Bilingual Contract Drafting & Review
Contract Law Under Egyptian Civil Code :-
Contracts in Egypt are governed by the Egyptian Civil Code (Law No. 131 of 1948), which sets the legal foundation for all civil and commercial agreements. According to Article 89, a contract is formed when two parties exchange consent through offer and acceptance. The law further emphasizes that for a contract to be valid, it must involve a lawful object, lawful cause, and mutual consent — as outlined in Articles 90–147.
Contracts are enforceable when written clearly, especially in complex matters involving property, partnerships, or cross-border transactions. Under Article 148, contracts must be executed in good faith, and under Article 150, the wording of the contract governs the intentions of the parties
In Egypt, both Arabic and English contracts are legally recognized; however, Arabic remains the official language in court proceedings. For foreign nationals and businesses, this creates the need for accurate bilingual drafting and legal review, ensuring that no legal terms are lost in translation.
At Anglo-Nile Law Firm, we specialize in drafting and reviewing bilingual contracts — whether business-to-business, personal, or real estate-related. Our legal team ensures your contracts comply with Egyptian law while protecting your interests with precise legal language in both Arabic and English. With our expertise, you minimize risks and enter agreements with full confidence.
Types of Contracts in Egyptian Law
Below is a detailed breakdown of the most common contract types recognized under Egyptian civil law. Each category is accompanied by legal context and how Anglo-Nile Law Firm can assist.
1. Sale Contracts (عقد البيع) :-
A sale contract is one of the most common and significant forms of contractual relationships in Egyptian civil and commercial life. Governed by Articles 418–482 of the Egyptian Civil Code, it defines a legally binding agreement whereby a seller undertakes to transfer ownership of a specific item to the buyer in exchange for a monetary price. Article 418 states: “A sale is a contract by which the seller undertakes to transfer to the buyer the ownership of a thing in consideration of a price expressed in money.”
Under Egyptian law, the sale must meet conditions of consent, legal capacity, legitimate subject matter, and a lawful cause. The object of sale must be determinable and legally tradable, and the buyer must pay the agreed price. Sellers are bound by Article 431 to deliver the object and by Articles 439–466 to guarantee against hidden defects or third-party claims.
At Anglo-Nile Law Firm, we specialize in drafting, reviewing, and registering sale contracts—especially for real estate and movable assets—ensuring clients’ ownership rights are legally protected and the chain of title is clear and valid. Our services include due diligence, registration support, and legal risk assessment to prevent fraud and nullity.
2. Lease Contracts (عقد الإيجار) :-
Lease contracts are governed by Articles 558–590 of the Egyptian Civil Code. A lease is defined as an agreement where one party (the lessor) grants another party (the lessee) the right to use a property or object for a defined period and in return for a determined rent.
Article 558 provides: “A lease is a contract by which the lessor undertakes to enable the lessee to use a thing for a definite time in return for a specified rent.”
This type of contract is widely used in residential and commercial property, machinery leasing, and land use arrangements. Egyptian law requires the lease agreement to specify the term, rental value, obligations of each party, and intended use. The lessor is legally bound to maintain the leased property in a condition suitable for its use (Article 570).
Anglo-Nile Law Firm assists landlords, tenants, and investors by preparing precise, enforceable lease contracts in Arabic and English. We also provide legal support in landlord-tenant disputes, eviction procedures, and contract renewals under local laws.
3. Partnership Agreements (عقد الشراكة):-
Partnership agreements in Egypt are governed by Articles 505–537 of the Civil Code and Commercial Companies Law No. 159 of 1981 (as amended). A partnership contract establishes a legal relationship in which two or more parties agree to contribute capital, labor, or assets to a joint venture or business, sharing its profits and losses.
According to Article 505: “A company is a contract by which two or more persons undertake to contribute jointly to a project for profit by providing a share of money, work, or goods.”
Partnerships can take various legal forms, including general partnerships, limited partnerships, and joint ventures. The agreement must clearly outline profit-sharing ratios, decision-making rights, management authority, capital contributions, and dissolution terms.
At Anglo-Nile Law Firm, we create robust bilingual partnership contracts tailored to business goals and sector-specific risks. Our contracts offer dispute resolution clauses, exit mechanisms, and safeguards for minority partners or foreign investors.
4. Agency Contracts (عقد الوكالة):-
Agency contracts are governed by Articles 699–715 and enable one person (agent) to legally act on behalf of another (principal) in specific or general matters.
Article 699 explains: “Agency is a contract by which the agent undertakes to perform a legal act on behalf of the principal.”
Agency can be general (covering all legal acts) or special (limited to certain tasks like buying property, managing business, or litigating). The agency must be clear in scope and authority to avoid misuse or third-party disputes.
Anglo-Nile Law Firm provides certified bilingual agency contracts and handles notarization, registration, and revocation procedures. We guide foreign clients in appointing legal representatives in Egypt with legally enforceable powers of attorney under Egyptian law
5. Employment Contracts (عقد العمل):-
Employment relationships in Egypt are primarily governed by Labor Law No. 12 of 2003, along with relevant provisions in the Civil Code. An employment contract is a formal agreement where the employee commits to performing work under the supervision of the employer in exchange for remuneration.
As per Article 1 of the Labor Law, an employment relationship must include:
A defined role or task
Compensation
Subordination to employer authority
Contracts may be for a fixed term, open-ended, or project-based. Key legal elements include working hours, benefits, termination clauses, social insurance registration, and compliance with health and safety regulations.
Our firm provides comprehensive drafting and review services to protect both employers and foreign workers. We ensure employment contracts comply with local labor laws, include lawful termination grounds, and safeguard our clients against potential liability. We also assist with employment disputes before labor tribunals and arbitration panels.
6. Loan & Debt Contracts (عقد القرض والدين):-
Loan agreements are regulated by Articles 513–522 of the Civil Code and involve one party (the lender) transferring a specific sum of money or fungible goods to another (the borrower), who undertakes to repay it under agreed terms.
Article 513 defines a loan as: “A loan is a contract whereby one of the parties delivers to the other a certain quantity of fungible things, which the borrower undertakes to return in the same kind and quantity.”
Loans may be interest-free (commonly in personal or family contexts) or interest-bearing (especially in commercial transactions). Clauses typically include repayment schedules, guarantees, interest calculations, and default provisions.
Our firm drafts enforceable loan contracts, particularly for foreign investors, banks, or private lenders dealing in Egypt. We ensure compliance with interest rate laws, collateral regulations, and judicial enforcement mechanisms, including precautionary measures such as mortgage registration.
7. Service Contracts (عقد تقديم خدمات):-
General Civil Code Provisions
Service agreements govern arrangements between service providers and clients (consulting, maintenance, design). Key clauses involve scope, time, payment, and liability.
Our Role: We craft comprehensive service contracts tailored to client needs, particularly for tech, education, and creative industries.
8. Construction Contracts (عقد المقاولة):-
Construction or contracting agreements, regulated by Articles 646–672, involve a contractor committing to complete a project—whether physical (building, renovation) or intellectual (design, consultancy)—for a client in return for payment.
Article 646 states: “A contract of work is a contract whereby one of the parties undertakes to perform a certain work for the other in consideration of a remuneration.”
The contractor bears liability for the proper execution of the work, and in real estate projects, is subject to Decennial Liability under Article 651, which holds architects and builders jointly liable for ten years if the structure collapses or reveals defects.
Anglo-Nile Law Firm offers precise contract drafting with full consideration of risk allocation, project specifications, and legal remedies in the event of delays, cost overruns, or design failures. We also provide legal supervision for major construction projects involving foreign stakeholders.
9. Settlement & Release Agreements (عقد الصلح):-
Articles 549–558, Civil Code
These contracts resolve disputes amicably without court litigation. They are common in family, business, or debt-related disputes.
Our Role: We mediate and draft bilingual settlement agreements to ensure enforceability before courts and protect all parties’ rights.
Anglo-Nile Law Firm – Your Partner in Bilingual Contract Services
We specialize in drafting and reviewing all types of contracts in both English and Arabic, ensuring that foreign clients understand every clause and implication. Our legal team works closely with you to tailor each agreement to your business or personal needs, with full compliance under Egyptian law and Islamic principles where applicable. We offer:
- Customized contracts aligned with Egyptian legal requirements.
- Translation & legal harmonization between English and Arabic texts.
- Due diligence and document authentication.
- Ongoing legal consultation throughout your transaction or project.
- Free 15-minute consultation to assess your situation.
Tell Us A Few Words About Your Case
- Contact Details
Address : Devon – Tiverton – 11 Swan Avenue .
Number : 00447376790365
Email : saadmoussa@eglawyer.co.uk
- Working Hours
Monday to Friday: 9.00 AM – 5.00 PM
Saturday: 10.00 AM – 2.00 PM
Sunday: Closed
- Follow Us