In a nutshell: Moving to Egypt promises a rich cultural immersion, affordable living, and warm hospitality, though patience is needed for the slower pace of life and bureaucratic processes. Securing a visa is manageable, and housing options range from bustling Cairo to tranquil coastal towns. Learning basic Arabic, such as through Kalimah Center, will make daily life much easier. 

As an Egyptian who has lived in Egypt all my life, I can tell you that moving here is like stepping into a world full of rich history, beautiful landscapes, and warm people (well, most of them, at least). 

But before you pack your bags, it’s important to know what to expect. Moving to Egypt, whether you’re coming from the USA, the UK, or anywhere else, can be a unique experience, but it comes with its challenges and cons too. Let’s see.

Is Egypt a Good Country to Move To?

Yes, Egypt is a good country to move to if you’re looking for a rich cultural experience, affordable living, and a slower pace of life. 

Is It Easy to Move to Egypt?

Moving to Egypt is not difficult, but it requires some planning. Getting the right visa, finding accommodation, and adjusting to the culture can take time. It’s also important to learn some Arabic before you arrive, and Kalimah Center can help you with that. our online Arabic courses are designed for non-natives and will prepare you.

Can a Foreigner Live in Egypt?

Yes, foreigners can live in Egypt, and many expats do. Whether you’re moving for work, study, or retirement, Egypt offers several residency options for foreigners. Just make sure you’re prepared for the cultural differences, and take the time to learn Arabic to make your life easier.

Why Do People Move to Egypt?

People move to Egypt for many reasons. Some come for the rich history and culture, others for business opportunities, and some just for the adventure. 

People move to Egypt for many reasons:

• Work: Many foreigners come to work in Egypt, especially in sectors like tourism, education, or oil and gas.
• Study: Egypt is home to prestigious universities like Al-Azhar and the American University in Cairo.
• Culture: The rich cultural and religious atmosphere makes Egypt a great place to immerse yourself in Arabic language and Islamic studies.
• Cost of Living: As we will explore later, the cost of living is affordable.

In Arabic, we say “مرحبًا” (Marhaban) or  “أهلًا وسهلًا” (Ahlan wa sahlan), which means “welcome,” and you’ll hear this often as people warmly greet you when you arrive.

Read more about: Egyptian Arabic vocabulary

* Excerpted from Kalimah’s Online Arabic Course Curriculum

How to Move to Egypt?

If you have decided to move to Egypt, أهلا وسهلا! Now, let’s talk about how you can make this move smoothly. Moving to Egypt is not difficult, but there are some things you need to prepare for. As someone living here my whole life, I’ll share the real process.

1. Get Your Visa to Egypt in Order

The first thing you need is a visa. Most people start with a tourist visa. You can get this on arrival if you come from the US, UK, Europe, or other countries. It’s valid for 30 days, but don’t worry—you can extend it while you’re here. 

To extend your visa, you need to visit the Egyptian Passport, Immigration and Nationality Administration office is where you will visit and submit your visa renewal application. It is located at the Police Academy in Abbasiya, Cairo. You can visit the office between 8am and 2pm every day except Friday, and Saturday is reserved for pickups.

Tip: If you plan to stay longer, apply for a residency visa. You can get a residency visa if you’re working, studying, or married to an Egyptian. And I will further elaborate on this below.   

Arabic phrase that might help you: I need help with my visa = أحتاج مساعدة بشأن تأشيرتي (Ahtaju musaadah bi-sha’n ta’shirati)

2. Find a Place to Live in Egypt

Housing in Egypt can be very affordable compared to the West, but where you live depends on your lifestyle. 

If you prefer the busy city life, Cairo is perfect. 

However, if you want something quieter, consider Alexandria or the coastal areas like Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh.

You can either rent an apartment or buy one, but most expats prefer renting first. Use websites like OLX Egypt to find available apartments. Or, better yet, ask locals. Egyptians love helping foreigners (but watch out for scammers), and you’ll probably get a better deal if you ask someone you know.

Tip: Make sure to visit the apartment before you agree on anything. Sometimes, the pictures online are not what the place really looks like.

3. Adjust to the Egyptian Lifestyle

Moving to Egypt means adjusting to a new way of life. Things here move slower. Don’t expect everything to be on time. 

We have a phrase: بكرة (bukra), which means “tomorrow” but can also mean “later” or “sometime in the future.” This is the way things work in Egypt. You’ll need patience for things like government paperwork or even simple tasks like getting the internet set up.

Also, life in Egypt is very social. Egyptians love spending time with family and friends. You will often find people sitting in cafés, drinking shaay (tea) or ahwa (coffee) for hours, chatting and watching football. Don’t be shy! Joining in on these social activities will help you integrate better.

4. Set Up Your Basic Utilities

Once you find a place, you will need to set up basic utilities, like the internet. This can take some time, so be prepared. When setting up your internet, for example, it might take a week or more before it’s installed.

To pay for these services, you usually go to local offices or pay through mobile apps like Fawry or Vodafone Cash. These apps are convenient, and you can use them for many services like paying for electricity, water, and even your phone bill.

Tip: If you’re not confident speaking Arabic, you can ask a local friend to help you deal with service providers. It will save you time and trouble!

And yes, you’ll need some basic Arabic to get around, but don’t worry—Kalimah Center offers the best structured Arabic course that you can start online before you even arrive.

5. Prepare for the Climate in Egypt

Egypt has a desert climate, so it can get very hot, especially in the summer. 

In Cairo and other big cities, the heat combines with the traffic and pollution, so it’s important to stay hydrated and avoid going out during midday in the summer months. 

On the other hand, winters are mild and pleasant, especially in places like Alexandria and Luxor.

6. Open a Bank Account in Egypt

To manage your finances in Egypt, you’ll want to open a bank account. Most international banks are available here, like HSBC and Citibank, but local banks like National Bank of Egypt also offer good services. You’ll need your passport and residency visa to open an account.

Some expats prefer keeping their international accounts and using services like Western Union or MoneyGram to transfer money, but if you plan to stay long-term, a local account is much more convenient.

A useful phrase: I want to open a bank account = أريد فتح حساب بنكي (Ureedu fatah hisab banki).

7. Learn the Basics of Arabic

Learning Arabic is essential for living in Egypt. You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing basic phrases will help you communicate with locals and make your life easier. 

Egyptians appreciate when foreigners try to speak the language, even if it’s just a few words. Start by learning how to greet people, ask for directions, or bargain in markets. These small things make a big difference.

* Excerpted from Kalimah’s Online Arabic Course Curriculum

If you want to learn Arabic in a structured way, I recommend Kalimah Center. We offer online Arabic courses that fit your schedule, and many of our students have said that it helped them. 

You can learn at your own pace, and by the time you arrive, you’ll feel more confident speaking with Egyptians.

Experience Kalimah Center Classes

Watch real excerpts from our live sessions at Kalimah Center and see how we bring learning to life. These clips highlight our interactive, student-centered teaching approach across all our courses—designed to keep learners engaged, motivated, and actively involved every step of the way.

Read also: How to move to Lebanon

How Can I Move to Egypt Permanently? 

To make Egypt your permanent home, foreign nationals are required to obtain a residence permit. Thankfully, there are several pathways to acquiring this crucial document. The residency in Egypt for foreigners options include:

• Real Estate Investment: Making a significant investment in Egyptian property, with a minimum value of $50,000, can pave the way for residency.
• Business Ownership: Establishing a new business venture or purchasing an existing one in Egypt can also lead to residency eligibility.
• Employment Sponsorship: Securing a job offer and an official invitation from an Egyptian employer can serve as grounds for a residence permit.
• Marriage to an Egyptian Citizen: Marrying an Egyptian citizen provides a direct route to obtaining residency in the country.

Cost of Living in Egypt – Life in Egypt for Foreigners

When you move to Egypt, the cost of living is something you will notice right away. It’s lower than in many Western countries, but you must be careful about how you spend your money. Let me explain.

First, rent is cheap compared to the USA or UK. In Cairo, you can find a small apartment for around $200 to $400 a month. Of course, it depends on where you want to live. If you choose a place in Zamalek or Maadi, which are popular with expats, the rent will be higher. But if you choose a more local area like Nasr City, you will save a lot.

In Egypt, it’s also normal to negotiate the rent with the landlord. Sometimes, just speaking a bit of Arabic can help lower the price. 

Read more about Top 9 Arabic Schools In Egypt

Food and Groceries in Egypt

When it comes to food, eating out in Egypt is very affordable. You can have a full meal at a local restaurant for just 70 to 150 Egyptian pounds, which is about $1.50 to $2.50. Traditional dishes like koshary (كشري) or foul (فول) are not only cheap but also delicious and filling. 

If you prefer cooking at home, groceries are also cheap, but prices can vary depending on where you shop. If you go to the supermarket, you might find imported products that are expensive. 

But if you go to a local market (سوق, souq), you’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables at very low prices. For example, tomatoes can cost as little as 15 Egyptian pounds per kilo, which is just a few cents in US dollars.

Transportation Costs in Egypt

Now, let’s talk about transportation. Moving around in Egypt is very affordable, but it can be a little chaotic. The metro in Cairo costs only 10 Egyptian pounds for a single trip, which is around 20 cents. 

Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are also cheap compared to Western countries. However, traffic in Cairo is something else—it’s not for the faint of heart!

Many Egyptians prefer to use microbuses (ميكروباصات), which are small vans that serve as shared taxis. They are even cheaper but can be crowded. If you know a bit of Arabic, it will help you get by. 

For example, you can ask the driver, “هل هذا الميكروباص يذهب إلى وسط البلد؟” (Hal haza al-microbus yadhhab ila wasat al-balad?), meaning “Does this microbus go to downtown?”

Health Care in Egypt

Health care is another thing to think about when you move here. Public hospitals are available, but many expats prefer private clinics, which offer better services. Private health care is more expensive, but it’s still cheaper than in the West. You’ll pay around $15 to $30 for a visit to a private doctor.

If you take any regular medication, you can find most of it here in Egypt, and prices are usually low. Pharmacies are everywhere, and you don’t always need a prescription for many medicines.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in Egypt

Now, let’s talk about the good and the not-so-good things about living in Egypt. Every place has its positives and negatives, and Egypt is no different. As someone who was born and raised here, I know both sides well. It’s important to understand these before you make a big decision to move. I’ll start with the advantages because, honestly, I love my country, but I’ll also be honest about the challenges.

Advantages of Living in Egypt

• Low Cost of Living: Egypt offers a low cost of living, making it budget-friendly for housing, food, and transportation.
• Rich History & Culture: Immerse yourself in ancient history and vibrant traditions.
• Warm and Welcoming People: Egyptians are known for their hospitality and openness.
• Nature: Egypt’s natural beauty is truly accessible. Whether it’s the vibrant Red Sea, the vast Arabian Desert, or the iconic Nile River, residents are just a short trip away from these wonders. From the oasis of Siwa to the mountains of Sinai, from the ancient city of Aswan to the coastal charm of Alexandria, Egypt’s landscapes never cease to amaze.

* Siwa Oasis

Disadvantages of Living in Egypt

• Traffic & Public Transport: Big cities have heavy traffic and crowded public transport.
• Bureaucracy: Be prepared for paperwork and potential delays in official processes.
• Pollution: Air and noise pollution can be an issue in urban areas.
• Gender Roles: Adapt to conservative social norms, especially regarding women’s roles.
• Unreliable Services: Occasional power outages or service disruptions may occur.
• Presistent Sellers: In Cairo, a bustling tourist hub, persistent sellers are a common sight. It’s no secret that they can be quite assertive, especially with foreigners. Even a simple glance their way can lead to a relentless sales pitch.

Moving to Egypt from the USA or UK

For those moving from the USA or UK, the culture shock can be significant, but it’s manageable with the right mindset. It’s a good idea to join expat communities in Egypt, where you can get advice and support from people who have already made the move.

On Reddit, for example, there are several threads where people share their experiences about moving to Egypt, offering insights into daily life, costs, and challenges. Search for “moving to Egypt Reddit” and you’ll find helpful discussions.

Can I Move to Egypt with My Family?

That said, moving with a family can add complexity. You need to consider schools, healthcare, and other factors. International schools are available in Cairo, and many expats send their kids to these. Healthcare can be a mix of public and private options, with private hospitals offering a higher standard of care. However, you’ll need health insurance, especially for more serious medical needs.

Learning some basic Arabic before you go to Egypt can make a HUGE difference!

Don’t arrive in Egypt unprepared! Don’t worry about the language barrier with Kalimah! Kalimah Center offers online Arabic courses designed specifically for beginners. Our structured Arabic language curriculum, experienced teachers, and interactive lessons will equip you with the essential language skills to navigate your new life in Egypt.

You’ll learn to:

• Introduce yourself and have basic conversations.
• Ask for directions and understand instructions.
• Order food and shop at local markets.

Our courses are taught by experienced, native Arabic teachers (Most of them are Egyptians) who understand the challenges faced by newcomers to Egypt. Plus, our interactive online platform makes learning fun and convenient, no matter where you are in the world.

Inside Kalimah Center: Moments from Our Courses

Get a glimpse into the vibrant learning experience at Kalimah Center. These snapshots capture real moments from our live classes—where students engage deeply, connect with passionate instructors, and grow in a welcoming, supportive environment.

Here Are The Reviews On Our Courses:

Our students frequently commend the excellence of our courses and the commitment shown by our instructors. You can read their complete reviews on Trustpilot.

Don’t wait until you arrive to start learning Arabic. Get a head start with Kalimah Center today!

Join us for a FREE trial class today and see if Kalimah is the right fit for you.

We also offer group classes, which allow you to practice speaking with other students and the native Arabic teachers, just like in a real classroom. 

• Learn with other learners from all over the world
• Practice speaking more with smaller class sizes
• Enjoy our special group class price – 4 times cheaper than one-on-one!

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Conclusion:

Moving to Egypt offers a rich cultural experience with affordable living, especially for those seeking a slower pace of life. While adjusting to the Egyptian lifestyle may require some patience, such as dealing with government paperwork and slower service processes, expats will find the people warm and welcoming. 

Securing a visa is straightforward, with options for tourist or residency visas depending on work, study, or marriage. Accommodation is affordable, and while Cairo is bustling, quieter options like Alexandria or coastal areas provide a more relaxed lifestyle. Learning basic Arabic before arriving, such as through courses like those at Kalimah Center, will significantly ease daily interactions.

For expats, living costs are relatively low, with affordable rent, groceries, and public transportation. However, adapting to Egypt comes with challenges like traffic, occasional service disruptions, and cultural differences. Health care is affordable, and private clinics offer better services than public hospitals. 

Expats, especially from the USA or UK, should be prepared for cultural adjustments but can join local communities for support. Learning Arabic, preparing for the climate, and understanding local norms are key to making the transition smoother and more enjoyable.

FAQs about How To Move To Egypt