Property Registration in Egypt: Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Buyers

Who Can Register & Typical Scenarios

Eligible buyers include non-resident Egyptians, foreign individuals, mixed-nationality families, and companies purchasing residential, touristic, or commercial property. Frequent scenarios: registering new developer units, regularising legacy contracts that were never publicised, and inheritance-based transfers where heirs need a registrable title.

Legal Basis & Core Requirements

• Valid Seller’s Title: Deed, court judgment, or allocation showing capacity to transfer.
• Identity & Status: Passports/IDs, marital-status evidence where relevant.
• Survey/Plan: Licensed survey/municipal confirmation, especially for land or boundary updates.
• Tax & Dues: Clearances for property tax and utilities.
• Payment Evidence: Receipts or banking records supporting consideration.
• POA (if abroad): Properly notarised and legalised/apostilled Power of Attorney with explicit registration powers.

Arabic originals govern before Egyptian authorities. Bilingual packs are prepared to avoid remarks and delays.

Procedure & Typical Timeline

1. Assessment: Share documents; we confirm feasibility, risks, and expected time/cost.
2. Drafting: Arabic-compliant sale deed, POA, and declarations aligned with REPD practice.
3. Signatures: Notary attendance in Egypt or via authorised representative under your POA.
4. Lodgement: Filing at the Real Estate Publicity Office with receipted official fees.
5. Follow-up: Address remarks, complete checks, and obtain the registration certificate.

Indicative timeframe varies by file complexity and local office workload. A scoped plan follows the initial assessment.

Legal Effects After Registration

• Registered ownership is enforceable against third parties.
• Enables resale, mortgage, lease, and inheritance planning with fewer downstream risks.
• Provides clearer evidence of title for future transactions and due diligence.

Documents Checklist

• Seller title (deed/judgment/allocation), delivery minutes (for developers).
• Buyer & seller IDs, marital-status proofs (if applicable).
• Survey plan/boundary confirmation (when required).
• Tax and utilities clearances; HOA letters where relevant.
• Proof of consideration (receipts/bank slips).
• POA with explicit registration authority if acting through a representative.

FAQs

Do foreigners need a POA? If you’re not in Egypt, a notarised and legalised/apostilled POA with registration powers is typically required.

Can I register legacy private contracts? Often yes—after corrective steps to achieve a registrable title.

How long does it take? From a few weeks to several months depending on complexity, office workload, and whether remarks arise.

Is Arabic mandatory? Yes. Arabic originals govern; bilingual drafting helps avoid remarks and speeds processing.