5 Legal Steps You Should Take Before Starting Your Business in Egypt

Are you considering launching your own company?

Before turning your attention to business plans or marketing strategies, it is imperative to first establish a solid legal foundation.

Legal preparedness is not optional—it is the cornerstone of a stable, compliant, and successful enterprise.

At Eastern & Co., we have outlined the five essential legal steps every entrepreneur should take before initiating operations in Egypt:

1️⃣ Select the Appropriate Legal Structure
Whether you choose to operate as a sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), or joint stock company, your choice will directly impact your liability, taxation, ownership rights, and legal obligations as a founder or partner.

2️⃣ Draft a Comprehensive Founding Contract and Choosing the appropriate purpose for the company

Your incorporation documents must be tailored to your specific business model and activities, clearly outlining ownership, responsibilities, capital contributions, and dispute resolution mechanisms. This ensures enforceable legal protection for all stakeholders.

3️⃣ Register the Company with the Competent Authority
Formal registration is typically conducted through the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) or another regulatory body, depending on the nature of your business activity.
Without this step, your business lacks official legal standing.

4️⃣ Open a Tax File and Obtain a Tax Card
These are mandatory for lawful business operations.
Failure to open a tax file and acquire a tax identification card can result in penalties, fines, and suspension of commercial activities.

5️⃣ Register Your Trademark
If your business has a distinctive name, logo, or brand identity, it is essential to register it with the Egyptian Trademark Office.
This protects your intellectual property from unauthorized use or infringement and grants you exclusive legal rights to your brand.
If you’re still figuring out the steps or unsure where to begin, our legal team is here to guide you and help you start off on the right foot.

For more details contact us at 01000230606 or visit our website and leave your contact details — we’ll get back to you shortly.

https://easternnco.com/contact_us