Inheritance Law in Egypt for Foreign Nationals & Expats.

Inheritance Law in Egypt for Foreign Nationals & Expats :-

Inheritance in Egypt is governed primarily by Egyptian family law, which is rooted in Sharia (Islamic law) for Muslims. For non-Muslims, alternative personal status laws may apply depending on religious affiliation. Foreign nationals and expats dealing with inheritance matters in Egypt often face legal, religious, and administrative complexities.)

At Anglo-Nile Law Firm, we guide you through the process. We help you understand which personal status law applies. We also assist in writing wills that respect Egyptian rules. We support you in court when necessary. Our team is bilingual in English and Arabic. We make complex legal steps easier for our clients.

Ultimately, we protect your inheritance rights. We provide practical advice for international families dealing with Egyptian estates.

Inheritance in Egypt under Sharia Law: Legal Principles Explained for Foreign Nationals & Expats :-

1-Sharia as the Foundation of Inheritance Law in Egypt :-

In Egypt, inheritance law for Muslims is governed by Islamic Sharia, which is embedded in the Egyptian Civil Code and Personal Status Law. The law is derived from the Qur’an and Sunnah (Islamic teachings), and it is applied automatically upon the death of a Muslim individual, regardless of the will unless special exceptions apply. This means the law does not allow full freedom in dividing assets; instead, it enforces obligatory shares for family members.
Foreign nationals connected to a Muslim decedent, or Muslim expats with assets in Egypt, should be aware that Sharia will govern the estate division, even if they are unfamiliar with Islamic legal systems.

2. Fixed Shares: Predetermined Rights for Family Members :-

One of the key features of Islamic inheritance law is the use of fixed shares, meaning that the law prescribes specific portions for certain family members. These include:

Spouse: A wife receives one-eighth of the estate if the deceased leaves children, or one-fourth if there are none. A husband receives one-fourth if there are children, or one-half if not.
Children: Sons inherit twice the share of daughters, as stipulated in the Qur’an.
Parents and Grandparents: They also receive specified shares, depending on the presence of children and other heirs.
This system aims to ensure fairness and prevent manipulation of inheritance, but it can feel complex and restrictive to foreigners. We explain and implement these rules clearly to protect your interests.

3. Hierarchy and Priority Among Heirs :-

Islamic law organizes heirs into categories based on closeness of kinship. Priority is always given to the primary heirs, such as:

Spouse
Children
Parents
Only when these primary heirs are absent or ineligible do secondary heirs — like siblings, uncles, or cousins — become eligible. The existence of even one qualifying primary heir can exclude others entirely from the estate.
For international families or mixed-nationality marriages, this order can be unfamiliar and surprising. Our firm provides clarity and guidance to help clients understand their rightful position under Egyptian law.

4. Wills and Bequests: Limited Control over Your Estate :-

Under Sharia, a Muslim may create a will, but it can only dispose of up to one-third of the estate, and must not contradict the legal shares of the heirs. Furthermore, a person cannot bequeath to a legal heir unless the other heirs explicitly consent.
For foreign nationals with Muslim family members, or Muslim expats with property in Egypt, it is vital to understand that standard Western-style wills may not be enforceable. We help clients draft legally sound wills in Egypt that comply with Sharia and Egyptian procedural law.

5. Non-Muslims and Mixed-Faith Families :-

Non-Muslims in Egypt may be subject to different inheritance rules, depending on their religious affiliation and whether a will exists. Egyptian courts will apply civil inheritance law or the religious personal status law of the deceased, if documented.
However, where estates involve mixed-faith families (e.g., a Christian parent and a Muslim child, or a foreign national married to an Egyptian Muslim), complexities can arise. In such cases, jurisdictional conflicts or partial Sharia application may affect how the estate is divided.
At Anglo-Nile Law Firm, we analyze each case based on religion, citizenship, and residency to determine the proper legal path.

6. Inheritance Disputes and Family Court Procedures in Egypt :-

Inheritance matters are handled by Family Courts in Egypt, which apply Islamic rules for Muslims and personal status laws for non-Muslims. These courts handle:

Determination of heirs
Share calculations
Estate division and asset registration
Disputes over wills or forged documents
Foreign nationals often face delays, document issues, or unclear procedures. Our legal team provides full representation in Egyptian courts, handles official translations and notarizations, and ensures compliance with both local and international standards.

Egyptian woman fights Islamic inheritance laws

How Anglo-Nile Legal services Supports Inheritance Cases in Egypt ?

At Anglo-Nile Law Firm, we specialize in guiding foreign nationals, expats, and international families through the complex legal procedures of inheritance in Egypt. Whether you’re claiming an inheritance, drafting a compliant will, or resolving a dispute, we are your legal partner on the ground.

Our services include:

Legal Consultation & Strategy We provide in-depth consultations to explain your rights under Egyptian law and assess the most effective path forward.
Heir Identification & Share Calculation Our legal team calculates inheritance shares based on Sharia or applicable personal status law, ensuring fair and lawful distribution.
Document Translation & Court Submission We prepare, translate, and submit all required documents — including death certificates, wills, family records, and foreign papers — for approval by Egyptian authorities.
Property & Asset Handling From real estate to bank accounts, we assist in securing, registering, and transferring inherited assets to rightful heirs.
Free 15-minute consultation to explain the process clearly
Representation in Egyptian Courts Our experienced lawyers appear on your behalf in Egyptian Family Courts, handling litigation, negotiations, and official communications.

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Number : 00447376790365

Email : saadmoussa@eglawyer.co.uk

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Saturday: 10.00 AM – 2.00 PM

Sunday: Closed

Inheritance Law in Egypt for Foreign Nationals & Expats.