bank certificate
At least 10% of the issued capital paid in: EGP 25,000 on the EGP 250,000 minimum.
- 04
Filing at GAFI
Articles, Bar Association certification, notarisation and the Commercial Register entry. GAFI states one working day for a JSC filed in person at its service centres.
- 05
Tax card, VAT and e-invoicing
Tax card and e-invoice set-up. VAT registration at EGP 500,000 turnover, or from the start for compulsory categories. Standard activities get the normal five-year tax card; the eight-month temporary card introduced in July 2026 cannot issue e-invoices.
- 06
Social and health insurance
Social insurance takes 18.75% from the employer and 11% from the employee. Universal Health Insurance is live in South Sinai and adds 4% (employer) and 1% (employee).
Rates and deadlines as of October 2026. Sector licences for hotels, restaurants, diving or healthcare follow their own timetables.
03Why us
Why clients in Sharm choose us
Joint Stock Company (S.A.E.) Formation in Egypt, handled by one chartered accountant from your first question to the final registration. An Egyptian joint stock company (SAE) needs at least three shareholders; we explain the JSC Egypt minimum capital and when it is paid.
FAQ
Joint stock company questions
What is the minimum capital for a joint stock company in Egypt?
Issued capital must be at least EGP 250,000. Paid-in capital must reach 10% at incorporation, 25% within three months and 100% within five years, so on the minimum the first bank certificate covers EGP 25,000. Several GAFI fees are a percentage of capital, so a higher figure can raise the set-up cost. Figures as of October 2026.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a JSC in Egypt?
Usually, yes. Foreigners can own 100% of most investment projects, and repatriation of profits and capital is guaranteed. The exceptions are commercial agency, importing for trade and Sinai. In Sharm and Dahab, Decree 128/2022 states no percentage; elsewhere in Sinai, Law 14/2012 requires at least 55% Egyptian ownership. Ask us before you fix the split.
Do I need a JSC to open a business in Sharm El Sheikh?
For a non-Egyptian investment project, yes: Decree 128/2022 requires an Egyptian JSC in Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab and the Gulf of Aqaba tourism sector. The decree sets no minimum Egyptian share. Whether a foreign-owned LLC is accepted there in practice is not settled in writing, so we check your case before anything is filed.
How long does it take to form a JSC in Egypt?
GAFI states one working day for a JSC filed in person at its service centres. In practice, allow one to two weeks once every document is ready. Certifying papers abroad, the advance security clearance reported for some nationalities, and Sinai approvals can add more. We give you a time range for your case, never a fixed promise.
Does a JSC need an auditor and a general assembly?
Yes. A JSC appoints an auditor and holds its ordinary general assembly within three months of the financial year-end. It sets aside 5% of profits as a legal reserve until the reserve reaches 50% of capital, and employees receive at least 10% of distributed profits, capped at their annual wages. We prepare the statements your auditor reviews.
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Where to go next
Free consultation
Tell us about your case. The first consultation is free
Send us a few lines on WhatsApp or call. During office hours (09:00–23:00, every day) we reply the same day, in Arabic, English, Italian or Russian.