Overview: Hiring in Egypt
Hiring employees in Egypt is governed primarily by Labor Law No. 14 of 2025 and Social Insurance Law No. 148 of 2019. Every private sector employer — whether Egyptian or foreign — must comply when hiring Egyptian staff.
Step 1: Draft a Compliant Employment Contract
Egyptian employment contracts must include:
- Full employee name, nationality, and national ID number
- Job title and description of duties
- Start date and contract duration (definite or indefinite)
- Agreed salary in EGP (Egyptian Pounds)
- Working hours (max 8h/day, 48h/week under Art. 101)
- Annual leave (21 days for under 10 years service; 30 days after)
- Notice period for termination
- Probation period (max 3 months, Art. 74)
Step 2: Register with the Labor Office
Within one month of hiring, notify the Ministry of Manpower Labor Office. Required: signed contract, employee national ID, company tax registration and commercial registration documents.
Step 3: Register with NOSI (Social Insurance)
All employees must be registered with the National Organization for Social Insurance (NOSI) on or before day one of employment under Law 148/2019.
| Party | Contribution Rate |
|---|---|
| Employer | 18.75% of insurable wage |
| Employee | 11% of insurable wage |
Monthly NOSI contributions are due by the 15th of the following month. Late payment incurs automatic penalties.
Step 4: Withhold Income Tax
Egypt uses a progressive income tax system (0–27.5%). Employers calculate, withhold, and remit salary tax monthly to the Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA). Quarterly Form 4 reconciliation filings are mandatory.
Probation Period
Probation cannot exceed 3 months (Art. 74). Only one probation period is permitted per employee per employer. Either party may terminate without notice or compensation during probation.
Key Employee Rights
- Annual leave: 21 days (rising to 30 after 10 years or age 50)
- Sick leave: Up to 6 months paid at varying rates
- Maternity leave: 90 days paid (up to 3 times per service)
- Overtime: 135% for daytime; 170% for nights and holidays
- Public holidays: All official Egyptian public holidays
Foreign Companies Hiring in Egypt
Foreign companies without a registered Egyptian entity cannot directly hire Egyptian employees. Options are: register a branch or subsidiary (4–8 months, $10k–$30k+), or use a managed employment service like Staffona (48–72 hours, $0 setup).
Through Staffona's managed employment framework, foreign companies can have Egyptian staff fully onboarded and compliant within 48–72 hours of signing the service agreement.