“Is it true I can start a company with zero capital?”

This is the most common question we hear from foreign entrepreneurs. The technical answer is Yes. The practical answer—if you want a bank account—is No.

Under the Companies Law No. 159 and Investment Law No. 72, the Limited Liability Company (LLC) has no minimum capital requirement. You could theoretically register a company with 100 EGP.

However, at Consortio Law Firm, we advise against this. Here is the Execution Reality of capital requirements in Egypt for 2026.

1. The “Zero Capital” LLC (Service & Consultancy)

For service-based companies (software, consultancy, marketing), the law allows you to determine your own capital.

  • The Trap: If you set your capital too low (e.g., 1,000 EGP), Egyptian banks will classify your company as “Weak/High Risk” during the KYC process.

  • The Consortio Advice: We recommend a minimum subscribed capital of 50,000 EGP (approx. $1,000 USD).

    • Why? It signals to the bank that this is a serious entity, significantly smoothing the account opening process.

    • Note: You do not need to deposit this amount before Incorporation. You can deposit it after the bank account is open.

2. The “Import License” Rule (The 5 Million Jump)

This is where many foreign investors get stuck.

If your business model involves importing goods for resale (Trading), the rules change drastically.

  • The Requirement: To obtain an “Import Card” (needed to clear goods at customs), your LLC must have a paid-up capital of 2,000,000 EGP (approx. $45k USD).

  • The Currency: This amount must be transferred in foreign currency and converted to EGP at the official bank rate.

  • Ownership: Foreigners can own 100% of an importing company, but the manager responsible for importation must be Egyptian.

3. Joint Stock Companies (JSC)

If you opt for a Joint Stock Company (SAE) instead of an LLC, the flexibility disappears.

  • Minimum Capital: 250,000 EGP.

  • Deposit Rule: You must deposit 10% of this amount (25,000 EGP) into a “Under Formation” bank account before GAFI will issue your Commercial Register.

  • Timeline: The remaining 15% must be paid within 3 months, and the full amount within 5 years.

4. Summary Table: Capital by Activity

Business Activity Legal Vehicle Minimum Capital (Practical) Deposit Timing
Services / Tech LLC 50,000 EGP Post-incorporation
Trading (Import) LLC 2,000,000 EGP Post-incorporation
Construction LLC Varies by Tender Class Post-incorporation
Manufacturing LLC Feasibility Study Based Post-incorporation
Investment (JSC) JSC 250,000 EGP 10% Pre-incorporation

Strategic Advice

Do not set your capital based on the “minimum” the law allows. Set it based on the image you need to project to your bank and your clients.

Need to understand the full timeline of when to transfer these funds? Read our [Ultimate Guide to Company Formation in Egypt] for the step-by-step banking roadmap.

Confused about the Import License requirements?

Contact our corporate team to structure your trading entity correctly from Day 1.

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