Working in Egypt
For transparency, AI has been used during the generation of this content, with every care taken to verify its accuracy.
Average Salary
While average monthly salaries for local employees in Egypt are relatively modest, expat compensation packages are typically set at a significantly higher level. The minimum salary commonly offered to expats is around EGP 290,000 per month (approximately £6,000). For professionals relocating from Western Europe, monthly salaries are often higher still, averaging around EGP 672,000 (approximately $14,000), depending on role and sector.
General information
Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Official language
Arabic
Conversational languages
Egyptian Arabic English French German
Time zone
Winter period: Egypt Standard Time (UTC+02:00) Summer period: Eastern European Summer Time (UTC+03:00)
Common types of Employment or Contracting
In Egypt, work arrangements typically fall into employment or contracting models, each with different legal protections and expectations.
Common types of employment
Common types of contracting
Already secured a job overseas?
If you have secured an assignment but are unsure of where to start with setting up as a Freelancer or B2B contractor, please feel free to reach out to our International team for assistance.
Thinking about working abroad?
Take a look at our latest international jobs.
Living in Egypt
Living in Egypt offers a lively, social lifestyle shaped by strong family ties, café culture, and a deep sense of history. Egypt is culturally and ethnically diverse, with a mix of Muslim and Christian communities and a visible international population in major cities. Overall, the cost of living is relatively low by global standards, though housing, schooling, and imported goods are noticeably more expensive in upscale neighbourhoods and expat hubs.
-
A weekly grocery shop for a small family costs, on average, EGP 1,700 – 3,700 ($36 - $78)
-
Monthly rent costs EGP 6,000 – 18,000 ($127 - $380) in standard city areas, and EGP 20,000 – 40,000+ ($423 - $846) in upscale and expat areas
-
Monthly childcare in a private preschool costs EGP 4,000 – 8,000 ($85 - $169)
-
Petrol costs around EGP 18 – 21 per litre ($0.38 - $0.44), whilst diesel costs roughly EGP 17 – 18 per litre ($0.36 - $0.38)
Vehicles in Egypt drive on the right-hand side of the road. New residents can use an international driving permit for a limited time, but long-term residents must obtain an Egyptian driver’s licence through the local traffic authority, typically by presenting residency documents and completing basic testing and fees. Driving conditions can be hectic in large cities, with more relaxed enforcement than in many Western countries.
Weather in Egypt
Egypt has a hot, dry desert climate with abundant sunshine year-round and very little rainfall. Summers are long and hot, with daytime highs typically around 35 – 40°C in Cairo and Upper Egypt, and sometimes higher in the south. Winters are mild, with daytime temperatures averaging 18 - 22°C and cooler nights around 8 - 12°C.
Language and integration support
The official language in Egypt is Arabic, but English is widely used in business, education, tourism, and among younger populations, with French also present in some schools and professional settings. This makes basic day-to-day integration easier for expats in major cities, but learning some Egyptian Arabic greatly improves social integration.
Arabic language schools, private tutors, and online platforms offer Modern Standard Arabic and Egyptian Arabic courses, especially in Cairo and Alexandria. Multinational companies may also offer informal language support, while expat communities help newcomers integrate, find housing, schools, and services.
For any translation needs - especially those required for work permit or visa applications - our dedicated Languages team is ready to support you. They provide accurate, timely translations and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary documents meet the required standards.
Our services in Egypt
Across the globe, we support energy and engineering companies with the international recruitment and global mobilisation solutions they need to extend their capability and grow their businesses.
Find out about our international services
Global mobility
NRL Recruitment simplifies international employee relocation with seamless global mobility services. From visa assistance to cultural onboarding, we ensure your staff transitions smoothly across borders, minimising disruption and maximising productivity.
Payroll solutions
Managing payroll across multiple countries can be complex, but our payroll solutions make it simple. We handle accurate, compliant compensation for your global workforce, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, every time.
Global employer of record
With our global employer of record services, you can legally employ staff overseas without establishing local entities. We manage compliance, contracts, and HR administration, giving you the freedom to expand globally with confidence and ease.
International recruitment
Finding the right talent worldwide is effortless with our international recruitment solutions. We connect your business with top-tier professionals, managing the end-to-end hiring process so you can focus on growth and strategic priorities.
