Moving to Cairo 2026, The Complete Expat Guide to Relocating to Cairo

Moving to Cairo 2026, Expat Relocation Guide

Cairo is the Arab world's largest city and one of Africa's great metropolitan centres, a city of 22 million people set on the Nile, home to the Pyramids of Giza, an extraordinary ancient heritage, and a large expat community of diplomats, NGO workers, international school staff, energy sector professionals, and archaeologists. Egypt's New Administrative Capital (NAC), built east of Cairo, is now receiving government ministries and some international offices. Cairo proper remains the city's commercial and cultural heart. This guide covers what you need to know about moving to Cairo in 2026.

Egyptian Visas and Cairo Residency

• Tourist Visa (e-Visa), Most passport holders obtain Egypt's e-Visa online before arrival (USD $25); 30-day single entry or 90-day multiple entry options; extendable at the Mogamma building (Tahrir Square) or your local Passport and Immigration office
• Work Permit (Work Permit + Residence Visa), Egyptian employers apply for a work permit through the Ministry of Manpower; once approved, you obtain a residence visa linked to the permit; valid 1-3 years
• Investor Visa, For those establishing or investing in Egyptian companies through GAFI (General Authority for Investment and Free Zones)
• Residence Permit: Once you have a work permit and employer support, apply for a multi-year residence permit at the Passports, Immigration and Nationality Administration (PINA)

Cost of Living in Cairo 2026

• Rent (2-bed apartment, Zamalek / Maadi / New Cairo), EGP 30,000-80,000/month (note: USD-denominated leases are common in expat enclaves; budget USD $800-2,000+ for quality Western-standard apartments)
• Rent (2-bed apartment, Heliopolis / Nasr City), EGP 15,000-35,000/month
• Cairo Metro monthly pass, approximately EGP 600-1,000/month, Cairo's metro is efficient and affordable within its 3-line network
• Driver / household staff: Most expat families employ a driver (EGP 5,000-10,000/month) and domestic help, standard practice in Cairo
• Private healthcare: Dar Al Fouad Hospital, Cleopatra Hospital, and As-Salam International Hospital provide solid international-standard care; comprehensive international health insurance is essential

Before You Move to Cairo

• Currency: The Egyptian pound (EGP) has experienced significant devaluation since 2022, keep savings in USD or EUR and exchange as needed; the official banking rate is now the primary rate
• Air quality and heat: Cairo's air quality is poor by Western standards and summer temperatures regularly exceed 40°C; air conditioning and air purifiers in the home are essential
• Maadi: The leafy Maadi suburb (south of central Cairo) is the primary expat residential hub, home to Cairo American College, the British International School, and the bulk of Cairo's diplomatic community

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