FAQ

The General Authority of the Suez Canal Economic Zone is in charge of managing and developing the land and the activities operating in it.  The Zone’s Board of Directors is eligible to make decisions and is granted regulatory powers.

Yes, all types of companies can be fully owned by foreigners (100% ownership).

Yes, as long as it is an office for promotion or research only. However, if the office intends to engage in trade it must be licensed in accordance with the Egyptian law.

There is no minimum capital requirement, but investors must show evidence of funding and a sound business plan to obtain a license for operation.

It is for lease and grants usufruct rights for up to 50 years, and the duration is renewable.

There is no limit on plot size. Depending on the nature of the investment, a suitable plot will be allocated in accordance with business needs. Large land plot are usually provided to industrial developers. Investors can acquire small land plots whether from the industrial developers or directly from the zone.

Because of its size, some parts of the SCZONE are better equipped than others. Many industrial developers offer complete infrastructure and utilities within their designated areas.

First, an application must be submitted to the General Authority, then the company’s paperwork will be reviewed by the Board of Directors. Once approved, land and building permits will be issued. The process is facilitated by the SCZone’s Investor Services Department and if paperwork is in order, registration process will be completed in three days.

Fees vary according to the type of license requested. Detailed fee information is available at the Investors Services Department upon request.

Yes, an environmental impact assessment is needed, and it is reviewed by the SCZONE General Authority, not the Egyptian government.

The SCZONE is regulated by the Egyptian Law for Economic Zones of a Special Nature: Law No. 83/2002 and its amendment of  by the virtue of law No.27/ 2015.

Investment law No. 72/2017 granted additional incentives to investors operating in the zone. (SCZone is categorized as sector A).

None.

Customs are imposed on the foreign components only, not on the value of the final product.

Yes, which gives these goods preferential access to all countries with which Egypt has Free Trade Agreements with, a total market of 1.8 billion consumers.

The corporate tax rate is 22.5%. A 50%  incentive is applied for the first (7) seven years of the project.

There are no restrictions on financial transactions in any currency within the SCZONE and 100% of profits can be repatriated abroad.

The percentage of foreign employees may not exceed 10%. However, the Board of Directors is entitled to grant some exceptions and in accordance with the law.