Recognition of Foreign Wills and Estates in Egypt: What Expats Should Know

What Does Recognition of Foreign Wills in Egypt Mean?

Recognition of a foreign will in Egypt is the court process that allows a will made (or probated) abroad to be relied on before Egyptian authorities. In practice, the court checks validity, proper legalisation/attestation, and accurate Arabic translations, then issues an order that enables heirs to act in Egypt under Egyptian inheritance law for expats.

Who Can Seek Recognition in Egypt?

Typically, an executor, a named beneficiary, or an eligible heir can file for recognition in Egypt. Mixed-nationality families and foreign heirs may apply, provided they submit authenticated identification and relationship evidence that matches Egyptian civil-status records.

Legal Basis & Core Requirements

Courts look for: proof of death; the foreign will (and any foreign probate order if available); identity documents for the applicant and heirs; and certified Arabic translations. Foreign documents usually need legalisation or an apostille (as applicable), plus consistency across names, dates, and relationships to avoid delays in estate recognition in Egypt.

Procedure & Typical Timeline for Recognition of Foreign Wills in Egypt

The common steps are: filing the petition with exhibits and translations; court review and notifications; responding to any document requests; and obtaining the recognition/probate order. When paperwork is complete and consistent, cases move faster; gaps in legalisation or translation slow the recognition of foreign wills in Egypt.

Legal Effects After Recognition

Once recognised, the order supports transfers with Egyptian authorities: land/real-estate registration, banking, and asset distribution. It provides assurance to third parties that the will can be lawfully implemented in Egypt, complementing any procedures needed in other countries where assets also exist.

Documents Checklist for Recognition in Egypt

Prepare a complete, consistent file to streamline the process:

• Death certificate of the deceased (legalised/apostilled as applicable) + Arabic translation.
• Will (and foreign probate order if available), certified copy + Arabic translation.
• IDs/passports for heirs/beneficiaries/executor; proof of kinship (birth/marriage certificates).
• Any powers of attorney for local filing; proof of address/contact for notifications.
• Evidence that names/dates match across all records to avoid mismatches and adjournments.

FAQs — Recognition of Foreign Wills & Estates in Egypt

Do Egyptian courts re-try the will? No; they review validity, formalities, and admissibility for use in Egypt.
Is personal attendance required? Often a local lawyer can file with a power of attorney.
How long does it take? Timelines depend on completeness and proper legalisation/translation of documents.
Does recognition cover assets abroad? It enables action in Egypt; other countries may still require local steps.